Introduction – Why the Hollis Prism2?

The Hollis Prism2 rebreather has become one of the most respected closed-circuit systems for technical divers looking to progress safely into deeper, longer and more efficient dives. Whether you’re moving beyond Tec40/Tec45 or looking at your first CCR, the Prism2 offers a stable, predictable platform for real technical progression.

1. What Exactly Is the Hollis Prism2?

The Hollis Prism2 (often written as Prism 2 or P2) is a rear-mounted closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) built for serious technical diving. It’s widely used for:

• Deep wreck diving
• Trimix exploration
• Long-range project dives
• Progressive CCR training

Key features that matter to new divers:

• Back-mounted counterlungs → familiar balance for divers coming from twinsets
• Solid, predictable control system → excellent for newer CCR divers
• Modular design → easy travel, simple servicing, clean layout
• Stable work-of-breathing → important at depth, especially 60–100 m
• Wide training support through PADI, TDI, RAID and instructors worldwide

The Prism2 is not a gimmick or a trendy unit – it’s a workhorse. That’s why so many technical divers choose it as their first CCR.

2. Who Is the Prism2 Ideal For?

While anyone with the right prerequisites can train on it, the Prism2 is especially well suited for:

✔ Technical divers already using twinsets

The balance and trim feel familiar.

✔ Divers planning 50–100 m progression

The unit handles serious depth very well.

✔ Wreck divers

Rear-mounted lungs keep the chest area clear for valve access and stage management.

✔ Divers who value stability and predictability

The Prism2 focuses on reliability, not endless configuration options.

✔ Divers who want a long-term platform

It’s not something you “outgrow”. It scales from CCR40 all the way to CCR100 and expedition profiles.

If your long-term goals include deep wrecks in Malta, 100 m class dives, or eventually projects like Britannic, the Prism2 is a smart choice.

3. How Does Prism2 Training Work? (Clear Overview)

Prism2 training follows a structured, modular path. Most divers progress through the following:

CCR40 – First Step Onto the Unit (30 m)

Learn:

• Loop management
• Basic failures
• Bailout
• Buoyancy & trim with a CCR
• Setpoints, oxygen control, scrubber management

Perfect for divers transitioning from OC Tec40/45.

CCR60 – Moving Into Real Technical Depth (up to ~60 m)

You’ll learn:

• Deep CCR procedures
• Decompression strategy
• Advanced bailout planning
• Team protocols on CCR

This is where CCR “clicks” for most divers.

CCR100 – Full Technical Depth Capability (100 m+)

Serious training for serious dives.

Skills include:

• Hypoxic trimix
• Complex bailout
• Long decompression profiles
• Realistic failure management
• Deep wreck task loading

Jason completed Tec CCR 100 on the Prism2 in Malta at 27, giving you an instructor who has actually taken the unit to those depths.

4. Why Malta Is an Ideal Place to Learn the Prism2

Malta offers one of the best CCR training environments in the world:

Perfect depth progression:

• 5–20 m → drills
• 30 m → CCR40
• 40–60 m → CCR60
• 70–100+ m → CCR100

Stable conditions:

Predictable viz, minimal currents, ideal for multi-day courses.

Real wrecks at every level:

• Le Polynesien (OC/CCR 40–55 m)
• HMS Stubborn (~55 m)
• Southwold bow & stern (68–73 m)
• Deeper 90–110 m wrecks for post-cert progression

CCR divers need repetition without weather disruption – Malta delivers.

5. Common Questions New Divers Ask About the Prism2

“Is the Prism2 safe for beginners?”

Yes. It’s one of the most stable units on the market. Safety depends far more on discipline than what unit you choose.

“How hard is the transition from open circuit?”

Most divers say the first 5–8 hours feel strange.
After 2–3 days, buoyancy begins to feel natural.
By the end of CCR40, you will feel in control.

“Is maintenance difficult?”

You will learn:

• Pre-dive checks
• Packing the scrubber
• Cell management
• Loop testing
• Basic O-ring care

The Prism2 is logical and clean, not fiddly.

“Do I need a lot of bailout cylinders?”

Depends on depth.
For CCR40/60, usually one stage + optional pony.
For CCR100 and deeper wrecks, you’ll carry multiple.

Bailout planning is a core part of Jason’s training.

“Is CCR cheaper than OC?”

Upfront = more expensive.
Long-term = dramatically cheaper on helium and logistics.

Most divers moving to 60–100 m save a fortune.

6. Why I Specialise in the Hollis Prism2

I’ve trained, logged and taught on multiple systems, but the Prism2 is my primary platform because it offers:

• Stability at depth
• Predictability when problem-solving
• Rear-mounted counterlungs ideal for wreck diving
• Clean, logical maintenance
• Strong global support network
• A training pathway that scales to serious expedition diving

I’ve logged 500+ hours on the Prism2 and achieved Tec CCR 100 on this unit here in Malta. My training is built on the exact progression I used myself.

My focus is simple:

Give divers a safe, realistic and enjoyable path into real-world CCR diving — not just a card.

7. Is the Hollis Prism2 Right for You? (Quick Checklist)

You’re a strong candidate if you:

• Are comfortable with twinset/DIR-style skills
• Want to dive below 50–60 m
• Want more bottom time, less helium cost
• Enjoy the discipline of technical diving
• Are interested in deep wreck exploration
• Want one platform for the next decade of diving

If that sounds like your long-term path, the Prism2 is an excellent choice.