Rebreather divers preparing for CCR training

Train · CCR

Rebreather training organized around your unit and objective.

Unit-specific O₂ptima and O₂ptima CM CCR training with Ricardo Castillo in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, from air-diluent fundamentals to decompression and advanced mixed-gas diving.

Standards connected to this pathway

Agency roles with a clear purpose.

Understand our standards
SDI, TDI and First Response Training International

TDI

Instructor TrainerTechnical, decompression, rebreather and instructor-level development.

Training with Ricardo Castillo · Cave, technical and CCR instruction in Playa del Carmen.

Meet your instructor and review his credentials
01

CCR training in Mexico

O₂ptima and O₂ptima CM. Training for your unit.

ZOTZ offers training on the Dive Rite O₂ptima and O₂ptima CM rebreathers, based in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The course is planned around the specific unit, your existing qualifications and the diving you want to prepare for.

Training with Ricardo Castillo connects equipment preparation, buoyancy, loop management, bailout planning and team procedures. Choose the appropriate starting level below, whether you are new to CCR or already qualified and seeking a unit crossover or further training.

02

O₂ptima & O₂ptima CM courses

Build discipline into every detail.

Progress from air-diluent diving to decompression, helitrox and mixed-gas training as your qualifications and experience allow. Each level has its own prerequisites and limits. Open a course to review its requirements, theory and in-water skills.

Air Diluent CCR Diver

The entry-level unit-specific certification for divers who want to use a closed-circuit rebreather with air diluent. Training addresses the benefits, hazards and correct procedures of CCR diving and develops foundational skills to a maximum depth of 30 metres / 100 feet. No decompression diving is permitted during this course.

Requirements
  • Minimum age: 18.
  • Proof of 20 logged open-water dives; for a unit crossover, 10 logged CCR dives within the previous 12 months.
  • TDI Nitrox Diver certification or equivalent.
  • Nitrox Diver and/or Advanced Nitrox Diver may be combined with this course.
Theory
  • History and evolution of rebreathers.
  • Comparison of open-circuit, closed-circuit and semi-closed-circuit rebreather systems.
  • Practical mechanics of the unit-specific system.
  • Gas physiology.
  • Scrubber packing in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Electronic or manual system design and maintenance.
  • Dive tables, dive computers and dive planning.
  • Emergency procedures.
Skills
  • Build the unit to the manufacturer’s specifications using its manual and build checklist.
  • Complete pre-dive checks and verify diluent and oxygen-cylinder contents with an oxygen analyzer.
  • Demonstrate correct pre-dive planning and emergency procedures.
  • Use the BCD or suit and manage breathing-loop volume effectively for buoyancy control.
  • Stop at 3–6 metres / 10–20 feet during descent for a leak and bubble check.
  • Monitor PO₂, change setpoints and, where applicable, control the setpoint manually.
  • Use and adjust heads-up displays and dive computers.
  • Remove and replace the mask.
  • Deploy a lift bag or delayed surface marker buoy and reel where relevant.
  • Execute the dive within all predetermined limits and complete required safety or decompression stops.
  • Maintain constant loop volume and validate oxygen cells using diluent and oxygen appropriately.
  • Clean and perform diver-level maintenance on the unit after the dive.
5 daysUSD 380 per dayCheck dates & book

Air Diluent CCR Decompression Procedures

The second-level unit-specific certification for CCR divers using air diluent. The course develops the knowledge and practical procedures needed for formal decompression diving to a maximum depth of 40 metres / 130 feet.

Requirements
  • Minimum age: 18.
  • Proof of 50 logged dives; for a unit crossover, at least 10 logged CCR dives within the previous 12 months.
  • TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver and Decompression Procedures Diver certifications, or equivalents recognized by TDI.
Theory
  • History and evolution of rebreathers.
  • Comparison of open-circuit, closed-circuit and semi-closed-circuit rebreather systems.
  • Practical mechanics of the unit-specific system.
  • Gas physiology.
  • Scrubber packing in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Electronic or manual system design and maintenance.
  • Dive tables, dive computers and dive planning.
  • Emergency procedures.
Skills
  • Build the unit to the manufacturer’s specifications using its manual and build checklist.
  • Complete pre-dive checks and verify diluent and oxygen-cylinder contents with an oxygen analyzer.
  • Demonstrate correct pre-dive planning and emergency procedures.
  • Use the BCD or suit and manage breathing-loop volume effectively for buoyancy control.
  • Stop at 3–6 metres / 10–20 feet during descent for a leak and bubble check.
  • Monitor PO₂, change setpoints and, where applicable, control the setpoint manually.
  • Use and adjust heads-up displays and dive computers.
  • Remove and replace the mask.
  • Deploy a lift bag or delayed surface marker buoy and reel where relevant.
  • Execute the dive within all predetermined limits and complete required safety or decompression stops.
  • Maintain constant loop volume and validate oxygen cells using diluent and oxygen appropriately.
  • Clean and perform diver-level maintenance on the unit after the dive.
5 daysUSD 380 per dayCheck dates & book

Helitrox CCR Decompression Procedures

A second-level unit-specific CCR certification for mixed-gas diving with a helitrox diluent. Training develops the benefits, hazards and correct procedures required for formal decompression diving to a maximum of 45 metres / 150 feet. Diluent and bailout mixtures may contain no more than 35% helium, within ±5%, and no less than 21% oxygen; oxygen concentrations up to 100% may be used for decompression.

