This article will address the limitations, reliability, cost and price of surface-supplied diving equipment. These diving supplies are becoming more and more popular as an option to traditional equipment. But they come with their own set of problems. This article will discuss the most common issues with surface-supplied air diving equipment and how to avoid them.
Problems with surface supplied air diving equipment
Although it can be costly and complicated to put together, surface supplied air diving equipment has many benefits over SCUBA. First, the equipment doesn't require an additional compressor to deliver air. Instead, the diver keeps an emergency air supply bottle and a boat with an emergency air supply. Additionally, the umbilical line has an air hose and other safety devices. This line can also be used to locate the diver in distress.
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. 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 problem is a slow fall in air pressure. This can cause increased inhalation effort.
Air diving equipment that is surface-supplied
Surface supplied air diving equipment is much more expensive than traditional scuba diving equipment. A basic two-diver system can cost upwards of $10,000. These systems are necessary to reduce the risk of dehydration and thermal stress. They are vital for proper dive rotations. However, surface-sustained air diving isn't for everyone.
For recreational divers, surface supplied air diving is extremely popular. However, certification is not required. Basic equipment includes a hose which runs from an underwater air source to a regulator. As a quality regulator is crucial, it can be fatal if the regulator malfunctions.
Reliability of surface-supplied diving equipment
Although surface supplied air diving equipment is more expensive and complicated to set up than SCUBA, it has many advantages over the traditional air supply. This equipment not only supplies breathing air but also has an emergency water supply. The diver is connected to an umbilical cable that includes a safety line and communication as well as a search pattern line.
When supplying air to the diver, surface-supplied air diving equipment must meet minimum ventilation rates of 4.5 acfm. This equipment must also maintain a diver's inspired CO2 partial pressure of below 0.02 ATA.
Surface-supplied Air Diving Equipment: Limitations
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 of diving equipment allows divers the freedom to dive as long their DPIC (diaphragmpressure indicator) allows, or until they feel exhausted. While there are many brands that produce different types and styles of surface-supplied air dive equipment, the majority work the same. A regulator attaches to the full-face helmet or mask of the diver. The back-up supply of air is activated in the event of a malfunction.
Surface-supplied air diving equipment is not recommended. It is important to consider a number of factors, including the type of vessel and the type of operation. Surface supplied air diving equipment designed to be used with vessels in DP (direct-pressure), mode is most likely not appropriate.