For a review of top hookah diving systems click here:
Scuba diving has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 40 years. As it has expanded as a recreation into more and more technical areas, the equipment and training needs have also increased dramatically. Many divers are moving back into the simpler and relatively less sophisticated technology provided in hookah diving. It is a less cumbersome way to have the fun of diving to explore and discover the underwater world, or just to take care of hull scraping and other boat maintenance or to quickly be able to jump in to retrieve a stuck anchor without spending 20 minutes to gear up.
Hookah Diving
What is Hookah Diving? Simply put, hookah diving involves the use of a low pressure compressor on a platform feeding air down to the diver through a hose to a regulator worn by the diver. This is a dynamic system. It is also possible to achieve a similar result with a static system by using a tank of air to replace the compressor, but this would imply a limited supply of air.
Run Time: With a hookah system time limits are extended to the amount of fuel available and to no decompression limits. With a gasoline/petrol fueled system this could be several hours or with an electric powered unit it could extend to a practically infinite length of time.
In the past surface supplied gas systems were primarily used in commercial applications. They allowed the diver to leave behind the load necessary when using scuba and move more easily through the water. Over time prices have come down and applications for recreational and personal use have developed. Today hookah is considered a relatively low price way for 1 up to 4 divers to participate in the fun of diving without necessarily going through formal diver training.
Training: That being said, formal training is highly recommended. A scuba training certificate would ensure that a person knows key skills that a hookah diver would find essential, such as mask and regulator clearing, not to mention a firm grasp of the dive tables and the risks of decompression illness.
Safety: In addition, other safety measures can be taken. A diver down flag, which many units have built-in, can be displayed to indicate the location of the diver and a watch-man should be on the surface to monitor the system and alert the divers to any danger. Because it is plausible that there could be problems with the system, divers can carry a compact spare air unit. A scuba unit could also be moored at 5 meters to be used in the event of an air stoppage when a safety stop is needed. Also, as so many scuba divers are doing, the hookah diver can carry a dive computer to help confirm that decompression limits are not exceeded.
For some other hookah diving safety ideas, click here.
Hookah Systems
Hookah systems can be mounted out of the water on the deck of a boat, dock, pier or the shore. Some are designed to be mounted on a flotation device with the compressor floating on the water surface. Under rough weather conditions careful consideration should be given before using that type.
NARDI Esprit 3T Electric Compressor 50′ Hose Hookah System
Airline R260-4 Hookah Dive System
They can be set up for one or more divers and powered by electric or gas/petrol motors. Accessories available include kits for additional divers and spare air emergency units.
Spare Air 3000 3.0 Kit
It is recommended to use hookah systems manufactured by licensed companies. The system used needs to have components that are compatible and safe. There are stories of dangerous malfunctions when people have put together their own systems from parts laying around in the garage. The compressor needs to function cleanly without exhaust getting into the air supply. Proper hose that is non-toxic and of an appropriate strength and durability is essential. Professional manufacturers understand these issues and have diver safety at the top of the list.
Another consideration is environmental friendliness. Cleaner and quieter running systems have less impact on the surroundings. Electrically powered models are better in both ways than gasoline/petrol powered models.
The above video describes a new battery powered ultra-portable hookah system still in the development phase, perhaps hitting the market in 2019.
Many hookah kits are available that are easy to use, safe and fun. They offer extended bottom time without the burden of lugging a heavy bottle around. In my next post I will select the best models and review them for you.
For a review of top hookah diving systems click here:
I hope you enjoyed this discussion of hookah diving systems. If you have any questions, comments or experiences to relate, please share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Comfort, function, and durability – the HD-200 is everything the advanced sport diver could ask for. It has a combination of tech/rec features that provide comfort and function in heavy-duty construction and innovative design to make this BC the best in its class.
This model of the Nomad introduces the Nomad LS Sidemount System which is more streamlined and capable than previous models for optimal buoyancy and trim position.
The Cressi Aquaride Pro BCD stands out as a jacket type light and compact enough for travel and versatile enough for a wide variety of diving. It also has enough lift and weight capacity and room for maneuverability to be used with a dry suit in cold-water conditions. It a good all around BCD.
Perfect for beginners, the Cressi Start Pro is a simple, comfortable and practical jacket BCD. It includes external weight pockets and two large velcro closed pockets.
The Cressi Travelight BCD is just what its name represents. It is an easily and conveniently packed piece of gear ready for travel on very short notice, that is much lighter and more compact than a traditional BCD. Cressi has incorporated comfort, good balance and trim under the water and good lift capability. There are a total of eight D-rings, two rear trim pockets and two large accessory pockets to allow you to carry and store gear such as knives, dive lights and gauges. A padded back panel provides comfort and is flexible enough to move with you.
The new Biolite BC, the ultimate travel BC, has introduced a new color scheme and streamlined integrated weight system. The Biolite is simple with a clean, straightforward design that focuses on comfort and convenience in a very lightweight piece of luggage.
The Aqua Lung Pro is a relatively new, affordable model. This one has integrated ballast. Also, there is a built-in traction pad to prevent bottle slippage along with features including D-rings, utility pockets, tear resistant, sturdy material, a squeeze lock knife, reflector kit, and a fully adjustable waist strap to fit multiple sized divers.
The Liberator Sigma II BCD is a sturdy, jacket style BC with an integrated ballast system and back pockets to accommodate additional ballast. The two double zippered pockets are large and constructed with mesh drainage. The Tusa Liberator Sigma II is a comfortable BC at a great price for beginners or advanced divers. Its Independent Harness System (IHS) isolates the jacket’s harness from the air cell and secures the tank firmly even with changes in inflation or deflation. With Tusa’s Ultimate Stabilizing Harness (USH), the chance of a tank roll is unlikely and there are various sizes for selection to get a good fit.
of air in the back part of the rig when compared to the wing style. A hybrid will keep the diver in a more vertical position, which many divers will appreciate.
has a back-pack on the back or, in some cases, the back-pack is in the form of a foldable plate. Some models have even eliminated the lateral pockets and some of the rings for hanging accessories. They can be extremely light and convenient to carry in your baggage, but the primary drawback is that they tend to have less buoyancy, so may not be appropriate for cold water diving, where you will need to use a lot of ballast due to the thickness of the suit.
come with a basic inflator/deflator mechanism that can be replaced with an alternate inflator regulator, which allows the same inflation and deflation mechanism of the BCD, and the function of an alternate air source in one unit.
DPVs are popular with tech divers because they help make long dives more comfortable and conserve gas, and can provide assistance in fighting against currents. Also, on very deep dives, they make carrying a number of stage bottles or other support equipment easier to manage.
Non-tech divers are also intrigued by the small, cool, attractive vehicles. It is not far removed from feeling like being in some sort of a sci-fi or spy movie, speeding along behind the propeller through the otherworldliness of the sub-sea environment.