Requirements
  • Minimum age: 18.
  • Proof of 50 logged dives; for a unit crossover, 10 logged CCR dives within the previous 12 months.
  • TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver and Decompression Procedures Diver, TDI Helitrox Diver, or an equivalent recognized by TDI.
Theory
  • History and evolution of rebreathers.
  • Comparison of open-circuit, closed-circuit and semi-closed-circuit rebreather systems.
  • Practical mechanics of the unit-specific system.
  • Gas physiology.
  • Scrubber packing in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Electronic or manual system design and maintenance.
  • Dive tables, dive computers and dive planning.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Helium considerations.
Skills
  • Build the unit to the manufacturer’s specifications using its manual and build checklist.
  • Complete pre-dive checks and verify diluent and oxygen-cylinder contents with an oxygen analyzer.
  • Demonstrate correct pre-dive planning and emergency procedures.
  • Use the BCD or suit and manage breathing-loop volume effectively for buoyancy control.
  • Stop at 3–6 metres / 10–20 feet during descent for a leak and bubble check.
  • Monitor PO₂, change setpoints and, where applicable, control the setpoint manually.
  • Use and adjust heads-up displays and dive computers.
  • Remove and replace the mask.
  • Deploy a lift bag or delayed surface marker buoy and reel where relevant.
  • Execute the dive within all predetermined limits and complete required safety or decompression stops.
  • Maintain constant loop volume and validate oxygen cells using diluent and oxygen appropriately.
  • Clean and perform diver-level maintenance on the unit after the dive.
5 daysUSD 380 per dayCheck dates & book

Mixed Gas CCR Diver

The intermediate unit-specific certification for mixed-gas CCR diving. The program develops the benefits, hazards and procedures associated with a diluent containing 16% oxygen or more and builds the skills required for technical CCR diving to a maximum depth of 60 metres / 200 feet.

Requirements
  • Minimum age: 18.
  • A verified minimum of 50 rebreather hours across at least 50 dives on the specific unit. Qualifying dives must be deeper than 9 metres / 20 feet; at least 20 must be deeper than 30 metres / 100 feet and at least 10 must require staged decompression.
  • A diver with 50 hours on another TDI-recognized CCR needs at least 25 hours and 25 dives on the course-specific unit.
  • For a unit crossover, at least 10 logged CCR dives within the previous 12 months.
  • TDI Air Diluent Decompression Procedures Rebreather or TDI CCR Helitrox Diluent Decompression Procedures certification, or an equivalent recognized by TDI.
Theory
  • Gas physiology and formula work.
  • Dive tables, dive computers and decompression on a CCR.
  • Dive planning and the unit-specific checklist.
  • Equipment maintenance and loop configuration.
  • Additional fitted equipment and modifications.
  • Emergency procedures.
Skills
  • Build the unit to the manufacturer’s specifications and demonstrate command of basic and intermediate hand signals.
  • Select and prepare equipment for a soft overhead environment with long decompression obligations.
  • Conduct team-oriented lift-bag, bailout and buddy-rescue drills.
  • Analyze every gas mixture, complete detailed dive planning, use the TDI pre-flight checklist and perform START before every dive.
  • Apply stress analysis and mitigation while maintaining communication, proximity and team awareness.
  • Maintain precise buoyancy and hover without moving hands or feet; remove and replace the mask and deploy a backup mask.
  • Recover from a system failure and complete the dive and decompression using carried open-circuit gases.
  • Connect, share and exchange off-board gas and bailout cylinders.
  • Recover from system failure and complete the dive and decompression with the unit in manual mode.
  • Respond to gas shutdowns, loss of gas, broken hoses, catastrophic failures, a flooded scrubber and cell errors.
  • Complete a minimum ten-minute SCR drill and use oxygen-rebreather mode shallower than 6 metres / 20 feet.
  • Manage two bailout cylinders, including drop and recovery while holding position in the water column.
  • Deploy a DSMB at depth and in mid-water and respond to a simulated failed deployment.
  • On two dives, ascend with an ascent reel and lift bag while completing staged decompression.
  • Monitor PO₂, validate cells, remain within planned limits and hold decompression stops at predetermined depths.
  • Conduct a controlled ascent with a simulated oxygen-toxicity casualty, tow the diver at least 50 metres / 165 feet and remove equipment at the surface in water too deep to stand.
7 daysUSD 380 per dayCheck dates & book

Advanced Mixed Gas CCR Diver

The highest level of unit-specific CCR training in this pathway. It develops the benefits, hazards and procedures of advanced mixed-gas diving and the skills required for dives to a maximum depth of 100 metres / 330 feet, or shallower where required by local law. A dry suit is mandatory.

