From Tec 40 to Type T: How Rebreathers Are Redefining Technical Diving

In this episode of Pod Diver Radio, Joe Cocozza sits down with PADI's Technical Development Executive, Karl Shreeves, for a deep dive into the world of rebreathers and technical training. They break down the difference between Type R (recreational) and Type T (technical) CCR units, how PADI structures its Rebreather / Advanced Rebreather and TEC 40/60/100 CCR courses, and why today's rebreather landscape demands a new way of thinking about training, risk, and standardization. Karl explains how PADI, DAN, RESA, and AAUS intersect on rebreather standards, what "acceptable risk" means for tech divers versus recreational divers, and why so many divers are now jumping directly into CCR as their entry into technical diving. Then the conversation turns to Rebreather Forum 3 in Orlando—what it is, who will be there, how the workshops work, and why this kind of global meeting of engineers, instructors, agencies, researchers, and military users shapes the next decade of technical diving. If you're a CCR diver, aspiring tech diver, or open-circuit wreck/cave diver thinking about rebreathers, this episode gives you a front-row seat to how the industry thinks about the future of mixed-gas and closed-circuit diving. Tags (for tech diver discovery): technical diving, rebreathers, CCR diving, PADI TecRec, decompression diving, DAN Divers Alert Network, cave & wreck diving, mixed gas diving 0