Surface supply diving uses air from the surface to help the diver. It has many standard procedures that are similar to scuba procedures. Although many of these procedures can be used by all divers, others are only applicable to certain equipment and dive 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 primary connection between the diver's umbilical and the surface supply diving system is the Diver's Umbilical. It carries the primary oxygen from the surface to the divers' apparatus. The umbilical can be either directly attached to the diver, or it can be attached via a bell panel.
The umbilical connects a diving helmet to the surface. It contains various devices that can help divers stay comfortable and safe in the water. These devices can include a communication cord, a pumpofathometer, or a hot watersuit. All of these components make it possible for divers to monitor their depth and provide additional air in case of an emergency.
Diver's demand valve
The Diver's demand valve increases the pressure of surface supply diving air. This pressure can cause diver to breathe faster and deeper than without the demand valve. Whether the diver realizes it or not, the air pressure can vary greatly during a dive. This can increase work and cause cracking and hydrostatic pressure to rise. These changes will not reduce oxygen delivery to lungs. By raising the pressure, divers' respiratory systems can remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which improves the quality and quantity of their breathing.
Divers usually breathe from the demand valve, while the main air supply is controlled by a regulator. The regulator usually has a single hose, and is attached to the diver’s mouthpiece. If the diver uses dual-hose regulators, the demand valve will be located in the regulator's body. This attaches directly to the cylinder or manifold outlets. The demand valve is activated when the diver breathes. It will provide gas to remote mouthpiece at ambient temperature.
Saturation spread
A pressurized environment is required for surface supply diving. There are several ways to do this, including a saturation system or a "saturation spread." Saturation diving is a form of diving in which divers are deployed under pressure from a saturation accommodation system, and return to the surface breathing a helium based gas mixture.
The majority of saturation diving is done offshore, on drilling platforms or near production, and when there are salvage operations. It is crucial to be precise during a dive for this type of diving. This can usually be done from a specialist diving support vessel or any other vessel that is suitable. It is important to have reliable systems for dynamic positioning.
Diver's fitness for diving
Divers must pass a complete fitness-to-dive exam before participating in surface supply diving. This is done by an AMED, which will examine any underlying medical conditions that could be a problem for their ability to dive. The annual renewal is required. At the time of renewal, the diver will also have to take a fitness test.
The dive certification agencies set the standards for medical examination. Some agencies require a medical practitioner to perform the exam, while others leave it up to the individual to do the exam. The standards vary between agencies but are generally the same. These standards are usually based on standards for professional divers. They may be slightly modified to reduce the risk of diving-related injuries.
Diver's equipment
Surface supply diving equipment is very similar to deep diving equipment. The main difference is in the type of breathing gas used. The gas panel is used to control the gas flow. Accordingly, the tank pressure doesn't adjust with the dive depth. 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.
Aside from the tank, divers also need a set of voice communication devices for communication with the surface. These devices are connected to the diver's full-face mask or helmet by an umbilical cable. Before a dive, the diver should check the cable for sound quality and function.