Requirements
  • Minimum age: 18.
  • TDI CCR Mixed Gas Diluent Diver certification or an equivalent recognized by TDI.
  • A verified minimum of 100 CCR hours across at least 100 dives, including at least 50 hours and 50 dives on the course-specific unit.
  • At least 50% of the qualifying dives must be deeper than 30 metres / 100 feet, and at least 20 logged CCR dives must require staged decompression.
  • All qualifying dives must be deeper than 9 metres / 20 feet.
Theory
  • Gas physiology and formula work.
  • Dive tables, dive computers and decompression on a CCR.
  • Dive planning and the unit-specific checklist.
  • Equipment maintenance and loop configuration.
  • Additional fitted equipment and modifications.
  • Emergency procedures.
Skills
  • Build the unit to the manufacturer’s specifications and demonstrate command of basic and intermediate hand signals.
  • Select and prepare equipment for a soft overhead environment with long decompression obligations.
  • Conduct team-oriented lift-bag, bailout and buddy-rescue drills.
  • Analyze every gas mixture, complete detailed dive planning, use the TDI pre-flight checklist and perform START before every dive.
  • Apply stress analysis and mitigation while maintaining communication, proximity and team awareness.
  • Maintain precise buoyancy and hover without moving hands or feet; remove and replace the mask and deploy a backup mask.
  • Recover from a system failure and complete the dive and decompression using carried open-circuit gases.
  • Connect, share and exchange off-board gas and bailout cylinders.
  • Recover from system failure and complete the dive and decompression with the unit in manual mode.
  • Respond to gas shutdowns, loss of gas, broken hoses, catastrophic failures, a flooded scrubber and cell errors.
  • Complete a minimum ten-minute SCR drill and use oxygen-rebreather mode shallower than 6 metres / 20 feet.
  • Manage two bailout cylinders, including drop and recovery while holding position in the water column.
  • Deploy a DSMB at depth and in mid-water and respond to a simulated failed deployment.
  • On two dives, ascend with an ascent reel and lift bag while completing staged decompression.
  • Monitor PO₂, validate cells, remain within planned limits and hold decompression stops at predetermined depths.
  • Conduct a controlled ascent with a simulated oxygen-toxicity casualty, tow the diver at least 50 metres / 165 feet and remove equipment at the surface in water too deep to stand.
7 daysUSD 380 per dayCheck dates & book
03

Planning your CCR course

Start with your experience and the unit you will dive.

Tell us whether you use an O₂ptima or O₂ptima CM, your current certifications, and your recent dives and hours on that unit. If this is your first CCR course, share your open-circuit experience so we can review the right starting point.

First CCR course or unit crossover?

Air Diluent CCR Diver is the entry-level course in this catalogue. Divers with suitable technical qualifications can review the prerequisites for the decompression pathway. If you already hold a CCR certification and want to move to O₂ptima or O₂ptima CM, contact us to plan the appropriate unit-specific crossover.

Does an existing CCR certification transfer automatically?

No. We review the unit, certification level, logged experience and applicable agency and manufacturer requirements before planning a crossover. Moving to a different unit and progressing to a more advanced diving level are separate training objectives.

How long does CCR training take?

The listed Air Diluent, Air Diluent Decompression Procedures and Helitrox CCR courses are each planned for five days. Mixed Gas and Advanced Mixed Gas CCR courses are each listed as seven days. These schedules apply to the courses shown; crossover duration is reviewed separately.

What determines the final training plan?

Your qualifications, recent unit-specific experience and performance determine the appropriate course and schedule. Required dives, in-water time and skills must be completed; extra training days may be needed. Review the inclusions and exclusions below when planning your budget.

Does CCR training qualify me for caves?

CCR unit training and cave training are separate qualifications. Completing an air-diluent, decompression or mixed-gas CCR course does not by itself qualify you to enter caves. CCR cave training requires a separate review of your cave qualifications, CCR certification and experience.

How do I reserve O₂ptima or O₂ptima CM training?

Choose your course and preferred dates on the training reservation page. Confirm the rebreather model, existing qualifications and course objectives with us before finalizing the plan. For a unit crossover or CCR cave training, discuss your experience with us first so we can identify the appropriate pathway.

04

Included

Core training support.

The following services are included when applicable to the selected course and configuration.

  • Private instructor and classroom sessions.
  • Transportation from the shop to the cenote or boat.
  • Required single, sidemount or doubles cylinders where applicable.
  • Weights and EAN32 fills where applicable.
  • Certification card.
  • Water and snacks.
05

Not included

Plan for site, gas and equipment costs.

These items are quoted or paid separately because requirements vary by course, site and diver.

  • Cenote entrance fees: USD 15–30 per person, per day.
  • Oxygen, decompression gases and trimix where applicable.
  • Lunch, course manual or eLearning.
  • Personal scuba and cave-diving equipment.
  • Specialized equipment rental; CCR unit rental is USD 70 per day.

Next step

Check dates & book CCR training.

Check dates & book CCR training
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