featured above H2Odyssey Extra Air Source Station Kit Package available at Leisurepro.com

However, if you run out of air and have a pony bottle, you do not need to worry about getting to your dive buddy’s attention immediately and attaching yourself to his air supply, You simply switch to your pony bottle and you are completely self sufficient, as you make your ascent to the surface. Pony bottles are a great way to be self reliant and prepared for eventualities rather than rely on someone else in-case of an emergency.

Pony bottles are also invaluable redundancy air tools when performing deep dives. Many dive operators will suspend a drop tank for deep dives at 3-5m (10-15ft) however many may not, and even if they do, you have to locate your drop tank in-order to use it at your safety stop, and sometimes when you run out of air, you just aren’t nearby the dive boat. This is another situation where a pony tank will help you successfully perform your safety stop.

While you do get spare air tanks that attach mount on your back beside your primary air tank, it’s best to get one that can clip under your arm, instead of a tank mount. This way it doesn’t add any drag, and it gives you great access to the valve and regulator, and allows you to hand it over to your buddy should he be out of air. These days pony bottles are compact and easy to use, with their own sophisticated compact regulators.

H2Odyessy sells excellent pony bottle kits which can easily be used on any size pony bottle tank. The H2Odyssey Extra Air Source Station Kit Package comes with a 6 cu.ft Tank, Balanced 1st Stage, with Station Kit, Pressure Gauge and EAS Bag which allows divers to attach the pony easily onto their BCD’s. The tank is easy to fill and one can even fill the tank off your primary tank with the help of with easy air fill adapters. The 6cu.ft pony bottle weights just It weighs 4 pounds and is as large as a bottle of water. Divers can opt for a larger 13 cu.ft tank that is 13 inches in length and provides twice as much air as the 6 cu.ft. one.

Emergency Air Sources: Pony Bottles was written by Nevin for Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog - Bringing You The Other 70% Of Our World

1. Scubapro R395 Octopus, Yellow
The R395 is a great spare reg with it’s classic downstream valve for safe, reliable performance due to its robust design and low maintenance, 39-inch hose for convenient alternate air source function with yellow hose protector and yellow regulator cover for easy identification, left & right hose attachments for extra flexibility and comfortable positioning, so you can keep it on whatever side feels is best. The best part about this regulator is it doesn’t free-flow, so no wastage of precious air!!

Available at LeisurePro.com for $134.95*

2. Mares Proton Metal Octopus
The Protons second stage is made of nickel and chrome-plated brass. These materials offer a number of benefits: ruggedness and thinner walls which allow compact dimensions obtained without using smaller-diameter diaphragms; this result in reduced water drag. The second stage ha an anti-freeze function, which is enhanced by the “radiator action” of the metal. he Proton with its Vortex Assist Design (V.A.D.) system: all Mares second stages offer the unique patented VAD system. The air bypass tube conveys air to the mouthpiece creating a swirling vortex with a low pressure area in the center this keeps the diaphragm down during inhalation, giving very sensitive and easy breathing at all depths.

Available at LeisurePro.com for $169.95*

3. Tusa Platina II Octopus, Yellow (SS-20)
The SS-20 safe-second combines the performance of the reliable SS-10 octopus, yet is smaller and allows for both left and right hose configuration. The SS-20 Platina octopus features a large front purge, deflection tube and deflector to reduce exhaust resistance for easier breathing. Equipped with a high visibility yellow housing and 33″ yellow hose. The second stage also features a high density, long lasting silicone mouthpiece.

Available at LeisurePro.com for $79.95*

4. Cressi XS Octopus
The XS features the same lightweight, high performance second stage as the XS Plus and the Airtech. With the Cressi patented Internal Balance Injection System, high performance is insured at all sport diving depths. Additionally featured is a Dive/Pre-dive switch allowing for the fine-tuning of the regulator during use.

