What is the Hollis Prism2 CCR?

The Hollis Prism2 is a fully electronic closed-circuit rebreather (eCCR) designed for demanding technical, trimix and expedition diving. It’s widely used by European wreck and cave divers because it combines:

• Reliable electronics and proven design
• Flexible configuration (backmount, different cylinders, bailout options)
• A track record at depths well beyond the standard recreational range

On a basic level, the Prism2 CCR:

• Recycles your breathing gas, scrubbing CO₂ from the loop
• Carefully maintains an optimal partial pressure of oxygen (PPO₂)
• Dramatically reduces gas consumption compared to open circuit
• Allows warmer, moister breathing gas and quieter diving – ideal for long wreck runs and repetitive deep dives

Because of this, the Hollis Prism2 is one of the most common “first serious CCRs” for technical divers in Europe, and a solid platform to build from 40 m CCR courses up to advanced trimix and 100+ m wreck projects.

If you want to understand how that translates into actual course options, visit Prism2 CCR course prices & dates.

Why choose the Hollis Prism2 for technical and wreck diving?

For a European diver who already enjoys deeper wrecks, the Prism2 CCR offers several advantages over staying on open circuit trimix:

• Gas efficiency – You use far less helium on CCR, making regular 60–90 m dives realistic and affordable.
• Better decompression options – You can hold an optimal PPO₂ throughout the dive and deco, improving efficiency.
• Long bottom times – Longer runtimes on iconic wrecks without carrying a supermarket of deco cylinders.
• Silent, stable platform – Ideal for wreck penetration, wildlife, photography, and team communication.

Many divers coming to Malta for training want to move from “occasional deep trimix trips” to a more sustainable way of doing real technical diving throughout the year. Prism2 CCR training in Malta lets you do that in clear water, with structured courses and access to a range of wrecks from 5 m training platforms to 100+ m battleships.

You can compare your options on Open Circuit Tec vs CCR – which path first? and then map your next steps with Prism2 & PADI Tec courses in Malta.

Why train your Hollis Prism2 in Malta?

Malta is one of the best locations in Europe to learn the Hollis Prism2 CCR:

• Depth progression on your doorstep – You can move from 6–10 m confined skills to 30–40 m wrecks, then 50–70 m and beyond, all in one small island group.
• Excellent visibility and structure – Clear water and well-defined wrecks make skills practice and situational awareness easier than in low-vis quarries or lakes.
• Year-round diving – It’s possible to train outside the “short summer window” and keep your progression going.
• Easy access from across Europe – Short flights from the UK, mainland Europe and beyond, with direct transfers to your accommodation and dive centres.

Most Prism2 training and guided CCR dives are centred around Malta’s famous wrecks. You can get an overview of what’s available on Malta wreck dive sites, and then plan which wrecks fit your current level and future goals via Guided technical and CCR dives in Malta.

Meet your instructor – Jason Trott, Malta-based Prism2 & Tec specialist

Jason Trott is a Malta-based PADI Tec and Hollis Prism2 CCR instructor who has spent years diving, guiding and teaching on Malta’s wrecks.

• PADI Tec 40/45/50 and Tec Trimix instructor
• Hollis Prism2 CCR instructor with a strong focus on real-world wreck and trimix diving
• Small-group, safety-first approach – typically 1–2 students per course for meaningful coaching
• Experience on iconic deep wrecks around Malta, including 100+ m dives

Jason’s teaching philosophy is simple: build solid habits and decision-making, not just “card collection”. Courses are paced to your experience and goals, with plenty of in-water time on appropriate wrecks rather than generic training dives.

You can read more about Jason’s background on About Jason Trott – PADI Tec & Prism2 instructor and get a feel for his personal journey on My journey into technical and CCR diving.

Prism2 course pathways – from your first CCR dive to serious projects

The Hollis Prism2 CCR can support your diving from first steps into rebreathers all the way up to advanced trimix. At diveprism2.eu, the long-term roadmap is:

• Entry-level CCR on the Prism2
  For experienced recreational divers or Tec 40+ divers who want to start on CCR. You’ll learn basic unit setup, loop management, buoyancy, bailout procedures and emergency handling.
  → See Entry-level Hollis Prism2 CCR course in Malta.
• PADI Tec 40 CCR on the Hollis Prism2
  For divers ready to take the Prism2 into decompression and deeper wrecks, typically in the 30–40 m range, with controlled deco and proper bailouts.
  → See PADI Tec40 CCR Malta – Hollis Prism2.
• PADI Tec 60 CCR and Tec 100 CCR (planned)
  Higher-level CCR courses planned for divers progressing to 60+ m and 100+ m trimix diving on the Prism2. These represent serious commitments and will be built around real wreck objectives.
  → Register your interest via Contact Jason for a training plan.

