Introduction to Hookah Diving

There are two air supply sys- a l l y "an entity unto h i m s e l f , " by a portable gasoline engine or tems that are used for underwater since he carries his life giving air electric motor, and the air is d i v i n g a c t i v i t i e s . One system, supply on his back at all times. He delivered to the diver via a floatknown as Self Contained can go anywhere he chooses, com- ing air hose. With the Hookah Underwater Breathing Apparatus pletely f r e e o f a n y t i e s w i the t h system, the diver has an unlimit(SCUBA), involves the use of high world topside. ed and nearly "cost free" air suppressure metal tanks which are There are many times when an p l y w h i c h w i l l o n l y s t o p f l o w i n g worn on the diver's back while underwater diver does not need when the engine or motor that diving. The equipment used in the total freedom that is afforded powers the compressor ceases to SCUBA diving is quite technical in by the SCUBA air system, partic- o p e r a t e . T h i s m a k e s f o r a t r u l y nature, and SCUBA gear should not ularly in cases in which the diver economical air system, which will be used by persons who have not is submerged in a limited area for quickly pay for itself when combecome a certified diver involving long periods of time. pared to the cost of refilling a expensive, specialized i n s t r u c F o r these applications, the SCUBA tanks every hour or so. tion. Without a certification card "Hookah" (Surface Air Supply) The only operating cost for a indicating completion of such a was invented. The The Hookah air H o o k a h s y s t e m i s f u e since l, the course, you cannot purchase com- system uses no high pressure airvast majority of Hookah comprespressed air. tanks of the type worn on a diver's sor units are gasoline powered. Of course, the SCUBA air sys- back. Instead, it uses a small air It is not uncommon to get two tem has its advantages as well. compressor A which is located at the hours diving time on a single gald i v e r u s i n g S C U B A g e a r i s l i t e rsurface. It is commonly powered lon of gas, which shows just how

economical the Hookah air system recommended that at least a 40 allow for increased exertion. can be. m i c r o n f i l t e r be i n c l u d e d to If a diver is breathing at a Most Hookah divers will have remove any solid particles that normal rate (light exertion), the a p a r t n e r w o r k i n g " t o p s i d e " a sm aa y o c c u r . T h i s t y p e o f H o o kp arh essure relief valve will occas a f e t y m a n , a n d h e c a n r e f i l l tc ho em p r e s s o r s contains sealed sionally "pop off" and shoot out a engine's gas tank as it starts get-b e a r i n g s r a t h e r than o i l f o r burst of air. This is normal, as it ting low. This will enable the lubrication which can contami- prevents excess buildup of presdiver to stay submerged so long as nate t h e a i r s u p p l y . M o comst sure in the compressor head. If a he desires. p r e s s o r s u t i l i z e an o i l bath d i v e r i s b r e a t h i n g h e a v i l y a n d i s l u b r i c a t i o n system which w i l l under physical exertion, he will THE AIR COMPRESSOR contaminate the air supply. be demanding all of the volume and The Hookah air system begins Hookah compressors operate pressure that the compressor can at the diver's a i r compressor. at a relatively low pressure. The deliver. In this case, the pressure Hookah compressors are small, maximum pressure available relief valve will rarely i f, e v e r from the higher capacity models discharge excess p r e s s u r e or is about 125 pounds per square "pop off." inch. The higher the operating The type of Hookah comprespressure, the lower the air out sor - that is required for a given put. Consistently high operating diving operation is dependent upon p r e s s u r e s ( u n l e s s the u n i t the extent of underwater physical s p e c i f i c a l l y designed for h i g h exertion, the depth, and the numpressure use) will shorten the ber of divers that are connected to l i f e of the c o m p r e s s o r by a the system. A single diver under noticeable degree. Conversely, light exertion at shallow depths the LOWER the operating pres- will require a relatively small sure, the greater the air outpu air t , output that is measured in and the longer the compressor "cubic feet p e r m i n u t e , " or life. A compressor should not be "CFM". The same diver under Typical Hookah Air Compressor operated at high pressures unless heavy exertion will require addiModel T-80 a diver intends to be submerged at tional air at a slightly higher lightweight, and of simple design. greater depths. If a diver is pressure and volume. They are commonly constructed of working at depths of 33 feet or If more than one diver is conan aluminum alloy, and utilize l ea s s , h e w i l l n e e d o n l y 3 0 t o nected 40 to an air system, or if divrubber diaphragm as the means of pounds per square inch for optiing at greater than normal depths, air displacement. There are also mum operation of his regulator. more air volume at higher prescompressors that use a "piston" Most Hookah c o m p r e s s o r s sures may be required. arrangement to displace air and have a built in "pressure relief these types g e n e r a l l y d e l i v e r valve" which prevents excessive THE AIR RESERVE TANK more air at higher pressures than pressure from building up in the The next major component in the diaphragm models. The moving compressor head when the diver the Hookah a i r system is the parts inside a Hookah compressor i s o n l y m a k i n g a s m a l l " d e m a n reserve d" tank. This very important are lubricated with Teflon for the on the compressor. This valve is piece of equipment performs four life of the unit, and need no addiusually preset at the factory at vital functions: tional lubrication; to do so may approximately 50 p.s.i., which The reserve tank operates as actually damage the compressor. w i l l give the average diver at an air ``reservoir," that supplies The air that is delivered by t sh hia sl l o w depths enough a i r to a constant volume of air at all type of Hookah compressor is operate his regulator while leav- t i m e s . If, you are diving under p u r e , o i l f r e e a i r . I t i s h o w eing v e r enough pressure left over to heavy exertion and demanding a

