This article will discuss the cost, reliability, and limitations of surface supplied air diving equipment. These supplies are increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional dive equipment. But they come with their own set of 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 air diving equipment
While surface-supplied air diving equipment can be more costly and time-consuming to set up, it is much cheaper than SCUBA. To start, you don't need an extra compressor to provide air. Instead, the diver keeps an emergency air supply bottle and a boat with an emergency air supply. In addition, it features an umbilical line with an air hose and other safety equipment. This line can be used for a search pattern in case the diver is in danger.
You can experience many different types of problems with your surface-supplied air diving equipment. A sudden loss in air pressure is the most common. This can be caused by a pinched or severed umbilical, improper alignment of the valves, or even a failure in a helmet component. Although the diver may not feel symptoms right away due to a sudden drop in air supply, they will experience them gradually. Another problem is a gradual drop in air pressure that causes an increase in inhalation effort.
Price of surface-supplied air diving equipment
Traditional scuba diving equipment is less expensive than surface-supplied diving equipment. Basic two-diver systems can run up to $10,000. These systems are required to reduce the chance of dehydration or thermal stress. These systems are crucial for proper dive rotations. But, surface-sold air diving might not be right for everyone.
It is very popular among recreational divers to do surface-supplied air diving. However, certification is not required. 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 diving equipment
While surface-supplied air diving equipment may be more complicated and expensive than SCUBA, there are many benefits to it over traditional air supply. This equipment not only provides breathing air, but also supplies a back-up air supply and an emergency bottle. The umbilical line connects the diver to a safety line, communication line, and a search pattern lines.
The minimum ventilation rate for air supply to the diver must be 4.5 acfm. The equipment must also be capable of maintaining the diver's inspired carbon dioxide partial temperature below 0.02 ATA.
Limitations of surface supplied air diving equipment
A great alternative to traditional scubadiving is the use of surface-supplied diving equipment. This is an efficient and safe way to dive, without having to worry about running out of oxygen. This type dive equipment allows divers can dive as long and as far as their DPIC allows. Different manufacturers make different types, but all systems work the same. A regulator attaches the diver to a helmet or full-face face mask. In the event of an emergency, the backup air supply will be activated.
It is not recommended that surface-supplied equipment be used for all types and levels of diving. It is important that you consider many factors, such as the type of vessel and type of operation. Most vessels are not compatible with surface supplied air diving equipment if they are operating in DP(direct-pressure).