When it comes to shooting underwater, the less intrusive the better. Which is why a rebreather proves to be a valuable piece of scuba gear when it comes to getting the shot. Here, Pompano Dive Center photo pro Craig Dietrich shares his "silent diving" experiences.

There comes a time for every underwater photographer when he feels that the shot he is about to take is the shot — maybe it’s a simple Queen Angelfish, a dusky shark, or goliath grouper — and he has to exhale, the bubbles scaring the shot away. Often the photographer’s next thought is, “I really need to check out this silent diving I keep hearing about.”

“Silent Diving” is the term given to closed- (or semi-closed) circuit rebreather diving. Many people think that rebreathers are only for technical divers, but with today’s lightweight units, which use sophisticated electronics, they are becoming more popular with recreational divers for longer no decompression limits, longer bottom time and less weight (And for photographers, potentially unmatched possibilities to sneak up on marine life!)

So what does a rebreather do and how is it different from the open-circuit diving that we all know and love?

The primary difference between rebreathers and open-circuit units is that rebreathers reuse some or all of the gas a diver exhales. They essentially recycle every breath the diver takes by removing carbon dioxide and adding oxygen when needed while his breath flows through the machine. The diver doesn’t exhale into the atmosphere; his breath is recycled through the unit. This process allows for “silent diving.”

The experiences I’ve had using a rebreather as a photographer have been unmatched. I have always felt most at peace while underwater, almost finding the sound of my bubbles comforting. Once I began diving the rebreather, I was amazed at how much more peaceful it seemed, as if I was no longer just a spectator, but a true part of the underwater world. And while the fish and other creatures know I’m there, they are more likely to accept me as part of that world if they aren’t afraid of my bubbles, making them more likely to stick around.

It’s a simple concept: no bubbles make sea life less apprehensive, which allows better photo opportunities, which equates to better photos.

Almost anyone can take advantage of diving a rebreather with proper training. PADI requires that divers be certified with both Open Water and Enriched Air Diver Certifications, be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 25 logged dives. Many people are intimidated by the idea of diving a rebreather — so much equipment and so many things to remember. I remind them that when they were a new diver just learning diving open circuit, they were intimidated with so much equipment and so many things to remember, too. A lot of time and preparation goes into safely diving a rebreather, and when a camera is added into the equation, a diver must maintain an even higher level of awareness regarding his equipment.

But as a photographer, the first time you get within inches of the shot — and are able to capture it — that time and preparation seems well worthwhile.