Can a mixed gas rebreather diver dive with an open circuit air diver on BSAC branch dives?
Again, this is quite possible but as the depth and duration of the dive increases the planning considerations increase. However, as the pair will be limited by the maximum depth of 50 metres for the open circuit air diver the problem is minimised and can be overcome by careful planning. It should be remembered that the lower molecular mass of helium means that the characteristics of on and off gassing of the rebreather diver may vary from that of the air diver. As a consequence the decompression schedule for similar bottom times will differ. The main differences are likely to be that the mixed gas rebreather diluent diver will have stops at deeper depths and a longer decompressions schedule for a similar bottom time than the air diver. This will become more pronounced as the depths and bottom times become more adventurous. The mixed gas diver may accrue deeper decompression stops than the air diver. On staying together the air divers shall consequently accrue a larger decompression pen
