This article will examine the costs, reliability, limitations, and benefits of surface supplied air diving gear. These supplies are increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional dive equipment. They aren't without problems. This article will cover some of the most common problems with surface supplied air diving equipment, as well as how you can avoid them.
Problems with surface-supplied diving equipment
Surface-supplied diving equipment is often more expensive than SCUBA and can be difficult to install. To start, you don't need an extra compressor to provide air. Instead, the diver is equipped with both an emergency gas bottle and an emergency boat supply. You will also find an umbilical with an oxygen hose and other safety gear. If the diver is in trouble, this line can be used as a search pattern.
Air diving equipment that is surface-supplied can have many different problems. One of the most common is a sudden loss of air pressure. It can occur for many reasons, including a punctured or pinched umbilical and improper valve alignment. In the event of a sudden loss of air supply, the diver may not experience any symptoms right away, but will feel it over time. Another common problem is a slow drop in air pressure, resulting in increased inhalation effort.
Air diving equipment that is surface-supplied
Air diving equipment that is surface supplied can be more expensive than traditional scuba equipment. Basic two-diver systems can run up to $10,000. These systems are essential to lower the risk of thermal stress and dehydration. These systems are necessary for proper dive rotations. But, surface-sold air diving might not be right for everyone.
The popularity of surface-suspended airdiving is high among recreational divers. It is not mandatory to have certification. The basic equipment includes a hose that runs from a hookah (underwater air source) to a regulator. A quality regulator is essential, as a bad regulator could lead to serious consequences.
Reliability of surface supplied air diving equipment
While surface supplied air diving equipment costs more and is more complex to set-up than SCUBA it has many advantages. This equipment supplies breathing air to the diver and also has an emergency rescue bottle and back up supply. The diver is connected via an umbilical to a line that provides safety, communication and a search patterns line.
Minimum ventilation rates for surface-supplied diving air equipment must not exceed 4.5 acfm when providing air to the diver. This equipment also must be able to maintain the diver's inspired carbon dioxide partial pressure below 0.02 ATA.
Limitations to surface-supplied diving equipment
You can also use surface-supplied equipment for scuba diving. It is a safe and efficient way to dive without worrying about running out of air. This type of diving equipment allows divers to dive as long as their DPIC (diaphragm pressure indicator) allows or until they feel fatigued. Although there are many manufacturers that make different types of surface-supplied air diving equipment, most work in the same way. A regulator attaches the diver to a helmet or full-face face mask. The back-up supply of air is activated in the event of a malfunction.
It is not recommended that surface-supplied equipment be used for all types and levels of diving. It is important you take into consideration a range of factors including the type, size and operation of your vessel. Most surface-supplied diving equipment cannot be used on vessels operating in DP (direct pressure) mode.