Available at LeisurePro.com for $59.95*

5. Oceanic “Swivel” Octopus, Yellow with Magnetic Keeper
Oceanic introduces the perfect combination of magnetic attraction and accessibility with the highly-anticipated octopus Swivel with Magnetic Keeper. This innovative octopus exhibits improved convenience through an extraordinarily easy-to-attach magnetic keeper. No more pinch clips. No more Velcro. No more fumbling. In an emergency, experts advise offering an out of air buddy your primary second stage and using your octopus regulator yourself. As its name implies, the Swivel 180 Degree octopus has a swivel where the low pressure hose attaches to the second stage. But that’s not its only unique feature. Unlike most second stages, the 180 octopus has no up or down and exhausts exhaled bubbles at the side. This means the hose for this breathing machine can come over or under either your left or right shoulder and you’ll still be able to pick up the octopus, put it in your mouth, purge and breathe without stopping to check its orientation.

Available at LeisurePro.com for $89.95*

*Prices as of October 2010, Please refer to LeisurePro.com for the  correct current prices.

SCUBA Gear: October Octopuses- Best Rated Spare Regulators was written by Noreen for Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog - Bringing You The Other 70% Of Our World

Here’s a look at some of the best SMB’s and surface buoy dive flags in available at LeisurePro.com-

45 inch Dive Signal Tube with Inflator

This Dive Signal Tube is made of durable cordura material and comes in a Hi-Viz Orange Color for easy identification and the Safety tube wraps up in a compact nylon carry bag to keep it stored and latched until needed. The attachable snap clip makes carrying the bag simple and handy. Signal Tube independently inflates with a screw down oral inflator mouthpiece to 45″ tall making it easy to see from a distance.
The 45 inch Dive Signal Tube with Inflator is available at LeisurePro.com for $14.95*

Blue Reef Diver Below 4′ Signal Tube

This 4′ long signal tube can be easily stored in a regular BC pocket, and is small enough that there is no reason not to bring it onevery dive. When the SMB is inflated it is long enough to be easily seen from a distance and sturdy enough to stand up to any weather conditions you may encounter. It is also conveniently labeled with “Diver Below” so you can send it up to mark your location while making a safety stop. It features an easy to use oral inflation valve with lock to prevent accidental deflation as well as an over pressure / dump valve.
The Blue Reef Diver Below 4′ Signal Tube is available at LeisurePro.com for $24.95*

Oceanic P.S.D. Personal Safety Device

A high visibility signaling device and more. The new Oceanic P.S.D. (Personal Signaling Device) is not only a highly visible signal tube, its patented zipper attachment allows you to quickly secure the tube over your head for hand’s free, face-up positive buoyancy.
The Oceanic P.S.D. Personal Safety Device is available at LeisurePro.com for $34.95*

Dive Alert Deluxe Surface Marker Buoy

The DiveAlert SMB (surface marker buoy) features a Closed-Circuit (one-way valve) construction, which prevents air spill at surface. It can be inflated at the surface to attract visual attention or as redundant flotation or inflated at depth to send up as a surface marker.
The reflective tape across the top of SMB creates better visibility for day and night diving. In Addition the Deluxe Version has Safety Orange one side and Florescent Lime/Yellow the other side for better visibility.
The Dive Alert Deluxe Surface Marker Buoy is available at LeisurePro.com for $50.99*

Innovative Inflatable Flag-N-Float

Horizontal flag mount and inflatable buoy base are easy to use. 22″ buoy base and weight attachment strap provide excellent stability in rough water or while towing. Deflated, Flag-N-Float stores in your dive bag. Sets up quickly. Put a small dive light in the center compartment to illuminate the buoy at night.
The Innovative Inflatable Flag-N-Float is available at LeisurePro.com for $24.95*

Vinyl Inflatable Flag with Float

Being a safe diver is important more and more people are boating each year and there is increased watercraft traffic in our favorite dive sites. This Vinyl inflatable float with dive flag is compact when deflated, yet highly visible when inflated on the surface.
The Vinyl Inflatable Flag with Float is available at LeisurePro.com for $11.95*

*Prices stated are as in May 2010, Please refer to the LeisurePro.com website for current prices.

Related Articles:
Brushing Up Your Scuba Skills: How To Deploy A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)

The Big Buoys Of Diving: SMB’s and Diving Buoys was written by Noreen for Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog - Bringing You The Other 70% Of Our World

The most common problems inexperienced divers face with deploying a SMB are tangled reels, divers attaching themselves to reels or divers not being able to control their buoyancy during deployment, all of which can lead to pretty serious ascent rate issues and ultimately increased risk of decompression sickness. Though often referred to as the same, SMBs and Safety Sausages do differ. Safety sausages are deployed at the surface for signaling while an SMB is deployed from depth and often features an over-pressure relief valve (OPV) as they are closed tubes.