Alongside CCR, you can also follow a parallel or stepping-stone path through open circuit Tec:

• PADI Tec 40/45/50 and Tec Trimix on OC
  Ideal if you want to build experience with decompression, gas planning and wreck protocols before or alongside CCR.
  → Details on PADI Tec courses in Malta (open circuit).

During your first call or email, Jason will help you decide whether to start with open circuit Tec, go straight into CCR, or blend the two paths over time. Use Prism2 & PADI Tec courses in Malta as your main overview and then get in touch via Contact Jason for a training plan.

Guided Prism2 CCR dives and coaching in Malta

Already a certified Hollis Prism2 diver and want to actually use your training on real wrecks?

In addition to formal courses, diveprism2.eu offers:

• Check-out and shakedown dives – Ideal if you haven’t been on the unit for a while and want a structured refresh with an instructor before progressing deeper.
• Guided CCR wreck dives – From classic 30–40 m wrecks to more advanced sites, with clear procedures and realistic planning.
• Mentored progression – Informal coaching focused on dive planning, bailout strategies, team procedures and work-up dives towards a particular wreck or depth.
• Unit-specific coaching – Helping you refine your Prism2 pre-dive checks, loop management and bailout drills.

You can explore options and example itineraries on Guided technical and CCR dives in Malta, and combine guided dives with formal training based on your goals and timeframe.

A typical Prism2 training week in Malta

Every course is adapted to your experience, but a standard Prism2 training week in Malta often looks like:

• Day 1 – Orientation & dry skills
  Unit setup, pre-dive checks, theory refresh, bailout planning and dry-run drills.
• Day 2 – Confined water & shallow open water
  Loop skills, buoyancy, basic failures, bailout, ascents and descents in the 6–12 m range.
• Day 3 – First real wrecks
  Shallow wreck dives around 18–25 m, consolidating skills while actually “going somewhere” and seeing structure.
• Day 4 – Deeper profiles and decompression
  Progression to 30–40 m range (matching your course level), with controlled decompression and scenario-based training.
• Day 5 – Scenario dives & consolidation
  Simulated failures, realistic wreck runs, focus on planning, teamwork and decision-making.

When conditions and experience allow, you’ll dive well-known Malta wrecks, which you can explore in more detail on Malta wreck dive sites. The aim is to leave not just with a certification card, but with realistic confidence using your Prism2 on dives you actually care about.

Safety, checklists and planning – how Prism2 training is run

Rebreathers reward discipline and punish shortcuts. A big part of this Prism2 Hub is helping you build a mindset that keeps you diving for decades, not just “getting the card”.

On courses and guided dives, you can expect:

• Structured pre-dive checklists – Unit, gas, electronics, loop and bailout checks done methodically every time.
• Conservative planning – Sensible PPO₂ setpoints, gas reserves and bailout strategies based on your real experience and the dive profile.
• Drills under realistic loading – Skills practiced when you’re task-loaded and moving, not just kneeling at 6 m.
• Debriefs with action points – Each day ends with clear feedback and things to work on.

You can download helpful tools for your own diving via Prism2 checklists and planning downloads, including:

• A Prism2 pre-dive checklist
• A bailout and gas planning template
• A Malta-focused Prism2 packing list for travelling divers

These are designed to complement, not replace, formal training – and they’re a good taste of how Jason structures his courses on diveprism2.eu.

Equipment: your own Prism2 vs training units

Many Prism2 students already own a unit; others want to try the Hollis Prism2 before committing.

• Training on your own Prism2
  This is ideal, as you’ll be practising on the exact configuration you’ll dive at home. You’ll be asked to provide current service information and details of your setup before the course.
• Using a training unit
  In some cases, limited Prism2 training units may be available for use on courses. Availability is limited and must be confirmed well in advance.
• Bailout and additional kit
  Stage cylinders, bailout regulators and other technical kit can usually be provided or rented locally if needed, subject to prior agreement.

For current details on unit availability, kit requirements and what you need to bring from home, check Prism2 CCR course prices & dates and then reach out via Contact Jason for a training plan.

Planning your Prism2 journey from anywhere in Europe

Whether you’re flying from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, France or elsewhere in Europe, Malta is easy to reach for a focused week (or two) of Prism2 training and wreck diving.