Air Reserve Tank Model RT-1 greater amount of air, the large volume of air in the reserve tank w i l l s u p p l y the r e s e r v e a i r r e q u i r e d . I f y o u w e r e b r e a t h i n g Typical air system for one diver, including air hose, reserve tank, regulator, harness, and connector hose to compressor directly from compressor itself, food grade vinyl wrapped with a y o u r rate of i n h a l a t i o n might an even flow of air. A n d f i n a l l y , t h e m o s t i m p o r nylon webbing reinforcement and actually surpass the air volume tant function of all. The reserve covered with a heavy duty PVC provided by the compressor, and abrasion resistant wall. Hookah you would not get a sufficient tank will contain enough pressurized air to give the diver a couplehose is designed to prevent kinkamount of air. The reserve tank functions asof minutes breathing time, should ing and collapsing that could prea cooling and condensation vessel.his compressor, or engine failure vent the flow of air being shut off A quality Hookah hose will be run out of fuel. Equipment breakFew divers realize it, but the air emerging from a Hookah com- down is not a pleasant thing to colored a bright yellow or orange, consider while working underwa- for a high degree of visibility. It pressor is quite hot, and can actually reach temperatures as high ter, but is always a possibility. will also float, so that any excess I n t h e e v e n t o f a n e n g i n e f a i lh uo rs ee n o t a c t u a l l y b e i n g u s e d w i l l as 190 degrees. As the a i r enters the the without a reserve tank in the sys- float on the surface, completely away from the diver, reducing the tem, a diver could experience a n reserve tank, i t w i l l e x p a n d a n d cool. This expansion process will immediate loss of air that could possibility of entanglements on also condense most of the water lead to desperation and panic. Any t h e b o t t o m . F o r e x a m p l e , i f y o u experienced diver will tell you, are diving in ten feet of water but contained in the compressed air. of using a thirty foot length of Hookah compressors, because of that panic is the leading cause are air hose, the excess twenty feet drowning incidents. their small size, do not have t he will float on the surface, comcapability to remove the moisture pletely away from you. from the a i r and hence, they THE AIR HOSE The next component in the A quality Hookah air will not deliver air with an appreciable Hookah air system is the air hose. impart any "flavoring" to the air, moisture content. The expansion Hookah air hose is made of a spe-and should meet FDA and process in the reserve tank allows the water to condense, ensuring cial vinyl plastic construction, is OSHA requirements. that the diver breaths less mois-resistant to the effects of o i l , gasoline and sunlight that exists THE REGULATOR ture in the air. in the environment. The regulator is an oral resThe reserve tank also supC o n v e n t i o n a l r u b b e r hose piration device that is worn in the presses surges from the comshould never be used fo diving, r divers mouth. The regulator regp r e s s o r or any t e m p o r a r y because it will gradually deterio- ulates the amount of air that is decrease in running speed. Often a the compressor's engine will runrate and become toxic. Hookah r e c e i v e d b y t h e d i v e r e a c h t i m e Because the divers uneven due to moisture in the hose commonly has an i n s i d e he inhales. diameter of 3/8ths. of an inch. It nose is covered by his face mask, gasoline. The reserve tank can compensate for this by delivering is constructed of an inner liner of air must be inhaled through the