While the features of the Surface Marker Buoy may differ according to the type you’re using, here’s a general step-by-step guide to deploying an SMB from a depth-

• Maintain your buoyancy. It’s important to have complete control of your buoyancy before deploying an SMB. It’s good practice to inflate your buoy a few meters below your deepest safety/decompression stop (but this also depends on the amount of line your SMB has) and allow a small margin incase of buoyancy problems. One neutrally buoyant at that depth you can start preparing to deploy.
• Take out your SMB from where you stored it (BC pockets are the best place to keep them). If the spool isn’t already attached to the SMB, you’ll have to attach it. Generally, most SMBs have a small d-ring located on the bottom of them, you need to attach the SMB lower d-ring to to a loop in the line from the spool. Once through, unreel just a little line, to make sure the loop in the line isn’t tangled round the spool .
• Check that you’re clear. Make sure your buddy and other divers (if any) are far enough away from the line to avoid the possibility of them becoming tangled up in it. Also check to see above you that the SMB will not come into contact with another obstruction, diver, boat or take out a group of open water students!
• Once cleared to deploy, wrap up the spool, line and any excess SMB material into one hand. Making sure that no materials like the line are wrapped around your fingers or dive gear and the reel is unlocked. Holding SMB and spool with the left hand, inflate the SMB till about half full using your octopus or alternate air source.
• Once half full, check that the knot/line attachment to the SMB (from the spool) is in place and keeping your hands clear of the spinning reel, inflate the buoy slowly with the correct amount of air and let it rise to the surface. If the reel gets caught and starts to pull you to the surface, let go of it. Never attach yourself to the reel.
• When the buoy hits the surface, wind back the line on the finger spool and apply some extra tension on the line in order to make the SMB stand straight up.
• Ascend on the line using the reel. Keep the line taut throughout the ascent.

Practice deploying a SMB in controlled environment or pool if possible the first time around and then on all your dives to get proficient with the skill. It’s an important skill not to be overlooked or ignored. Dive Safe!

*Photo Credits: photos by Travis S., gjs, Simon Spear on flickr

Brushing Up Your Scuba Skills: How To Deploy A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) was written by Noreen for Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog - Bringing You The Other 70% Of Our World

In order to know what to look for in an Octopus, it’s good to know the parts that make up of an octopus and the features you can expect. Just like a traditional regulator an octopus consist of three parts: a first stage (frequently purchased separately), a brightly-colored 2nd stage, and a long air hose.

Parts of an Octopus/ Spare Reg

1st Stage vs. 2nd Stage
The first stage attaches to the diver’s tank via a yoke or DIN fitting. It regulates the air pressure as the air exits the tank before the air can enter the air hose. The second stage contains the mouthpiece and purge valve; the purpose of the second stage is to deliver the air into the diver’s mouth and to remove any waste (air or other objects) as needed.

Hose
Octopus hoses are usually longer than a diver’s primary regulator hose. This is because the octopus may be used by your buddy, who will be a slightly greater distance from your tank than you are.

Features of an Octopus/ Spare Reg
Swivel
Many octopuses offer a fairly free swivel motion, which gives the allows the diver in need comfortably position the regulator. This also permits your buddy to breathe through your octopus regardless if he/she is behind your, in front of you, or next to you. Some octopuses also can be used equally well right-side-up or upside-down. This permits you to aid your buddy, even if he/she is below you.

Purge Button/Exhaust Valve
The 2nd stage’s exhaust valve is a one-way valve that allows the diver’s exhaled air to leave the regulator. Basically, it is where the bubbles exit the mouthpiece.

The purge button allows the diver to force air from his/her scuba tank through the regulator to clear any water that may have inadvertently entered the 2nd stage. This button should be fairly simple to manipulate, even when wearing thick dive gloves. It should also only require the pressure from one finger to success- fully perform the purge.

