Properly selected equipment for a diver is a guarantee of its safety under water. This is especially true for devices responsible for the smooth and regular supply of breathing air. One of these elements of equipment is the octopus.
What it is?
A replacement part for the second stage of the breathing regulator is used in emergency cases. It is called an octopus (pictured). So that in a stressful situation it can be easily detected even in muddy water, it is produced in bright and contrasting colors - yellow or orange with black stripes. A long breathing hose leaves the base.
Before diving, instruction with the rules for using the octopus and training is mandatory. This allows you to accurately know the sequence of actions if necessary.
When octopus can come in handy:
- the main pulmonary machine refused to work;
- freezing occurred in the cold water of the main equipment;
- the partner ran out of air in cylinders - you can share a portion of air through your octopus;
- create an emergency cavity with air in an enclosed space (for example, in a cave);
- pumping of cargo bags.
Device
Octopus - what is it by design? With branches of the hose, it really resembles the tentacles of an octopus: octopus in translation means "octopus". The angle between the mouthpiece and the hose is 120 °, the exhalation valve has a dual mechanism with a lateral arrangement. A large angle makes it easy to transfer the octopus to another person for breathing, and the lateral direction of the valve allows you to use it in any position.
The high resistance to freezing is facilitated by the separation of the mounting surfaces, for example, the lever is located in the opposite side from the air outlet. Thus, the middle part of the octopus performs a heat-insulating function without transferring cold to the lever.
Answering the question of what it is - an octopus, you can see that its barrier compared to the first stage regulator (main) is 20 centimeters longer - about 80 cm, and the device itself is equipped with an emergency power button.
What factors should be considered when buying
The more efficient the octopus has, the better the air flow it will be able to deliver at a depth, even taking into account the low pressure in the cylinder. An important aspect is convenience: the mouthpiece should not cause discomfort when used. What else to look for when buying:
- Safety - it is important to choose a high-quality modern octopus model for diving from a well-known manufacturer.
- Climatic conditions - the water temperature during immersion affects the type of device selected.
- Load - diving at shallow depths in calm (standing) water differs from deeper water with high pressure and current. The latter requires more intense breathing.
- Maintenance - replacement of parts, lubrication, timely repair in a service center should be available.
Types of Octopus
By design, octopuses are:
By type of connection:
According to the principle of work:
Balanced provides easier breathing at depths and a larger volume of supplied air if necessary (blowing a wetsuit, supplying a second scuba diver). Studying the question of what is octopus and which one to stop your first choice, you can contact the instructors at a specialized diving center. They will help you choose the suitable one from the requirements of the conditions of use and level of training of the diver.
Manufacturers
The main manufacturers of octopus are companies that produce diving equipment:
- Aqua lung - France;
- Mares (Italy);
- Apeks (Great Britain);
- Scubapro (Italy);
- Oceanic (USA);
- Hollis (USA);
- Subgear (Germany).
Where to buy
Good stores provide an opportunity to test the octopus when buying. Addresses of the nearest trading establishments can be found on the Internet according to reviews. It is better to buy this serious item in the online store, taking into account the provision of warranty service. As long as the octopus has not been tested under real conditions of immersion, nothing can be said about how it will behave and work.
As a rule, the largest diving equipment stores have their own sites, so even if there is no branch in the city you can make a purchase through the Internet with delivery.
The purchased device must be properly assembled and maintained. It will be possible to do it yourself only according to the clear instructions that are attached to the product, or you will have to give the octopus to specialists working in the field of diving equipment, or store employees. We should not forget that the octopus belongs to the life support system, and its selection, purchase, assembly and maintenance should be taken very seriously.
Price
The cost of an octopus depends on its type, purpose (working conditions, winter or summer diving) and the manufacturer. On average, its price fluctuates around 7000-14000 rubles.
Reviews
If the octopus is correctly selected taking into account all factors, then buyers pay attention to ease of use and convenience. Aqua Lung is the leader in this category of octopus reviews. Some consumers urge not to make a difference when buying between DIN and Yoke, since there are convenient adapter brackets, and many companies have begun to make universal valves that transform into DIN.
Divers note such an interesting fact that the choice of equipment in the stores of Vladivostok is better and the prices there are lower than in stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
All buyers agree that if they had to use an octopus, then a critical situation occurred and it was necessary to rise to the surface. Long and continuous use of this equipment should be excluded.