Introducing the Shark Rebreather (hCCR)

by Michael Fineschi and Benoît Jadot. Images courtesy of the authors. Lead image Michael Fineschi wreck diving with the Shark.

Designed by a diver for divers, the Shark rebreather represents the culmination of years of research and refinement in the field of rebreathers. This project is the result of careful attention to the needs of both technical and recreational divers, as well as close collaboration with industry specialists. Inspired by other simple and effective machines, the Shark offers a unique combination of robustness, performance, and durability, setting it apart in a demanding market.

A Design for All Environments

The Shark is engineered to meet the challenges of diving in diverse environments: the sea, fresh water, caves, or mines. Its materials and finishes ensure robustness and durability while offering impeccable aesthetics:

• Aerospace-grade aluminum frame: With an anodized and powder-coated surface treatment, this material provides exceptional corrosion resistance and allows for unique aesthetic customization, including an infinite choice of colors and the possibility of adding TPU protective layers with personalized designs or logos according to the user’s preferences.
• 316L stainless steel: High-quality stainless steel, passivated and surface-treated to eliminate any contamination and ensure optimal durability.

Focused on Performance and Elegance

The Shark stands out for its innovative architecture and exceptional machining quality, including:

• Axial canister: Chosen for its simple design and ease of maintenance while minimizing pressure loss.
• External counterlungs: Designed to optimize gas flow, they simplify the management of minimal loop volume. Though not mandatory flow paths, they play a crucial role in the system’s fluidity. Their ingenious design allows for quick removal and installation, making maintenance both simple and efficient.
• Top-tier aesthetic finishes: Every detail of the machine is carefully machined to deliver a smooth and elegant appearance, making the Shark one of the most visually appealing machines on the market.
• Backmount rebreather: Designed to be worn on the back, the Shark provides optimal ergonomics, ideal for both technical and recreational dives. Fully equipped, it weighs between 23 kg/50 lb and 26 kg/57 lb, depending on the options selected by the user.
• Modular components: All parts can be easily replaced or upgraded, extending the machine’s lifespan.

A Hybrid hCCR System

The Shark is a hybrid rebreather (hCCR), combining multiple operating modes to provide optimal redundancy and safety:

• Advanced electronic control: The Shark uses a high-quality solenoid, DiveCAN electronics from Shearwater Research, and is powered by a Petrel 3 controller. This system ensures precise PO₂ management and a high level of safety.
• Constant Mass Flow (CMF): This device ensures a constant oxygen flow of 0.5L/min, offering enhanced reliability even in demanding conditions.
• Manual control via MAVs: Divers have access to dedicated Manual Add Valves (MAVs) for O₂, diluent, and external sources (offboard), allowing flexible gas management.
• Analog redundancy for cell readings: Complementing the primary control system, an analog system from Shearwater Research provides independent oxygen cell readings. This ensures that PO₂ remains readable and controllable even in the event of a primary electronics failure.

Advanced Gas Management

• Oxygen cell deflector: The design incorporates controlled turbulence, ensuring accurate and rapid oxygen level readings, reducing the risk of unexpected variations in the breathing mixture.
• ADV (Automatic Diluent Valve): Strategically positioned, this device optimizes flushing in just 3 to 5 seconds. Its primary role, however, is to deliver an optimal gas flow, complemented by a flow stop to prevent accidental activation.
• Apeks overpressure valves: Designed to regulate excess gas and adapted for use in demanding conditions.

International Certifications and Compatibility

The Shark is CE EN14143-20213 certified, allowing it to be sold not only in Europe but also globally. According to tests conducted for this certification, the Shark has no usage restrictions: it functions flawlessly regardless of the diver’s position in the water. This certification guarantees that the machine meets the highest standards of safety and performance, making it suitable for both technical and recreational divers.

Strategic Partnerships and Cutting-Edge Electronics

The Shark is equipped with the best technologies thanks to collaborations with:

• Shearwater Research (Canada): A global leader in electronic control systems for rebreathers, providing reliability and precision.
• Halcyon (United States): A supplier of highest-quality diving equipment, ensuring consistent performance in extreme environments.

These strategic choices reflect a commitment to innovation and quality.

Why the Shark is Unique—Comfort, Simplicity, and Aesthetics

The Shark’s modular and intuitive design simplifies maintenance and enhances the user experience. For example:

• Easy-to-install counterlungs: The unit’s design allows for simplified maintenance while ensuring efficient gas management within the system.
• Optimized breathing resistance: Minimal pressure loss with low loop volume, adhering to the most demanding standards.
• Reduced maintenance: Plug-and-play electronics and replaceable components minimize downtime for servicing and extend the unit’s overall lifespan.
• Aesthetic customization: In addition to color choices, each diver can add personal customizations, logos, or designs, making every machine unique.

Conclusion: A Revolution in Technical and Recreational Diving

The Shark Rebreather is more than just a tool. It’s a statement of intent: pushing the boundaries of technology while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance. Designed for technical and recreational divers, scientists, and explorers, it has become a benchmark in the world of rebreathers. With an elegant design, unparalleled reliability, and state-of-the-art technologies, the Shark redefines what it means to dive deep.

DIVE DEEPER

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Michael Fineschi is a project leader, industrial designer, CEO of MD Systems, manufacturer of SHARK Rebreathers. He can be reached at: [email protected]

Benoît Jadot is a factory instructor, international relations, COO of MD Systems, responsible for promoting the unit to divers worldwide. He can be reached at: [email protected]