New Jersey Scuba Diving

Regulators - Hose Protectors

regulator

Hose protectors are those funny rubbery tubes that fit over the ends of your air hoses. Their purpose is to prevent the hose from being bent sharply at the connector, which will eventually cause it to fail. However, they are practically impossible to put on. Here's a hint that makes it easy:

Soak the hose protector for a few minutes in not-quite-boiling water. This will make it much more soft and pliable. Then fish it out and jam it onto the hose quickly before it cools and hardens. Be careful not to get water in the hose orifice. Maybe I'm slow, but it took me quite a while to figure out this simple trick.

Some people claim that hose protectors promote corrosion of the metal hose fittings beneath. My experience is that if you clean your gear properly after every dive, this is not an issue, and in any case, the soft rubber of the hose is far more at risk than the hard stainless steel of the connector.

Another use for a hose protector is as a cap for a spear point.

Pony & Stage Bottles & Mounts

bracket

Having said all that about doubles, there are still times when it makes more sense to dive "lite". Out of the water, double tanks are very heavy and cumbersome, which makes them practical only for boat entries, where you simply have to stagger across the deck and fall overboard. At other times, and in less deep situations, you can maintain a safe redundant air supply using a much lighter "pony bottle" - a small tank of 20-40 cubic feet, weighing only about 10-20 lbs, with its own regulator that is used only in an emergency. Some of the situations where this configuration is useful to include medium-depth dives, 40-80 ft, training and practice dives ( especially in the quarry, where it is possible to reach quite deep water from the shore ), and excursions to the tropics.

Larger pony bottles ( 40-50 cf ) are also useful as "swing bottles" for carrying special decompression mixes, while the smaller ones are small enough to actually take with you when you travel. Most airlines will allow it in checked baggage if you remove the valve. This is very useful since many tropical destinations are not equipped to provide the kind of safety equipment that we take for granted here. The smallest pony bottles are really not big enough to get you out of trouble on a deep Jersey dive, however.

More: Pony & Stage Bottles & Mounts ...

Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

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