Mouthpiece
Your octopus’ mouthpiece is a more crucial piece of equipment than most people believe. Mouthpieces are typically made from hypoallergenic silicone, which is a pliable, yet sturdy material. More and more mouthpieces are touted as being ergonomically shaped. This is a great advantage be- cause it means your jaw will maintain a natural position, which should decrease your changes of experiencing post-dive jaw pain.

*Products Featured in the Post (from top)- Oceanic Air XS Regulator/inflator combination Complete, Mares Prestige Octopus, AquaLung ABS Octopus, Seacure Hi-Flow Mouthpiece available at LeisurePro.com

What To Look For In A Spare Regulator (Octopus) was written by Noreen for Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog - Bringing You The Other 70% Of Our World

Scenario 1: You’re on your dive when you spot the most amazing Manta ray gliding by in the distance, you turn to see if your buddy is paying attention and sure enough he’s looking in another direction.

Scenario 2: You are running low on tank air, and need to surface, you signal your buddy that you are out of air, but your buddy is busy observing a family of clownfish in a nearby anemone.

Underwater communication is hard enough as it is without having to constantly try to get another diver’s attention to get your message across. Signaling your Dive Buddy when he’s not paying attention is often one of the most frustrating aspects of diving, but also one of the most important things to get right when faced with an emergency situation underwater.

Over the years divers have invented several ingenious methods to signal their buddies using simple homemade sound makers, which range from metal spoons in the form of a rattler, to sophisticated electronic beeping devices. Here is a list of a few of the better underwater signaling devices commercially available in the market today.

Acou-Stick” UnderWater Noise maker
This Fluorescent-green colored rattling device uses a patented technology to get your dive buddy’s attention fast & easily. Unlike other rattling devices, the Acou-Stik Professional Underwater Communicator stays silent while swimming & when stowed in dive gear or luggage. It only works when you want it to. The device is neutrally buoyant and compact in size (6”) and when shaken, can be heard up to 100 feet away. Most importantly it require no batteries or maintenance and is virtually indestructible.

Featured above is the Acou-Stick Underwter Noise maker available at Leisurepro.com

H2YO Underwater Noisemaker
ReefNet’s new “H2YO” a shake to emit a loud and distinctive rattle that can be heard at great distances underwater. To make sure you sound unique, H2YO is offered with two sounds, a Rattle and a Clank. This becomes very useful to identify your buddy with a distinct noise pattern. The device itself is available in several highly visible fluorescent colors and is very compact in size, yet makes a considerable noise underwater.

Featured above is the H2YO Underwater Noisemaker available at Leisurepro.com

Aqua Tank Banger
The Aqua Tank Banger is the simplest and most reliable attention getter for Scuba Diving which consists of a surgical rubber tube with a plastic ball attached to it. Just stretch it over the base of your Scuba Cylinder and your ready to go. If you need to get someone’s attention underwater simply pull the ball away from you cylinder and let go to create a Bang.  The Tank Banger is made of corrosion free plastic and surgical rubber tubing and is also useable by both left and right-handed divers.

Featured above is the Aqua Tank Banger available at Leisurepro.com

Innovative Aqua Maraca Underwater Signaling device
The Aqua Maraca is Small, compact, yet acoustically engineered to be audible over 30 feet away. It’s probably the smallest underwater signaling device featured here today.

Featured above is the Innovative Aqua Maraca Underwater Signaling device available at Leisurepro.com

AquaSonic Underwater Alarm
From the makers of the Aqua Maraca, the Aquasonic Underwater Alarm is unlike any other in the SCUBA market today. This unique underwater signaling device out-performs anything on the market and reaches distances up to 120 feet. The Aqua Sonic comes with (4) AA Batteries, a lanyard and a Lifetime Warranty. Scuba Diver’s claim that the AquaSonic is one of the top signaling devices out there, as it can be clearly heard underwater as a distinct signal.

