Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c

cedricverdier · 21st April 2008, 15:10

is anyone aware of some potential issues with O2 sensors at extreme temperatures?

OceanOpportunity · 21st April 2008, 15:36

I've dived Antarctica also. Water was -1.6 to -1.8 C. We did not use rebreathers, although IMO they would have been advantageous. The warm/moist gas would have allowed us to extend bottom times from being more comfortable alone. I found it difficult to make a dive longer than 30 minutes on OC. No equipment mods were made. I was diving with the Antarctic New Zealand Program which has close ties with the US ANtarctic Polar Program. Their dive program recommends Sherwood Maximus regulators...these worked just fine without modification.

The most difficult issue with gear was at the surface when it was -20 to -60. All of your rubber parts (o-rings, suits, hoses, etc) are rock solid. It was best to thaw out in a fish hut prior to diving.

I know that the Cis Mk5P's were used down there as part of the 'Ice Island' project. I am also aware of Drager SCRs being used there, and a modified OMG Castoro C96. My instincts tell me that as long as the scrubber is insulated well, and prebreathed sufficiently, the rxn would keep things warm enough, including the cells, to limit the possibility of any issues. But again, the time on the surface in transit and prepping is what needs to be dealt with.

Numpty diver · 21st April 2008, 16:00

Hi Cedric
What problems could the cells cause if they get to cold.
Dean

Tomeck · 22nd April 2008, 20:03

Quote: (Originally Posted by OceanOpportunity)

I've dived Antarctica also. Water was -1.6 to -1.8 C. We did not use rebreathers, although IMO they would have been advantageous. The warm/moist gas would have allowed us to extend bottom times from being more comfortable alone. I found it difficult to make a dive longer than 30 minutes on OC. No equipment mods were made. I was diving with the Antarctic New Zealand Program which has close ties with the US ANtarctic Polar Program. Their dive program recommends Sherwood Maximus regulators...these worked just fine without modification.

The most difficult issue with gear was at the surface when it was -20 to -60. All of your rubber parts (o-rings, suits, hoses, etc) are rock solid. It was best to thaw out in a fish hut prior to diving.

I know that the Cis Mk5P's were used down there as part of the 'Ice Island' project. I am also aware of Drager SCRs being used there, and a modified OMG Castoro C96. My instincts tell me that as long as the scrubber is insulated well, and prebreathed sufficiently, the rxn would keep things warm enough, including the cells, to limit the possibility of any issues. But again, the time on the surface in transit and prepping is what needs to be dealt with.

Where and when were you in Antarctica?

OceanOpportunity · 22nd April 2008, 21:11

I worked on a project from Sept to Nov in 2002. We were based at Scott Base and worked a number of locations around McMurdo Sound.

I'm looking for a way to get back!

Tomeck · 23rd April 2008, 10:12

Quote: (Originally Posted by OceanOpportunity)

I worked on a project from Sept to Nov in 2002. We were based at Scott Base and worked a number of locations around McMurdo Sound.

I'm looking for a way to get back!

I will contact you by PM.

Pawel Szopinski · 23rd April 2008, 14:08

I wish I could get a job like that.

OceanOpportunity · 23rd April 2008, 14:16

Quote: (Originally Posted by Pawel Szopinski)

I wish I could get a job like that.

Believe me, its not all fun and games. I work as a freelance contract commercial/scientific diver. For every one 'fun' experience, there are 10 that aren't so fun. For example, just last week I was working in the sewer (yes, the raw stuff). I like to think that I earn the more rewarding opportunities!

Pawel Szopinski · 23rd April 2008, 15:52

Quote: (Originally Posted by OceanOpportunity)

Believe me, its not all fun and games. I work as a freelance contract commercial/scientific diver. For every one 'fun' experience, there are 10 that aren't so fun. For example, just last week I was working in the sewer (yes, the raw stuff). I like to think that I earn the more rewarding opportunities!

I had mind the Arctic dives, not the sewage water.

Realistically if someone offered me a job where I get paid enough to pay off my mortgage, credit cards, rebreather, trips & training and on the top off it I get wet in some exotic location instead of sitting all day behind a desk - I'm up for it!

Tomeck · 23rd April 2008, 16:53

Quote: (Originally Posted by Pawel Szopinski)

I had mind the Arctic dives, not the sewage water.

Arctic is very different from Antarctica. I believe in Arctic, the temperature is often above 2°C and icebergs are not more interesting than in Antarctica.

