Hookah, SCUBA, Breathe underwater?

Roger Long · May 3, 2011

Do a careful search. I've forgotten the details but at least one online seller has been putting together industrial components into a dangerous package. If you go even 12" underwater breathing compressed air, you need training. I suggest you start this inquiry at a dive shop.

dscribner · May 3, 2011

I'm with Roger, no really. We both sail in Casco Bay. Besides that, as tempting as a hooka is to me, they scare me a little. There was a thread on the same subject a while back. One person said that he knew a fellow that died because he used a compressor that wasn't oil free. Not sure what that means but it makes sense that if machine oil was atomized and ingested into your lungs, it might make for a very short work day. I don't know besides that.

Be careful; don't be a statistic.

Paul Curzon · May 3, 2011

I have been enquiring into this and not being a swimming or diving expert, i have been recomended to look at the " Pony Kit" a 2 valve regulator with a small 20-30mins air tank, which should be sufficient in an issue to go and have a look at the gear underneath

Joe Diver · May 3, 2011

If you're gonna do it, buy a quality unit made for it, like a Snuba or something, and as mentioned, get training. You might as well just use the proper equipment for underwater work. (Scuba gear)

I'm a PADI Instructor, and I'm telling you...your life depends on being trained. The underwater world is a harsh environment that humans cannot survive in without special equipment and training. Cut corners and it may kill you.

Samaral · May 3, 2011

If you buy a cheep one, just make sure all material is non-toxic.

Rag Bagger · May 3, 2011

I have been a certified diver for many years. Do not try to be a Do-It-Yourself when it comes to diving safety. What you are speaking of, is a compressor that uses no oil to lubricate its piston. The system needs to be of a material that will not rust so that is not introduced into your lungs. Stay with a commerical made system designed to be used for this operation. I have a small electric system I just purchased from another boater for only $300.00 complete. Systems are out ther, you just need to look but stay away from the home made ones.

Steve Dion · May 3, 2011

Answer to your prayers?

Stu Jackson · May 3, 2011

I've heard these discussions all over the web for the past 15 years. I still fail to understand why anyone would go to that sort of risk when a snorkel set and a hold tight would do just as well for cleaning off the bottom of a boat.

fstbttms · May 3, 2011

Stephen Trapani said:
Can someone please point me to the best source of the low cost compressor, etc set up for "diving" no more than six feet to work on one's hull? I understand there is a set up that can work off 12V? I know there is some debate about the safety of the cheaper set up, but when last I investigated it, the cheaper set up seemed sufficiently safe if a few crucial safety precautions were taken.

Take it from someone who uses a hookah every day to earn his living; this is what you want

http://www.supersnorkel.com/modelSSE.htm

jackhartjr · May 3, 2011

Properly trained...when something goes wrong...even at one foot deep...you will be able to handle the problem.
Not trained...if something goes wrong...you may DIE!
Simple...isn't it!
Jack

gettinthere · May 3, 2011

listen to fast

I've been researching hooka's for about 3 years. He continually hits the nail on the head.

The 12 volt units are not worth messing with. You'd be better off buying a honda 2K genset & a 110 volt model

BobM · May 3, 2011

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/oilmist/recognition.html

My 2c? Invest in the right equipment to do it safely...or save money somewhere else in your sailing budget.

Personally I may try one of these http://www.dridiver.com/ if we all have to kick the copper habit and go with a hard non-toxic coating and a lot of scrubbing.

fstbttms · May 3, 2011

BobM said:
Personally I may try one of these http://www.dridiver.com/ ...

Don't get me started...

Brian D · May 4, 2011

I got my diving certification just to clean the bottom of my boat. Recreational diving was secondary. The class laughed at me but the instructor said "a wise choice". Go and get certified and use a tank on the dock if you want, but get the certification.