How to Use a Diving Regulator

The diving regulator - a collective name for several pieces of invaluable scuba equipment - is what allows you to breathe underwater.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Scuba Gear

Understand the Tangle of Hoses

1. Know that the regulator first stage attaches to the scuba tank and converts its high-pressure air to an intermediate pressure.

2. Realize that the second stage is the small mouthpiece that divers breathe from. It reduces the intermediate pressure to a breathable one, and is linked to the first stage by a strong rubber hose.

3. Know that there are two second stages ' one carried as a backup and often called an "octopus."

4. Understand that one of the hoses stretching from the first stage attaches to the buoyancy compensator and powers its inflation.

5. Realize that the submersible pressure gauge also attaches to the regulator's first stage and displays the amount of air left in the tank.

Attach the First Stage

1. Remove the dust cap covering the first stage's air-intake screen.

2. Inspect the screen and clean any tiny debris or rust from the area.

3. Attach the first stage so that the second-stage hose will fall over the diver's right shoulder.

4. Tighten the first-stage screw gently.

5. Turn on the tank valve.

Breathe With Confidence

1. Rest assured that second stages have very few moving parts and seldom are defective.

2. Test the purge button. This is the round button in the center of the second stage, which releases a gentle blast of air.

3. Bite down on the mouthpiece of the second stage and breathe, making sure air is flowing.

4. Enter the water and descend.

5. Cough, spit, choke or vomit through the regulator if necessary ' it can take it. Just don't panic.

6. Press the purge button before breathing if you have removed and replaced the second stage underwater.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes a fifth hose stretches from the first stage and attaches to the inflation button on a dry suit.

• Always clean the regulator thoroughly after use. It is likely the most expensive collection of equipment, and the most important.

• If the air-intake screen appears damaged or overly rusted, have the first stage serviced before use.