PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program | CCR Transition & Upgrade

The PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program is designed for certified rebreather divers who want to transition to a different closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) or update their certification to meet PADI rebreather standards on a new unit. This program allows experienced CCR divers to gain familiarity, procedural knowledge, and operational confidence on an additional rebreather system without repeating a full entry-level CCR course.

At Extreme Watersports, the PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program is conducted on the Dive Rite O₂ptima CM, providing divers with structured training on a proven and widely supported CCR platform.

What Is the PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program?

The PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program is not an entry-level CCR course. It is a transition program intended for divers who are already certified on a closed-circuit rebreather and want to:

• Qualify on a new CCR unit

• Update certification to align with PADI CCR standards

• Gain structured training on the Dive Rite O₂ptima CM

• Ensure safe and standardized operation on an additional rebreather

This program focuses on unit-specific procedures, differences in system design, and emergency response protocols.

Program Objectives

By the end of the PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program, divers will be able to:

• Assemble and configure the Dive Rite O₂ptima CM correctly

• Conduct complete unit-specific pre-dive checks

• Manage loop volume and breathing characteristics

• Monitor and control PPO₂ appropriately

• Apply bailout procedures specific to the new unit

• Identify and respond to unit-specific failure modes

• Execute CCR dives within defined training limits

Program Structure

The PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program typically includes:

Knowledge Review

• Differences between CCR systems

• Unit-specific design and operation

• PPO₂ control and monitoring

• Scrubber system and gas management

• Emergency procedures and failure handling

Confined / Controlled Water Training

• Unit familiarization and handling

• Loop management and breathing control

• PPO₂ control drills

• Bailout and emergency response exercises

Open Water Dives

• Supervised CCR dives on the new unit

• Application of unit-specific procedures

• Controlled ascents and post-dive evaluation

PADI Program Requirements

To enroll in the PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program, participants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum age: 18 years

• Certification prerequisite:

  • Certified Rebreather Diver (PADI or qualifying agency)

• Experience:

  • Logged CCR dives on a previously certified unit

• Medical:

  • Medical clearance for diving (if required)

Depth & Diving Limits

• Diving limits are defined by:

  • Previous CCR certification level

  • PADI Rebreather Qualifier standards

  • Instructor discretion

Training Platform – Dive Rite O₂ptima CM

The Dive Rite O₂ptima CM is used for the Rebreather Qualifier Program due to its:

• Manual and electronic PPO₂ control capability

• Robust and modular design

• Compatibility with recreational and technical CCR pathways

• Proven reliability in training and expedition environments

Qualifying on the O₂ptima CM provides a solid foundation for future advanced and technical CCR training.

Who Is the Rebreather Qualifier Program For?

This program is ideal for divers who:

• Are already certified CCR divers

• Want to transition to the Dive Rite O₂ptima CM

• Need PADI-aligned qualification on a new unit

• Want structured training rather than self-familiarization

• Plan to continue into advanced or technical CCR diving

Certification Outcome

Upon successful completion, divers receive PADI Rebreather Qualifier recognition for the specific CCR unit trained on. This confirms that the diver has been properly trained and evaluated on the new rebreather platform.

After the Rebreather Qualifier Program

After qualifying on the new CCR unit, divers may:

• Join guided CCR dives to consolidate experience

• Progress to PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver

• Continue into technical CCR training such as Tec 40 CCR

Book the PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program

If you are a certified rebreather diver looking to transition to a new CCR or align your training with PADI standards, the PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program provides a structured and safe pathway.

📲 Contact Extreme Watersports to Book the PADI Rebreather Qualifier Program