Surface supply diving uses air from the surface to help the diver. The standard procedures for surface supply diving are very similar to those used in scuba diving. Many of these procedures are the same for all divers, but some are unique to specific equipment and diving tasks. These procedures may differ slightly for surface supply divers, as well as those who are not certified to use scuba gear.
Diver's umbilical
The Diver's umbilical is the primary connection between the diver and the surface supply diving system. It carries the primary breathing gas from the surface to the diver's apparatus. You can attach the umbilical directly to the diver or via a bell panel.
The umbilical connects diving mask to the top and includes a number of devices to ensure divers are comfortable and safe. Some of these devices could include a communications cable, a pneumofathometer and a hot water suit. These components allow divers to monitor their depths and supply additional air in an emergency.
Diver's demand-valve
The Diver’s demand Valve is designed for increasing the pressure of air used in surface supply diving. This pressure can cause a diver to breathe more slowly and deeper than he would without the demand valve. Regardless of whether the diver is conscious, the pressure in the air can change significantly during a dive. This can increase the work of breathing, as well as the hydrostatic pressure and cracking pressure. These changes do not affect the oxygen supply to the lungs. By increasing the pressure, the diver's respiratory system can be more efficient at removing carbon dioxide from the air, and this improves the quality of their breathing.
Divers typically inhale through the demand valve. A regulator controls the main supply of air. The regulator is usually attached to the diver's mouthpiece and fitted with a single-hose hose. If the diver uses an dual-hose regulator, then the demand valve is attached to the cylinder outlet. The demand valve is activated when the diver breathes. It will provide gas to remote mouthpiece at ambient temperature.
Saturation spread
Surface supply diving requires a pressurized environment. You have two options: a saturation system, or a "saturation spreading". Saturation dive is when divers are put under pressure by a saturation accommodation and then returned to the surface using a helium-based gas mixture.
Saturation diving can be used most often offshore, near production or drilling platforms, and within the context of salvage operations. To perform this type of dive, it is important to have precise positioning during the dive. This is usually done using a special diving support vessel or other suitable vessel. A reliable system is required for dynamic positioning.
Diver's fitness-to dive exam
Before diving in surface supply, divers must have a thorough fitness-todive examination. The AMED, a medical examiner for divers, will perform the examination. This will determine if there are any conditions that could affect their diving ability. The examination can be valid for up 12 months and must always be renewed. At the time of renewal, the diver will also have to take a fitness test.
Dive certification agencies specify the medical exam standards. Some agencies require a medical practitioner to perform the exam, while others leave it up to the individual to do the exam. These standards are almost always the same between different agencies. These standards are often based on the standards for professional divers. However, they may be slightly relaxed to decrease the incidence of diving-related medical conditions.
Divers equipment
Surface supply diving equipment is very similar to deep diving equipment. The major difference is the gas used. The gas panel controls the gas supply for surface supply diving. Because of this, the tank's pressure is not adjusted automatically when the depth drops. Some surface supply diving helmets come with an extra feature called a dial-a-breath system, which allows the diver to adjust their tank's gas levels.
Apart from the tank, divers will also require a set of voice communication equipment to communicate with the surface. These devices can be connected to the full-face helmet or mask by an umbilical cord. Before diving, make sure to check the function and sound quality of the cable.