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the octopus regulator should be at least 10 centimeters (4 inches) longer than a standard regulator hose. The octopus regulator is inexpensive, convenient, and easy to use. However, it is not a source of air separate from your scuba cylinder, so your remaining air supply is depleted much faster when it is in emergency use by another diver and yourself. Another type of alternate air source is a combination regulator and power-inflator for your buoyancy compensator that fits on its power-inflator hose (figure 2-21). These units eliminate the extra hose for an octopus regulator and are easy to locate in case of an emergency. The air donor typically uses this alternate air source and gives their primary air source to the other diver. Contingency Scuba Contingency scuba or true alternate air sources provide a totally independent regulator and air supply. The two main types of contingency scuba are: • A pony bottle, which is a small scuba cylinder with a separate regulator (figure 2-22). Pony bottles are commonly used by wreck divers and divers who dive deep. Chapter 2- Diving Equipment • A smaller cylinder with an integrated first and second stage mounted directly on the cylinder (figure 2-23). Contingency scuba provides an excellent backup for yourself if you and your buddy get separated under water. However, contingency scuba adds additional expense to your scuba equipment as well as extra bulk and weight. Position of the Alternate Mouthpiece The mouthpiece for your alternate air source should be located on the front of your body (figure 2-24). The mouthpiece for your alternate air source must be visible, easy to identify, and available for immediate use when it is needed. An alternate air source will not do you or your buddy any good if it cannot be located immediately during an emergency. Gauges Divers must rely on gauges and instruments to tell them depth, bottom time, direction, and air supply, just as a pilot relies on instrumentation to fly a plane. The gauges and instruments can be integrated into a console or worn separately. A dive console streamlines your gauges into one unit. The console is an enclosure molded with slots to hold a submersible pressure gauge, depth gauge, and sometimes a compass. Diving Equipment 27 FIGURE 2-22. SMALL SCUBA CYLINDERS WITH THEIR OWN REGULATOR ARE CALLED PONY BOTTLES. FIGURE 2-23. THIS IS ANOTHER TYPE OF CONTINGENCY SCUBA.


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