Diver Dave's Azimuth Rebreather Teardown

OK, Divers!  Here are the first-ever detailed photos of the Azimuth rebreather, formerly known as the "Mares Azimuth". This rebreather is a semi-closed design, with constant mass flow. Manufactured in Italy, with many components supplied by Mares, it features user-adjustable flow rates, twin cylinders, an integrated bailout system, and the ability to select either of the two cylinders while diving. The history of the unit is that it was originally produced by an independent manufacturer in Italy, using many Mares components, and was then proposed by Mares for sale as a Mares product. It was shown at several dive shows by Mares, but for liability and marketing reasons never made it into the Mares distribution network. The manufacturer is now selling them through a series of distributors, and anticipates worldwide distribution to begin in 2002. In addition to the unit as pictured, an add-on trimix module should be available during the first quarter of 2002. Training courseware has been developed, and it seems likely that both IANTD and TDI will provide training. From a practical perspective, a competent Draeger Dolphin diver could likely dive this unit safely after a short course dealing with the differences in setting up the rig for diving. I'm trying now to develop a system of rebreather training where a candidate would take a "core curriculum" module, IE: SCC, Electronic CCR, etc; and then take a "Differences" course for each particular rebreather in that category. It seems stupid to duplicate the entire curriculum for SCC theory, for example, when training an already competent diver on the Dolphin when checking him out on the Azimuth. That's like making a pilot take basic flying lessons all over again when checking a Boeing 747 pilot on a Boeing 757.  This is an ongoing project, and I'll report as it progresses. For now, if you want one of these little gems, let me know and I'll turn you towards the correct chain of supply. They are available now for sale, on about a 4-6 week order lead. Retail price is in the $4500-ish range, with dealer prices available to facilities setting up an approved training program and buying enough rigs to be legitimate vendors. With the present situation regarding Draeger, and the disenfranchisement of many independant Draeger Instructors, this rebreather may end up becoming a viable (and I believe superior) substitute for the Dolphin.

For now, here's the rebreather in detail. I've broken up the (over 70!) photographs into discrete areas, as the download times for the pages are fairly long due to the high-resolution of the material.

I hope that you enjoy these photos and descriptions. I've been test-diving this rig now for a few months, and I must say that I'm impressed. What else can we do with it? Hmmm..... With two large cylinders, and two regulators, it seems ripe for a conversion to a CCR using either electronic control or the KISS system. Now you guys know that I'd *never* tear a nice rebreather to shreds, completely rework it, and then turn it out in a "new and improved" status. That would be sort of, err... "Frankenstein-Like". Well, you never do know what will spring from the slab in the "Little Diveshop of Horrors" now, do you?

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