Featured above is the AquaSonic Underwater Alarm available at Leisurepro.com

Buddy Call underwater Signaling Device
Buddycall is a battery operated diver-to-diver signaling device that enables you to immediately attract the attention of other divers by creating a pleasant but attention grabbing sound which is activated by pressing a large visible button on the device . The Buddycall may be worn around your wrist like a watch or attached to other gear like a BCD and can be heard underwater for up to 100 feet (30 meters) which offers a wide communication radius, above water the device can be heard for around 500 feet and is quite loud.. A diver can use a short burst of sound to get a buddy’s attention or leave it in the ON position for hands-free use in an emergency. Divers can also create and use simple codes to pass along messages easily when diving or snorkeling.

Featured above is the Buddy Call underwater Signaling Device available at Leisurepro.com

Underwater Signaling Devices was written by Nevin for Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog - Bringing You The Other 70% Of Our World

Getting separated from your dive boat or lost at sea is probably a diver’s worst nightmare. Divers can surface far away from their dive boats, get lost in underwater navigation or simply get swept away by strong currents.  Spotting the head of a diver bobbing on the surface against the waves is a difficult thing to do and without some kind of emergency signaling device, this gets even harder for dive boats or search and rescue to spot you. Thankfully there are so many devices, Audible, Visual and High-tech, available to divers these days that will help your dive boat or rescuers spot you in the water should the need ever arise, however each device comes with its own set of Pros and Cons. Divers should carry at least a combination of the below mentioned signaling devices with them on every dive to ensure maximum effectiveness should the need arise.

Visual Signaling Devices

Strobe Lights
Strobe Lights flash bright white light in intervals and are highly effective visual signaling devices at night and also during the day. These devices can be carried by divers or attached to BCD’s and activated whenever needed.  Strobes are especially useful if caught in a storm and are also highly visible from above for air rescue.

The Disadvantage of a strobe light is that it runs on batteries, and that a diver must ensure he purchases a good quality strobe that will usually last 24-30 hours on battery and ensure regular maintenance and replacement of batteries.

featured above is the Tektite Xenon Strobe 20 available at Leisurepro.com

Dive Lights
A dive light can also come in handy to signal your rescuers especially at night.  The more powerful handheld dive lights emit a strong beam that can be seen from a great distance and also be used to signal air rescuers.  A dive light is something that can be used outside of an emergency situation and is something that one could easily carry along regularly.

Cons are that they depend on battery, and are more effective at night. Once again the diver has to spot  his/her rescuers to direct the light towards them, otherwise risk running out of battery waving the light on.

featured above is the Ikelite RCD Halogen Light (1200) available at Leisurepro.com

Chemical Light Sticks
Chemical light sticks are compact and easy to carry in one’s BCD  and are additionally cheap as well.  Depending on the quality and type of Stick these can glow for up to 12 hours. On a dark night these can be easily spotted against the dark ocean, and may also be spotted from the air.

Chemical Sticks aren’t as bright as a flash light or a strobe, and have almost zero impact during the daytime.

featured above is the 6″ Chemical Lightsticks, Green available at Leisurepro.com

Sea Dye Marker
Chemical Sea Dye Markers, come in tubes or vials that contain a highly visible fluorescent, “dye slick” that lasts for 15- 30 minutes and enables aircraft to quickly locate the lost diver. This “slick” can be seen for up to a mile or more and is a great passive method of signaling.

Current and wind action affect the duration of the dye slick and in strong seas this will get washed away in minutes. The non fluorescent dyes are of no use in the night time as they cannot be spotted In the dark.

featured above is the OMS Fluorescent Red Dye Marker available at Leisurepro.com

Smoke Marker/Flare
Distress Smoke Markers or Flares are also highly effective ways to signal rescue.  Divers can carry small hand launched flares in their BCD pocket for emergency signaling on the surface.

Flares however work best at night and most are not guaranteed water proof to diving depths. Smoke canisters are also not guaranteed to diving depths and are ineffective in highly windy conditions or at night.

High Tech Devices

ELT Emergency Locator Transmitter
These devices transmit the location of the diver at the emergency coast guard homing frequency, which can be located by the Coast Guard or any boat/aircraft equipped with a Direction Finding receiver.  There are several different kinds of ELT’s and Dive Tracker devices that help divers signal rescuers or their dive boat to their location. The biggest advantage is that these devices lead your rescuers straight to you. Recently there has been a lot of research in to incorporating GPS receivers that can be worn by divers to lead rescuers directly to them.

