Posted by JW on June 26, 2001 at 22:31:27:
In Reply to: Re: Rebreather fatality: posted by AADIVER on June 26, 2001 at 19:16:49:
The fact is that fully closed rebreathers are fu-k-n- dagerous. Frank, you were talking about electronics in the water having bad track records, well most of them will not kill you in a heart beat if they fail, but an electronic breathing apparatus will.
And the Insparation, built in the UK, has the highest fatality record that I know of. I believe it has killed more divers than the old electrolung. Reports are 19 fatalities and I believe that is in about three years.
Garret was an outspoken renegade instructor. In my opinion his practice of teaching while on a rebreather (closed or semi) in order to gain hours on it was purely inconsiderate of the safety of his students.
I can honestly say I am glad he never killed a stuudent, unfortunately he probably passed on plenty of bad influences. A couple of years ago there were rumors that he was moving to San Diego. Boy are the San Diegans lucky.