SCUBA regulator, but who wishes t e r o f t h e d i v e r b 's ack when the to use it for Hookah applications, harness is worn. The back plate must take his regulator to a com- holds a "check valve," which acts petent dive shop or repair station as a "junction point" for the air and get the regulator converted hose and the regulator. Since the over for low pressure use; he air hose terminates at the diver's should not attempt to do it himself. back, it p r e v e n t s p o t e n t i a l The conversion can be made by entanglements around the diver's installing a set of low tension body. springs which will give maximum efficiency when operated at low 2. The regulator intake hose that Hookah pressures. A dive shop or attaches to the check valve preTypical Hookah Air Regulator and r e p a i r s t a t i o n w i l l a l s o h a v e t h e vents any pulling motion from the Harness Model HR-2 necessary test gauges, etc., to regulator while working underdivers mouth . make certain the adaptation has water. For example; if a diver There are two types of diving been effective. were moving around underwater r e g u l a t o r s , those designed for A Hookah regulator is entirely and inadvertently came to the end SCUBA use and those designed for different from a SCUBA regulator. of the air hose, the harness would Hookah applications. A SCUBA It consists of a "second stage" absorb the shock and the regulator regulator is designed for use with only, w h i c h i s f e d d i r e c t from ly and would not be jerked from the SCUBA a air tank, and delivers the output of the reserve tank via diver's mouth. maximum efficiency w h e n o p e r - the a i r h o s e . T h e r e a r e valve no ated at a pressure exceeding 100 assemblies of the type that are 3. T h e c h e c k v a l v e t h a t i s f o u n d p.s.i. They require a "first stage" used with SCUBA tanks. Hookah on the back plate performs the valve assembly, attached to the regulators employ a "tilt," or third very vital function. It acts SCUBA tank. The function of t h e valve, which delivers a full as a "safety gate" by shutting down "pin" f i r s t stage is to reduce the air flow to the diver at a pressure the air system, allowing the air to extremely high pressure of the as low as 30 p.s.i. This type of travel in only in one direction. a i r in the SCUBA tank f r o m regulator is specifically designedShould a burst or leak occur in the a p p r o x i m a t e l y2 , 2 5 0 p . s . i . to for use with low pressure Hookah air line somewhere between the approximately 180 p.s.i. This compressors. Hookah regulators, output of the compressor and the pressure then goes to the "second as are all modern regulators, areinput of the check valve, it could stage," which is the part that is of the single hose, "demand" type. prevent a vacuum occurring in worn in the diver's mouth. The A "demand" regulator works on the a mouthpiece of the regulator or second stage of a SCUBA regulator r e l a t i v e l y low volume of a i r , cause a diver to breath in a large has a spring loaded "downstream" since it only has to deliver air as amount of water that could cause valve which delivers the correc t diver breathes, or "demands" the panic. Never, ever, dive withamount of air to the diver when it.. out a harness and check valve!" driven by an air pressure ranging from 100 to 250 p.s.i. THE HARNESS INCIDENTAL ACCESSORIES, A prospective Hookah diver A regulator should not be used HOSES, H I N T S , P R E C A U must realize that SCUBA regulafor Hookah diving unless it is in TIONS: tors CANNOT be used for Hookah conjunction with a "chest h a r One accessory hose item you applications without special mod- ness." The harness serves three will need is a short length of hose ifications. A typical Hookah com-principle functions: for routing the air output from pressor operates in an average the compressor to the input of the pressure range of 30 to 50 p.s.i., 1. It keeps the air hose from getreserve tank. The type of hose which is not enough pressure to ting in the diver's way when he is that is needed depends upon the drive the spring loaded down- working underwater. The harness c o m p r e s s o r you are using. stream valve of a SCUBA regulahas a "back plate" which is autoDiaphragm models that operate in tor. A diver who already owns matically a positioned over the cen- the 30 to 50 p.s.i. range use a