Transmitter devices are often very expensive and run on batteries requiring regular replacement. Some transmitters are often bulky to carry and inconvenient for the diver.

featured above is the  Dive Tracker Scout System available at Leisurepro.com

Emergency Signaling Devices II: Get noticed in the water was written by Nevin for Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog - Bringing You The Other 70% Of Our World

Audible Signaling Devices

Whistle
The simple whistle is perhaps one of the cheapest and easiest to carry items in your dive equipment. A whistle is better than shouting to get your boatman’s attention, and can be heard sometimes up to a ¼ of a mile away.  A whistle is perhaps the one item of safety signaling equipment that you’d probably even get with rental equipment.

The disadvantages are that it has limited range, and is of no use in strong winds or over the roaring of a boat engine.  A whistle is of no use if you are trying to get the attention of a rescue helicopter. Despite the limited range a whistle is a must have signaling device for any diver and if used in conjunction with a safety sausage is probably one of the most effective signaling devices for signaling your dive boat  if not for signaling search and rescue teams.

featured above is the Storm Whistle available at Leisurepro.com

Air Horn
An Air Horn or Dive Alert Signaling Devices enable divers, at the mere touch of a button, to generate a blast of sound that can be heard up to a mile away. Dive Alert is a specially designed, small, lightweight air horn that fits between your BC’s power inflator and its air hose to become an integrated part of your power inflator. The advantages of the Air horn or Dive Alert are that its range is far superior to that of a whistle and can be heard up to a mile away which is great if separated from your dive boat while surfacing. The Air Horn is also a great method to signal search and rescue parties if they are within range of your device, and also a good method to use at night where visual signaling devices apart from lights are of no use.

Once again the disadvantages of an Air horn are that it is of no use to signal a search and rescue helicopter, or even a boat greater than a mile away. Also since it relies on Tank Air, if a diver surfaces with an empty tank, he will have to rely on a whistle instead.

featured above is the Dive Alert Signaling Device available at Leisurepro.com

Visual Signaling Devices

Safety Sausage or SMB
Probably one of the best emergency signaling devices that can be carried by divers is the safety sausage also known as an SMB or Surface Marker Buoy. These are brightly colored inflatable tubes that are rolled up and stored in your BCD pockets until needed. Divers can inflate the SMB using their regulators which cause the SMB to stand upright above the water offering better visibility to the location of the divers.  SMB’s or Safety sausages are highly visible and as they stand upright above the waves, make it easier to be spotted from a distance.  Great for being spotted by search and rescue pilots from above and most importantly they are cheap and effective visual signaling devices.

The disadvantages of an SMB are that they rely on air from the diver’s tank to be inflated, and if a diver surfaces empty, he will not be able to inflate the marker. Also strong winds make these devices lay over and if not upright, they cannot be seen over a distance. Additionally an SMB is no good in the dark or at night.

featured above is the Xs Scuba Surface Marker Buoy available at Leisurepro.com

Signal Mirror
Another compact and cheap means of signaling a boat or rescuers is by using a signaling mirror. Signal Mirrors are the most valuable daytime means of visual signaling. Even on overcast days, you can effectively use a signal mirror to obtain rescue. Mirror signals can be spotted from the air or by passing vessels making them highly effective and plus you never run out of batteries.

Greatest disadvantage of the signaling mirror is that it can be used only in the daytime and becomes less effective in overcast conditions. Also the diver would need to spot the rescue vessel or aircraft first in order to signal it with the mirror, unlike a SMB which is difficult.

featured above is the Ultimate Survival StarFlash Signaling Mirror 3″ X 5″ available at Leisurepro.com

Emergency Signaling Devices I: Get noticed in the water was written by Nevin for Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog - Bringing You The Other 70% Of Our World

Bailout bottle systems are found in two types:

• Integrated first and second stage regulator into the bottle.
• Stand alone tank with a standard first stage and second stage regulator.

