12v dive pump (compressor)

[DLT]

I bought a Nitrox dive computer and complete reg setup along with all my other gear before even starting the classes - no Cert. card...





I agree that at 30 ft I shouldn't have a problem getting to the surface...

But, when I get a rig, I'll probably go for one that lets me get down closer to the max CESA depths. I don't know If I'd be comfortable without some spare air. Besides, those little bottles are some pretty cheap insurance...

[Tom Root]

I bought a Nitrox dive computer and complete reg setup along with all my other gear before even starting the classes - no Cert. card...





I agree that at 30 ft I shouldn't have a problem getting to the surface...

But, when I get a rig, I'll probably go for one that lets me get down closer to the max CESA depths. I don't know If I'd be comfortable without some spare air. Besides, those little bottles are some pretty cheap insurance...

I am a PADI certified Divemaster with over 1000 dive with tanks, and at least that many free dives under my belt, and only offer this advice as a safety concern.

If you use the nitrox tables on a compressed air system, you challenge the Grim Reaper.

That's about as plain and simple as I can put it!

But you may understand that already, just posting because it just appears to say otherwise!

If you use a Hooka Setup/rig, my suggestion would be to hang a fully filled SCUBA tank, at 15' depth, off the back for a safety stop if needed. I do this routinely out of habit anyway. Cheap insurance for my partners and I to live for another dive.

Never needed it, but the first time I do, I'll live to talk about the experience also! I keep two regs hooked up to it, and dangle it off my stern when diving, and doing that for about 15 years. Also, since I am at remote locations many times, and far from immediate EMS response it just plain makes sense!

I stopped being an active Divemaster, but feel safe in all diving endeavors, and never had a traumatic emergency.

Just times on cattle boats with, inexperienced divers doing stupid stuff!. That's why I pick my dive partners....carefully! Anybody that seems like a cowboy, dive with someone else!


I will go as far and say that those who dive with a hookah are foolish to do so without formal training as a SCUBA diver, as the physics do not change for either, they are compatable. This method has it's merits, but also it's downfalls too. With an endless supply of air, time is the critical factor especially below one atmosphere....33'~10 Meters!

Gonna go out this week for some bugs also (Lobster)! My favorite endeavor under the water!

Our Mac is and has always been a great Dive platform, but I Yak dive also!

[ken smith]

I've got this unit and it is far better than the 12 volt unit because it can be used alone without any attachment to any base. You can take this unit to any waterway without the boat and dive. These unit are a little different than the dive tanks because the air is delivered continuously and breathing is much easier. My kids use this unit without any other diving equiptment other than a mask. We use it in the keys and can dive all day long for a few dollars of gas.
ken

[maddmike]

Have to go with Tom on this. While I have limited experience with Hookah systems from the surface, we extensively used Hookah systems while working outside underwater habitats & always carried a 'spare air' bottle to get back inside if we ran into trouble. Although I never encountered a air supply problem, we did manage to tangle a couple of Hookah lines with some video cables while shooting tape and kicked up bottom mud one night trying to untangle the mess; had to use the bottled air to get back to the 'moon pool' and on inside. My diving rule of thumb is 'if something can go wrong, it eventually will go wrong' and if you don't really know fully what you are doing or fail to have a proper back-up system you are just putting yourself in line for a 'Darwin' award. MM

[Frax]

well.....

i found out that if i want to buy this unit i have to pay 2000 (euros)

so now i bought all the bits and pices for it and are building it my self for the total cost of 270 and i even got a better oil less compressor (23a/h @ 10bar and 55l/min) and second stage then those in the other kits.

and yes.. im a diver..


DSAT Gasblender
DSAT Thecnical trimix
Padi And Naui Instructor
and so on.......

Been working in the maldives, indonesia and thailand.
but the most dives i made in sweden.. especially in the winter when the wisibility is great.. -1 in the water... its lovely...

/Fred

[Divecoz]

I too am an Instructor. . . NAUI and I think we all agree that these units need more training than what "might " come in the box. . Its good this topic came up as these units are available to the general public. So not for you guys but for those others who may be untrained in the sport . . You take a breath at 30 feet from this unit or Snuba or Scuba and for what ever reason you hold your breath and head to the surface . . . . You may well be DEAD! The air in your lungs having been compressed to half its, . . . .at surface volume will have then expanded to twice its previous volume and . . . as I said your Dead . . or will be very soon . . Why are these dangerous toys sold to the general public without proper training ?? I for one cannot imagine but it looks like they are. . These are NOT Toys !

[DLT]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to suggest using nitrox and air on the same dive...

I have a nitrox capable computer, but have actually never used that feature... I'd planned to when I bought it, but you know how that goes...

I like the idea of hanging a tank. I also like the idea of small spare air bottles...

[Tom Root]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to suggest using nitrox and air on the same dive...

I have a nitrox capable computer, but have actually never used that feature... I'd planned to when I bought it, but you know how that goes...

I like the idea of hanging a tank. I also like the idea of small spare air bottles...

Well, I just wanted to clarify that issue!

I also have a Nitrox capable computer, but am not even considering Nitrox!

I am below the water long enough with air, and this tired old body needs to be told by my 80 Cube Aluminum tank, it's time to head back to the surface!

The reason I mention I hang a bottle off is to make others aware that if they experience a failure of power even in the Hookah method of diving , that well, you have to 'blow and go' to the surface. But some do dive beyond the 33'/ 1 atmosphere, and a safety stop/Nitrogen outgas may be required. And yes, even in shallow depths many things can happen Hyperbarically!

A pony bottle/spare air, redundancy is a great idea also, of course!

Not that this is the place to explain hyperbaric emergencies to anyone, but since some feel that using compressed air is to be taken in a different physiology is sadly mistaken, hence the reason for formal training IMHO.

Since you are certified, I am sure that you are aware of this!

[DLT]

Yes, all the same considerations still apply, whether its a hooka system or SCUBA...

The bottom line is that you are under water breathing compressed air, in either case. You need to take to same precautions...

I do no decompression diving, but still do some sort of safety stop. I'd still stick to that with a hooka system, although as you mention, I'd have to pay closer attention to my dive time.

Hanging a tank may be a better plan than a spare air bottle, since the little bottle would not allow a safety stop; it'd just get you safely to the surface...