simple hose connector that is and compressor unit. engine and compressor maintemade of hookah air hose. Always install a long extennance, and should always keep his The high pressure, high volume s i o n o n t h e i n t a k e o f y o u r c o equipment min top condition. If you piston c o m p r e s s o r s that are pressor to avoid the possibility of take proper care of your equipcapable of delivering pressure of contamination of Carbon Monoxide ment, it will give you many years 100 p.s.i., require a connector Gas from the engine exhaust sys- of trouble free service. Knowing made of special certified "heat tem. The air intake of a compreshow to work on your own equipresistant steam" hose, due to the sor must tower over the engine ment will also come in handy, fact that these models discharge e x h a u s t a t a s u f f i c i e n t h e i g h t should or you e x p e r i e n c e any air at higher temperatures. distance to avoid intake of engine mechanical failure on a diving When setting up a Hookah airexhaust gas. If this gas is inhaled trip. It is a good idea to carry system, you will frequently needeven in small quantities for short a l o n g s o m e s p a r e p a r t s f o r y o u r an array of metal fittings. For p e r i o d s , it can cause s e v e r e air compressor, and the necesuse around water, you should use h e a d a c h e s a n d p o s s i b l y r e s u l t i sary n tools to make repairs. stainless steel or brass fittings sickness. I n l a r g e r q u a n t i t i e s i t All of the basic "rules of the o n l y . T h i s i s e s p e c i a l l y i m p ocan r - kill you, so please be careful! deep" that apply to SCUBA diving If you are using Hookah also apply to Hookah diving as tant when diving in salt water. equipment around salt water, be well. Fittings made of ferrous metal sure to rinse off all your compowill rust or corrode when used nents w i t h f r e s h w a t e r a f t e r - UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES in, or near a water environment. wards. This includes your regu- SHOULD YOU DIVE ALONE.! If your Hookah compressor is l a t o r , d i v i n g mask, h a r n e s s , Always Hookah dive with a metal fittings, and air hose (flush powered by a gasoline engine, partner who owns his own reguit out on the inside as well as out- lator, harness, and air hose. make every effort to ensure that side). A salt water environment the engine exhaust (which conMake sure that his or her t a i n s deadly carbon monoxide will quickly corrode aluminum parts such as: Hookah compresequipment as well as yours is gas), is always placed DOWNattached to the air system at all WIND from the compressor. This sors and gasoline engines. It is advisable to keep all metal comtimes. If you were to experience will help prevent exhaust from being accidentally pulled into the ponents f r e s h l y painted and underwater problems, your "divcompressor's air inlet. Always cleaned to avoid excess corrosion. i n g p a r t n e r " s h o u l d b e a v a i l a b l e If you are using a gasoline to come to your immediate assisuse a snorkel extension on any compressor that can elevate the powered compressor always shut tance. intake of the air supply away of the engine before attempting to Even though no formal from engine exhaust contami- refuel. D o not attempt to r e f i l l the engine's gas tank while the instruction is required to nates. use Hookah equipment, we Never use a gasoline poweredengine is still running, as this compressor in confined areas, will increase the possibility of strongly recommend that all s p i l l i n g gasoline onto a hot divers should take a such as underneath p i e r s , in engine, which could result in a CERTIFIED SCUBA course close, narrow grottos, etc. Th is at your local county or divwill prevent the exhaust gases potential fire or cause an explosion. ing supply store. from dissipating into the atmosA diver should always surface phere safely. Also, never dive in You should also read books on an area where there is little ven- and shut off the engine first prior the subject of underwater diving tilation or air movement. Take to refueling and allow time for the engine to cool down. Always use a safety and study them thoroughly. special precautions when diving funnel for refilling the gas tank, This will further familiarize you in areas where the a i r is with the "rules of the deep." e x t r e m e l y s t i l l , as dead a i r or a special spillproof gas conspaces, or poor ventilation can tainer to prevent spillage. Every Hookah d i v e r should cause exhaust gases to linger in understand the basic rudiments of the immediate area of the engine