Here are common approaches European divers take:

• “One-week focused course”
  You come for 5–6 days dedicated to a single course – for example, entry-level Prism2 CCR or PADI Tec 40 CCR – then continue building experience at home.
• “Stepping-stone progression”
  Combine an open circuit Tec course (e.g. Tec 40/45) with Prism2 entry-level training over separate visits, so you’re never overloaded.
• “Project-driven progression”
  You pick a realistic wreck goal (e.g. a specific 70–80 m wreck) and build a 12–24 month plan of courses, guided dives and work-ups towards that objective.

If you’re not sure how to fit Prism2 CCR training around your job, family and local diving, Jason can help you map it out. Start with Prism2 & PADI Tec courses in Malta, then send a quick message via Contact Jason for a training plan with your current cert level, recent dives and goals.

Prism2 FAQs

Do I need to be a technical diver already to start on the Hollis Prism2?

Not necessarily. Many Prism2 students have some deeper or nitrox experience but are not yet full Tec divers. What matters is solid buoyancy, trim, comfort in the water and a realistic attitude.

If you already have PADI Tec 40/45/50 or equivalent, that experience helps – but it’s not always mandatory for entry-level CCR training. See Entry-level Hollis Prism2 CCR course in Malta for typical prerequisites, or ask directly via Contact Jason for a training plan.

Do I need my own Prism2 unit for training?

You can often train on your own Hollis Prism2, which is ideal. In some cases, a limited number of training units may be available.

Buy a Hollis Prism2 Rebreather

Because this depends on dates, shipping, servicing and demand, the best option is to check current possibilities on Prism2 CCR course prices & dates and then confirm details via Contact Jason for a training plan.

What depths will we dive to during training?

Depth depends on your chosen course:

• Entry-level CCR courses focus on safe, controlled depths appropriate to the qualification (often up to 30 m).
• PADI Tec 40 CCR typically involves dives in the 30–40 m range with planned decompression, in line with standards.
• Future CCR60/CCR100-level training and mentored dives will target deeper profiles as experience allows.

All dives are conducted within agency standards and matched to conditions on the day. For examples of the types of wrecks and depths available, see Malta wreck dive sites.

Can I combine courses with guided dives?

Yes. Many divers combine a course with:

• Extra guided wreck dives afterwards to consolidate skills
• A warm-up day of guided diving before starting a course
• Mentored dives that bridge between qualifications (e.g. after Tec 40 CCR before moving deeper)

Typical options and sample itineraries are listed on Guided technical and CCR dives in Malta, and can be tailored via Contact Jason for a training plan.

How much do Prism2 courses and guided dives cost?

Course and guiding prices depend on:

• Course level and duration
• Whether you’re using your own Prism2 or a training unit
• The number of divers in your group
• Gas costs (particularly helium for deeper dives)

For current pricing, package ideas and next available dates, see Prism2 CCR course prices & dates. If you have a small group or specific project in mind, reach out via Contact Jason for a training plan for a tailored quote.

Next steps – make this Prism2 Hub work for you

If you’re a European diver looking to move into serious rebreather and wreck diving, the Hollis Prism2 CCR and Malta make a powerful combination.

Use this Prism2 Hub as your starting point:

• Learn the basics and mindset of Prism2 CCR here.
• Explore real wreck options on Malta wreck dive sites.
• Map out your courses and coaching on Prism2 & PADI Tec courses in Malta.
• Stay inspired with stories and case studies on Blog – technical & Prism2 diving articles.

When you’re ready to turn ideas into a concrete training plan, send Jason a short message about your experience and goals via Contact Jason for a training plan.

Prism2 and Apeks servicing – support before and after your course

Keeping your rebreather and regulators correctly serviced is a big part of staying safe and relaxed in the water. As well as teaching, Jason is also a qualified service technician for the Hollis Prism2 and Apeks regulators, which means you can train and dive in Malta with proper technical backup on hand.

For visiting European divers, that support can include:

• Pre-course unit checks – A quick, professional look over your Hollis Prism2 before starting training, so small issues are caught early rather than on the slipway.
• Apeks regulator servicing – Servicing and inspection of the Apeks regs you use on your backgas and bailout setups.
• Post-course maintenance – Advice and practical help with cleaning, care and service intervals so your kit stays ready for the next trip.
• Troubleshooting and upgrades – Help diagnosing issues, planning parts replacements and making sensible configuration changes.

If you’re planning to fly in with your own Prism2 or a full Apeks regulator set, it’s worth mentioning this when you first get in touch so time can be set aside if needed. For current options and turnarounds, use Contact Jason for a servicing quote or mention servicing in your message when you enquire via Prism2 CCR course prices & dates or Guided technical and CCR dives in Malta.