If, by chance, you or your dive buddy run out of air, or your main regulator malfunctions, in order to safely return to the surface, backup SCUBA is the equipment we rely on.
■Safety Seconds
Two types of safety seconds are used: octopus regulator-type and octopus-inflator-type.
The octopus regulator uses a middle-pressure hose longer than that used for the main regulator with a backup second stage regulator attached. The octopus inflator employs a second stage on the BC’s inflator hose.
Octopus Regulator
Octopus Inflator
■Pony Bottle
A pony bottle is a smaller capacity tank with regulator attached. While filled with a backup supply of air, due to its limited size, it is usually appropriate only for a safe ascent and/or safety stop, and not for continuing a dive.
Backup SCUBA
