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Frequently Asked Questions About Surface Supplied Air. (SSA)
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What does the word, "hookah" mean and why is it used?
1. Q. What exactly is the concept of SSA?
A. Air from a low-pressure compressor at the surface pumps air through a hose and demand second stage regulator system directly to the divers below. Virtually no gear is worn and the divers have a lifeline to the surface with the hose system and a belt that secures the hose and regulator to the body. Top
2. Q. How long will the engines run?
A. Running time on the XL gas-powered models will be three hours on 2-1/2 qts gas. On the R-3 models: 1-3/4 hrs on 1.3 qts, regardless of the number of participants on either. Top
3. Q. Do the motors require an oil gas mix?
A. No. They are four-cycle engines and take unleaded gas with a pump octane rating of 86 or above. Top
4. Q. Are the compressors oil lubricated?
A. No. A Teflon cup on an aluminum piston pulsates inside the cylinder sleeve precluding the need for even rings and seals. Bearings are sealed and grease cannot enter the breathing system. Top
5. Q. What keeps exhaust fumes out of the breathing air?
A. Lawyers and the fear thereof. Mechanically, however, a vertical snorkel draws air in 30 inches above the compressor. Exhaust is shot away horizontally on the opposite side. The way the unit floats, the exhaust will always seek the down wind position. Systems are approved for breathing according to Compressed Gas Association standards. Top
6. Q. What depths can I reasonably expect on an Air Line?
The XL models will support two to a depth of 85', three to 60 feet, four to 40. The R-3 models will support two to 70 feet, three to 40. The systems are primarily designed for second atmosphere, recreational diving. (Be wary of claims. The claims of single down hose systems generally apply to professional divers----in an aquarium----skip breathing) Top
7. Q. What length are the hoses?
A. They are all arbitrarily 60 feet to encourage diving within no-decompression limits. We will, however, customize lengths for certain applications such as deck mounting. It is important to understand that each diver has an independent 60 foot down line on an Air Line instead of a single down line. You will get more air through two, three or four hoses than you will through one; Common-Sense 101. There are safety factors involved also. We can discuss these through e-mail or a telephone call. Top
8. Q. Won't a salty environment cause the equipment to rust?
A. It would without a few simple care procedures. The gas-powered compressors are marinized and require no pre-dive procedures. The engines need a bit more attention. When new, thoroughly coat with a marine protectant, such as, Boeshield T-9. After the dive day, a fresh water bath will rinse away accumulated salt, followed by a light touch-up of the protectant. Top
9. Q. Is training needed?
A. Yes. Knowledge of the pertinent laws of physics is essential. Although easier to use as no gear is worn, you are still subject to the same physical laws. BCDs are not discouraged but they are not as critical, as the weight of air in a Scuba cylinder is not being consumed. Snorkel vests are an option but remember, you are connected to the surface float through the hose system. Top
10. Q. If the engine runs out of gas, what happens?
A. You are encouraged to come up. Silliness aside, the hoses are under pressure and supply a reservoir of air for safe, unstressed ascent. You will be aware when the engine stops as each succeeding breath will require slightly more effort. As you may know, the air in the hoses will naturally increase in volume as you rise. The soundest recommendation is for the participants, or at least the dive leader, to carry an independent, back-up air supply such as a Spare Air. (See the Accessories section) Top
11. Q. Are the floating models stable when the sea gets choppy?
A. Yes, but three or four footers are the suggested maximum. when you feel a surge on the hose you will know it's time to call it a day, or at least, go to the surface to evaluate the situation. Top
12. Q. Do the floats tow easily?
A. Yes. The divers being free of gear experience the freedom of snorkelers. Otherwise, the hoses being under pressure will arch gracefully down so the floats are not being pulled awkwardly. The task of towing is shared by at least two anyway. They should never be towed behind a boat except at slow idle. They will sink (no relation). Top
13.Q. How much separation can I expect on the Air Line's individual 60 foot hoses against Brownie's Third Lung's single down hose with individual 20 foot whips?
**The chart indicates what you can expect in separation and freedom, at depth, by using individual hoses. For instance: At 2nd atmosphere (33 feet) you would be able to explore up to 109 feet apart.
At any depth, on a BTL, your separation would always be just 40 feet. ** Top
14. Q. What is the advantage of the BTL single down hose?
It might look like a cleaner configuration for pictures, but is that what you're buying it for? (Excuse the answering a question with a question) (Als o it's less expensive to provide only one hose.)
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15. Q. What then, are the advantages to individual hoses?
A.1. Simple, common sense physics to start. You will get more breathable air delivered through multiple hoses than through one.
A.2. The aforementioned separation (13.Q.), which equates to freedom (See, also, next answer).
A.3. Imagine being at a depth of say 60 feet around some coral, wreck or rock formations. With the floating, individual hoses you can easily maneuver about unobstructed. On the one down hose at 60 feet, the 20 foot whips will be effectively horizontal, restricting movement to follow-the-leader.
A.4. Let's talk SAFETY! At 60 feet on individual hoses, if one diver needs to reach the surface for any reason, he/she can calmly do so, hand-over-hand to the security of the float or boat. On the single hose, the stressed diver can only ascend 40 feet, the total of the two 20 foot whips. At that point he/she would have to jettison the towing belt, with the regulator, and swim the remaining 20 feet to the surface.
A.5. More on SAFETY. In the event of equipment failure, there will be a small reserve of air trapped in the hoses. On individual hoses, each diver has an independent reservoir.
On the single down hose, all divers must share the air from the one hose.
A.6. It costs us more to build so we have less profit to pay taxes on. (Naw! Toss this one out) Top
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