This is a program that potentially could open the market to a whole new range of enthusiasts. If you think about it, after “paying” for training, the “rental” cost of the rebreather is about $35/day. The second year, it drops to around only $10 per day. Pretty inexpensive for a $8-10,000 piece of equipment.

The training is conducted by Jeffrey Bozanic, author of the text Mastering Rebreathers. It is a six-to seven-day program that includes two days of lecture, a day or two of pool work and unit maintenance, and three days of open water diving. An IANTD or TDI certification is issued upon completion with a type rating for the type of unit in the club that you would like to use.

At this time, The Rebreather Club has nine rebreathers available for use in the program. These include five classic Inspirations, one Evolution, one Inspiration with Vision Electronics, one PRISM Topaz (all closed circuit rebreathers), and one Drager Dolphin (a semi-closed circuit rebreather). They plan to have a Dive Rite O2ptima closed circuit rebreather in November 2005. Their goal is to have a unit for every four club members, so that members can generally get a unit whenever they need one. Xtreme Scuba anticipates adding more closed circuit systems as membership in the club grows.

This may be a program that works well for many divers, but there are a few potential problems. Xtreme Scuba is located in Ventura, and members have to go there or Orange County for training. They currently have to pick up and return the units to the store in Ventura, although there are plans to expand pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the state. While they currently have very few scheduling problems, a number of divers do “share” the units. On their “first come, first served” reservation policy, the possibility exists that there may not be a unit available for use when you want it. All in all, though, this looks like a program that may suit the needs of many active California divers. If you are interested in learning more about the program, you may obtain further information by calling Xtreme Scuba at (805) 642-0477.

Research Divers Needed
Reef Check California Volunteer monitoring protocol is currently undergoing peer review by their panel of experts. They have also begun field testing the survey methods.

Through November Reef Check will be including experienced research divers to help field test the protocol at numerous central coast locations. If you are interested in volunteering during the field testing stage e-mail california@reefcheck.org stating your diving experience and anticipated availability through the end of November.

In the near future Reef Check hopes to hold workshops to train more volunteer research divers. For more information about Reef Check www.reefcheck.org on the web.

Avalon Underwater Cleanup Shirt Design Contest
The 25th Annual Avalon Underwater Cleanup is being held on February 25, 2006. Once again this year Catalina Conservancy Divers and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber are holding the annual contest for the logo design to be used for the T-shirts. The contest is open to any and all who have an interest and a talent. The rules of the contest are simple. The design must include no more than two colors. The winner will be acknowledged in the marketing of the event as well as at the event itself.

Deadline for entries is December 1. Submit entries and questions to: Jill A. Boivin - Event Chairperson at boivin@newcap.com or mail to: 2150 Loma Dr. Hermosa Bch., CA 90254

For extended details on artwork requirements, please visit online www.robinhoodtshirts.com/html/artworkfaq.html#files