The new Poseidon MK6 Discovery is a fully automatic closed circuit rebreather. It is designed primarily for recreational diving. The unit is said to be the breakthrough in rebreather technology. Poseidon has made it smaller, safer and easier to use. Now non-technical divers can also enjoy the silent underwater world - without bubbles - and can stay at least three times longer than with ordinary scuba gear.

August 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico        Course Instructed by: Paul Heinerth

Paul Heinerth lead the recent Poseidon MK6 Discovery Rebreather Instructor course in Puerto Vallarta. I was asked to document the course with video and photos, and was happy to meet and work with Paul. Since the students were already at instructor level, this course was merely a cross-over to the new MK6 unit.

Altogether there were nine units used for the course. It was the first time since the launch of the MK6 Discovery that so many have been in operation simultaneously. I was amazed by its compact size, weighing close to that of a single scuba tank. I followed the group from the classroom to the pool, taking pictures and filming the setup of the units step-by-step. The last day they did two dives in the ocean. I had my doubles with 36% Nitrox just to be as close as possible to the group´s profile.

By chance we ran into a good friend, Roberto Chavez, who lives in Puerto Vallarta. He was on his boat with his family ready to go diving. After I was done taking pictures and video, he left me one of his DPVs to explore the dive sites.

The trip was a very good experience for me, and I learnt a lot from Paul and the other instructors who attended the course. Due to the technical nature of rebreathers I have never really considered switching to closed circuit. Cave diving with cameras and lights requires a lot of attention and task-loading is one of the most important things to be aware of while diving in the cave environment. I have become accustomed to using my lungs to adjust and change my buoyancy in the water while operating my cameras. With a rebreather this could prove to be more difficult. I still think that this unit, with all its automated systems, could be ideal for underwater photographers and video operators, in open water diving. With triple the amount of bottom time, light-weight design and no bubbles, I will definitely try it out in the ocean.

Written by: Pietro Donaggio

Edited by: Angela Finch