Diving In Cold Water - INTERSPIRO DIVATOR-Vollmaske Benutzerhandbuch

Diving in colD Water

cold water diving is dangerous and requires special training, planning and
preparation. Below is a summary of some possible effects of cold water on the
components of the dIvAtor full face mask and Breathing valve
breatHIng ValVe
All Interspiro breathing valves supply air during inhalation. when the diver inhales,
air flows from the breathing hose through the breathing valve and into the diver's
lungs. the expansion of the supplied air results in the air near the inlet valve being
cooled to around -10°c (14°f) at a water temperature of 0°c (32°f). possible
moisture in the inlet section of the breathing valve may then become ice which could
increase the friction between the moving parts of the valve mechanism to the extent
that the return spring may not close the valve at the end of each inhalation. In this
case the breathing valve will free flow. To minimize this possibility, the breathing valve
has a non-return valve in the inlet section of the breathing valve. moisture may enter
the inlet section of the breathing valve in the following ways:
a) during washing in water and if the breathing valve has not been properly dried.
b) the non-return valve of the breathing valve is not leak tight. see section
"maintenance" for leak test.
c) If the breathing valve is immersed in water and then the wet breathing valve has
been exposed to freezing air temperatures prior to the dive. to prevent this from
happening, do not immerse the breathing valve in water prior to use. If it has
already been immersed, make sure to purge the breathing valve thoroughly.
d) By moist air from cylinder or from a surface supply diving system, if used.
fUll face mask
the dIvAtor full face mask protects the diver's face from cold water. the full
face mask separates the inhalation and exhalation air. the result is that moisture
from the diver's exhalation cannot reach the inlet section of the breathing valve,
neither through the mask channels nor through the valve mechanism. these features
significantly reduce the risk of freezing.
repeated dIVes In cold water and/or low aIr temperatUres
the following procedures for repeated dives in cold water and/or low air
temperatures is recommended in order to reduce the risk of freezing in the full face
mask and breathing valve.
1. prepare for the next dive by shaking water out of the full face mask and the
breathing valves. dismantle equipment parts as quickly as possible before they
freeze together. If possible, always use a dry breathing valve for a repeated dive
2. press the full face mask against your face and at the same time press the purge
button on the breathing valve for a few seconds. this removes any trapped water
from the mask air channels as well as from the breathing valve.
3. press the purge button on the secondary breathing valve (octopus). this removes
any trapped water from the breathing valve.
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