Shallow Dive System for Bottom Care

[Hudson Force]

I have no doubt that this thread will include cautions posted by those aware of the dangers related to this type of activity. I welcome them and every one should take them seriously. Gas pressure injuries, carbon-monoxide poisioning and lung damage from particulates are some of the potential problems from not operating a safe system properly.

With care for these risks I purchased an oilless 120V 6 gallon air compressor that I can run from shore power at the dock or with my generator at anchor.



I attached a particulate filter / water separater to the compressor's outflow from the primary regulator with quick relaese fittings.



Attached after the filter I have a 50' air hose and a quality secondary scuba regulator.



I might find a bit of recreational application in some shallow reef areas with moorings, but my intent is to be able to casually inspect, clean, change zincs. etc. I set the primary regulator on the compressor at 125psi. There is, of course, a safety pressure release valve too.

The Porter-Cable C2002 compressor was purchase online for ca. $140. The air hose, filter & some connectors were purchased at Harbor Freight for ca. $80 (I think -'can't find receipt). I bought the used secondary regulator from a diver friend for $75. I'll need a little more weight in a belt without the tanks, but the dive wear I have, - including the hood which I find essential with all the organic bits in the soup while bottom cleaning.

I have diving experience an I'm confident with this apparatus, but please be attentive to the cautions!

[fstbttms]

DO NOT use pneumatic tool hose as breathing hose.

[cabo_sailor]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

DO NOT use pneumatic tool hose as breathing hose.

He is absolutely right. Visit a dive shop and buy what I believe is called food grade hose. We have local dive shops that will put the whole thing together for you. A lot of the local divers who clean bottoms use a similar rig,

Rich

[biker6977]

I"m an engineer in the Dental industry- designing torture chambers - we use water air seperators on the utility side- for the air the dentist is blowing in your mouth- our cost for those filters is over $200 so I'm not sure I'd trust a cheap one. Granted we must pass regulations but there's a reason for those regulations- safety.
I also met a woman that got seriously ill from using a similar get up- took her over 5 years to completely due to the respitory infection she received and the related medications to clear it up.
Be very careful- I'd hate for something to happen to you.
That being said it is very tempting to go this cheaper route and I've looked at it my self but one thing I would do is purchase a really good filter.

[fstbttms]

The air/water separator is uneccessary in a hookah. What you want is an in-line particle filter.

[a64pilot]

My Father was a Dentist, his Victor O2 reg for Nitrous was identical to my welding O2 reg, just cost about 5 times as much, probably certification and product liability costs, but still reg was identical.
Replace the hose and you will be fine, there are hundreds if not thousands of people using those cheap vibrator air compressors for breathing air.
I say replace the hose as I have no idea of what kind of chemicals a non breathing hose may or may not be off gassing, and hose just isn't that expensive.

[accomplice]

You should use food-grade hose and a particle filter. Food-grade hose doesn't have to be expensive. Also, use a harness to attach to your back where you connect the short hose and the long hose -- so as you swim along the hose doesn't try pulling from your mouth. On the hose, you may find it useful to use a color that is easily visible in water.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by accomplice

Also, use a harness to attach to your back where you connect the short hose and the long hose -- so as you swim along the hose doesn't try pulling from your mouth.

A harness is overkill.

[accomplice]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

A harness is overkill.

Yes, that's perfect. You need something, though.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by accomplice

Yes, that's perfect. You need something, though.

I know plenty of hull cleaners who simply route their air hose under their weight belt when donning that particular item. A little too ghetto for me but it works for them.

[accomplice]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

I know plenty of hull cleaners who simply route their air hose under their weight belt when donning that particular item. A little too ghetto for me but it works for them.

If they have a weight belt, sure. If one is skin diving, though....

[monte]

Is it possible to forget the compressor and simply use a long snorkel? Say a float with snorkel and 8ft of hose attached? Anyone try this or is the length of hose too difficult to breathe through? On second thought, I guess you wouldn't be expelling the air, just recirculating your breath in the line...scratch that idea !

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by monte

Is it possible to forget the compressor and simply use a long snorkel?

No. It is physically impossible to breathe through a snorkle at a depth of more than about 3'.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

No. It is physically impossible to breathe through a snorkle at a depth of more than about 3'.

If you can do it below 2", you da man. I tied it as a kid with the garden hose and never did understand why it didn't work, well at least not for a few years anyway.

[Matt sachs]

Its worth mentioning - If you take a breath on the surface and hold it while you descend and return to the surface, you will not dammage your lungs. If you take a breath while just a few feet down and hold your breath to the surface you can dammage your lungs.
Even on hooka you should be aware of the dangers.