21st April 2008, 15:10	#11 (permalink)
cedricverdier S21 M.I.B. Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Worldwide! Posts: 494	Re: Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c is anyone aware of some potential issues with O2 sensors at extreme temperatures? __________________ Cedric Verdier PADI Course Director, ANDI-IANTD-PSAI-TDI-DSAT-DAN-NAUI-CMAS Instructor Trainer Trimix (CCR and OC) and Cave Diving Instructor Trainer www.CedricVerdier.com DIRrebreather member
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21st April 2008, 15:36	#12 (permalink)
OceanOpportunity for a world of water Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Providence, RI USA Posts: 517	Re: Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c I've dived Antarctica also. Water was -1.6 to -1.8 C. We did not use rebreathers, although IMO they would have been advantageous. The warm/moist gas would have allowed us to extend bottom times from being more comfortable alone. I found it difficult to make a dive longer than 30 minutes on OC. No equipment mods were made. I was diving with the Antarctic New Zealand Program which has close ties with the US ANtarctic Polar Program. Their dive program recommends Sherwood Maximus regulators...these worked just fine without modification. The most difficult issue with gear was at the surface when it was -20 to -60. All of your rubber parts (o-rings, suits, hoses, etc) are rock solid. It was best to thaw out in a fish hut prior to diving. I know that the Cis Mk5P's were used down there as part of the 'Ice Island' project. I am also aware of Drager SCRs being used there, and a modified OMG Castoro C96. My instincts tell me that as long as the scrubber is insulated well, and prebreathed sufficiently, the rxn would keep things warm enough, including the cells, to limit the possibility of any issues. But again, the time on the surface in transit and prepping is what needs to be dealt with. __________________ Michael Lombardi Oceans of Opportunity www.oceanopportunity.com Elected Director, Society for Human Performance in Extreme Environments MN'07, The Explorers Club Project Manager, Diving a Dream
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21st April 2008, 16:00	#13 (permalink)
Numpty diver Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Dolphin Ray Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Home Build Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Norway, Bergen Posts: 204	Re: Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c Hi Cedric What problems could the cells cause if they get to cold. Dean
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22nd April 2008, 20:03	#14 (permalink)
Tomeck New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Switzerland Posts: 6	Re: Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c Quote: (Originally Posted by OceanOpportunity) I've dived Antarctica also. Water was -1.6 to -1.8 C. We did not use rebreathers, although IMO they would have been advantageous. The warm/moist gas would have allowed us to extend bottom times from being more comfortable alone. I found it difficult to make a dive longer than 30 minutes on OC. No equipment mods were made. I was diving with the Antarctic New Zealand Program which has close ties with the US ANtarctic Polar Program. Their dive program recommends Sherwood Maximus regulators...these worked just fine without modification. The most difficult issue with gear was at the surface when it was -20 to -60. All of your rubber parts (o-rings, suits, hoses, etc) are rock solid. It was best to thaw out in a fish hut prior to diving. I know that the Cis Mk5P's were used down there as part of the 'Ice Island' project. I am also aware of Drager SCRs being used there, and a modified OMG Castoro C96. My instincts tell me that as long as the scrubber is insulated well, and prebreathed sufficiently, the rxn would keep things warm enough, including the cells, to limit the possibility of any issues. But again, the time on the surface in transit and prepping is what needs to be dealt with. Where and when were you in Antarctica?
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22nd April 2008, 21:11	#15 (permalink)
OceanOpportunity for a world of water Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Providence, RI USA Posts: 517	Re: Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c I worked on a project from Sept to Nov in 2002. We were based at Scott Base and worked a number of locations around McMurdo Sound. I'm looking for a way to get back! __________________ Michael Lombardi Oceans of Opportunity www.oceanopportunity.com Elected Director, Society for Human Performance in Extreme Environments MN'07, The Explorers Club Project Manager, Diving a Dream
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23rd April 2008, 10:12	#16 (permalink)
Tomeck New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Switzerland Posts: 6	Re: Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c Quote: (Originally Posted by OceanOpportunity) I worked on a project from Sept to Nov in 2002. We were based at Scott Base and worked a number of locations around McMurdo Sound. I'm looking for a way to get back! I will contact you by PM.
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23rd April 2008, 14:08	#17 (permalink)
Pawel Szopinski Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 113	Re: Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c I wish I could get a job like that.
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23rd April 2008, 14:16	#18 (permalink)
OceanOpportunity for a world of water Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Providence, RI USA Posts: 517	Re: Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c Quote: (Originally Posted by Pawel Szopinski) I wish I could get a job like that. Believe me, its not all fun and games. I work as a freelance contract commercial/scientific diver. For every one 'fun' experience, there are 10 that aren't so fun. For example, just last week I was working in the sewer (yes, the raw stuff). I like to think that I earn the more rewarding opportunities! __________________ Michael Lombardi Oceans of Opportunity www.oceanopportunity.com Elected Director, Society for Human Performance in Extreme Environments MN'07, The Explorers Club Project Manager, Diving a Dream
(Offline)

23rd April 2008, 15:52	#19 (permalink)
Pawel Szopinski Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 113	Re: Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c Quote: (Originally Posted by OceanOpportunity) Believe me, its not all fun and games. I work as a freelance contract commercial/scientific diver. For every one 'fun' experience, there are 10 that aren't so fun. For example, just last week I was working in the sewer (yes, the raw stuff). I like to think that I earn the more rewarding opportunities! I had mind the Arctic dives, not the sewage water. Realistically if someone offered me a job where I get paid enough to pay off my mortgage, credit cards, rebreather, trips & training and on the top off it I get wet in some exotic location instead of sitting all day behind a desk - I'm up for it!
(Offline)

23rd April 2008, 16:53	#20 (permalink)
Tomeck New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Switzerland Posts: 6	Re: Dive with CCR in Water at -1°c Quote: (Originally Posted by Pawel Szopinski) I had mind the Arctic dives, not the sewage water. Arctic is very different from Antarctica. I believe in Arctic, the temperature is often above 2°C and icebergs are not more interesting than in Antarctica.
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