H2Odyssey Extra Air Source 3
The H2Odyssey Extra Air Source 3 is an integrated first and second stage regulator system that fits onto a bailout tank of varying capacity. The First-Stage Regulator (RGV3) which is a balanced diaphragm environmentally sealed unit made from forged brass,  threads directly into the neck of a cylinder eliminating the need or bulk of a cylinder valve, it also gives you the latitude of selecting the size of cylinder to be utilized. Second-Stage Regulator is a bright yellow covered dependable simple down-stream demand valve design which connects via a vertical/ horizontal swivel. Available at Leisurepro.com at a competitive price of $352.50, the EAS3 is a valuable addition to a divers Scuba gear.

The H2Odyssey EAS3 can be purchased in a kit containing a 6 cubic foot tank that measures approx 3 inches in diameter and 12 inches in height. This will give your enough air to get you from 132 feet all the way to the surface

H2Odyssey Extra Air Source 2
The H2Odyssey EAS2 which retails at Liesurepro.com for approximately $269.25 is an emergency air source system that features a (RG2V) dependable balanced piston first stage unlike the EAS3 which uses a diaphragm first stage. Similar to the EAS3, The First-Stage Regulator threads directly into the neck of a cylinder eliminating the need or bulk of a cylinder valve, it also gives you the latitude of selecting the size of cylinder to be utilized.

The Extra Air Source 2 Kit also available at LeisurePro, includes the following:

• H2Odyssey Extra Air Source Balanced 1st Stage, with Station Kit
• 6 cu.ft Tank
• Pressure Gauge
• EAS Bag

Also available is the GPD H2Odyssey Quick Release EAS Bag for 6 cu ft Tank for $7.99 which allows mounting of the bailout bottle onto your main tank or BCD for easy access.

Scuba Safety Gear: The H2Odyssey Extra Air Source was written by Nevin for Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog - Bringing You The Other 70% Of Our World

In our earlier article -5 Rules to Better Diving, we discussed how when it comes to Scuba diving safety, it’s best to dive like you’re diving alone. No, that doesn’t mean ditch your dive buddy, but as far as your safety is concerned, pretend he’s not there or… won’t be when you need him. In other words be self reliant.

With increasing incidents of divers being left behind by dive boats and even just freak accidents of running out of air, getting trapped or caught in nets, you don’t want find yourself in a situation wishing you had some basic Scuba safety gear or equipment. In order to be your own best dive buddy, we’ve put together some Scuba safety essentials which are light and easy to carry with you on any dive in case the dreaded happens.

A whistle. Yes, this seemingly simple and small device can make a loud, life saving gesture. Attaching a whistle with a lanyard to your buoyancy compensator is a great way to get the attention of your dive bat hands, if you happen to surface away from the boat. While buying a whistle make sure that select one with no moving parts that could jam and that functions even when soaking wet after being submerged. Also, see that it’s loud enough to be heard above ambient noises like the roar of engines, breaking waves or thundering gale-force winds.

A ‘safety sausage‘ or ‘inflatable signaling tube‘ that, after inflation sticks up about six feet above the water’s surface is almost a requirement when diving. Easy to see from a distance especially when drift diving and also used for hand’s free, face-up positive buoyancy, these signaling tubes pack very small and can be simply attached to your BCD without causing any hindrance. Some need to be manually inflated through a mouthpiece while more advanced versions are mounted on BC’s and once deployed they use air from the BC to inflate.

Carrying with you Scuba flash light or strobe light is a good idea for obvious reasons, be it a night dive or day dive. A small light or a strobe that can double up as a flashlight if needed can be easily put in a BC pocket without you even feeling it. Available with extended battery life a light is just handy to have even when diving wrecks, in low visibility or as an emergency signaling device when diving at night.

Lastly, a dive knife. While it has been well debated, whether a Diver really needs to carry  dive knives or not as even we’ve previously touched on the subject in ‘Do I really need a Dive Knife? ‘. Weighing the pros and cons we came to the conclusion that it is always better to carry along with you at least one form of cutting tool, rather than be caught up in a situation where you wished you had one.

.

*Photo credits: photo by gjs on flickr

** Products pictured above: Fox 40 Classic Marine Whistle With Breakaway Lanyard, Oceanic P.S.D. Personal Safety Device, Tektite Xenon Strobe 200 and Blue Reef Titanium Folding Knife. All available at LeisurePro.com.

Must-Have Scuba Diving Safety Gear was written by Noreen for Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog - Bringing You The Other 70% Of Our World