WARNING CARBON MONOXIDE GAS

If you're considering diving with a "Hookah Compressor" , It is most important that you become aware of Potential Danger associated with exhaust emissions. We place a caution label on the engine, warning of dangerous engine fumes and also illustrate further warning in " Introduction to Hookah Diving" and Safety in Gold Dredging that is issued with the purchase of all diving equipment. WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE GAS? Carbon Monoxide is an invisible odorless gas which gives no warning of its presence. It is the product of the incomplete burning of any material such as ; Oil Gasoline, Wood, Coal, etc. that contains carbon. WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE? Carbon Monoxide deprives the blood of its ability to carry oxygen throughout; the body. When Carbon Monoxide is inhaled , it chemically combines with hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in the blood. Even if there is plenty of oxygen in the air, hemoglobin combines much more readily with Carbon Monoxide than with oxygen. As the oxygen level of the blood is reduced, the heart must pump faster in an effort to supply sufficient amounts of oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. When the brain does not receive enough oxygen, symptoms of headache, dizziness and mental confusion occur. Further exposure to the gas causes lack of coordination, weakness and nausea. The final effect of excessive exposure are convulsions, coma and death. Needless to say, we cannot emphasize strongly enough that caution must be excersized. Never dive alone, never dive in an enclosed area, or in an area where good ventilation is not eminent such as; under piers, narrow grottos, under heavily overgrown brush or trees or in any area where a good breeze does not occur. Always make an effort to position your air unit to allow the prevailing breeze to carry any exhaust emissions away from the air intake of the compressor. Remember, Carbon Monoxide is the product of incomplete burning of gasoline and oil, so it most important to keep your unit properly running and clean. Never allow gasoline to overfill or spill anywhere near engine and compressor. THE SAFETY AIR SNORKEL DOES NOT ELIMINATE CARBON MONOXIDE GAS, IT ONLY AIDS IN THE REDUCTION OF FUMES. ALL THE SAFETY CAUTIONS MUST BE OBSERVED !

SNAP FIT 1/4" NYLON NUT AND WASHER

REMOVE AIR FILTER FROM THE AIR COMPRESSOR AND INSTALL IN THE TOP OF THE AIR SNORKEL 1/4-20 X 2" BOLT ALUMINUM SNORKELSUPPORTS #10-24 X 2.5" BOLT ALUMINUM SPACER SNORKEL SLIDES INSIDE THE COMPRESSOR INTAKE

STABILIZING BRACKET

#10-24 X 1/5 PHILLIP PAN HEAD

#10 NUTS

Optional Recommended Air filter (CDAF)

A4 THIS IS THE AIR SUPPLY COMING FROM THE H.P. COMPRESSOR

A5C RT9S AND RT25S STAINLESS STEEL TANK HC1ST A2 1/4 F X 1/2M

A5C

A5C A5G

A8

1/4 F X 1/2M A5E

TO AIR LINES

Air intakes are re-located to reduce the chance of Carbon Monoxide intake

CDAF A4

A8

A8 A5 F A5C A5C 1/4 F X 1/2M A5G A8 TO AIR LINES

High temperature hose (HC1ST) must be used on the out put of the 263 Air Compressors The 263 Compressors run Hot and can Heat up standard air hose on blow the ends off.

1/4" M BRASS PETCOCK ALLOWS DRAINAGE OF THE CONDENSATION FROM THE RESERVE TANK

263/265 COMPRESSOR TANK CONFIGURATION 2 OR 3 DIVERS (RT 9 OR RT 25)

A5E

A8

263G & 263GH

Remote air intakes reduce the chance of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning