The term scuba octopus simply refers to two regulators, a dive gauge, and an inflator hose being set up together and working alongside each other. The function of a scuba octopus is to help you breathe easily underwater - so we’d say that it’s pretty important!
A diving octopus helps to reduce the air pressure of the oxygen from the tank. In an oxygen tank, the air is incredibly pressurized and not suitable for inhalation. If you tried to do this, you might find yourself in the hospital with an injury.
So, you need a setup that will reduce the air pressure before it gets to your mouth, and that’s where the octopus comes in.
Getting the scuba diving octopus setup correct is essential for any diver. For this reason, we’re going to take this time to explain everything you need to know about the scuba octopus and how to put it together.
The Main Components
You will need a diving regulator, which delivers the optimized oxygen from your oxygen tank to your mouth. You should ideally have two of these so that you can share the oxygen from your tank with another diver in case of an emergency.
You will also need a scuba diving console which allows you to see the depth that you’re at and how much oxygen you have left in your tank. This is very important as it takes out all of the guesswork.
Finally, you should have an inflator hose to attach to your Buoyancy Control Device. This gives you the ability to inflate or deflate the BCD with the oxygen tank. As you can see, a diving octopus is made up of essential gear that all needs to work together in order to leave you with a safe scuba diving experience.
Setting Up a Scuba Diving Octopus
There aren’t many steps to setting up your diving octopus and therefore it shouldn’t be too difficult or time-consuming to complete.
However, you shouldn’t rush this process to ensure that everything is fitted correctly and safely. One missed step could be the difference between safe and dangerous so make sure to take your time when following along.
Setting up a scuba octopus consists of five working parts. You connect these five pieces together with pieces of hose. Using them together allows you to breathe underwater without any hassle.
Piece One: The End
The first piece of your diving octopus is compiled of all the different mechanisms that reduce the air pressure. It is called the end of the octopus because it is where all of the hoses come together and meet.
The air enters through the metal cylinder where the pressure is reduced and leaves the cylinder on its way to piece two.
The end of the octopus will include a fitting that attaches the octopus to the oxygen tank so that it’s not floating around you and getting in the way. There will also be a dust cap that will avoid water getting into the regulator, rendering the octopus useless.
Finally, the end of the octopus will be covered in ports that allow the hoses to be attached. These keep the different parts securely fitted together so that you’re not suddenly left without air underneath the water.
The ports should be surrounding the end part so that you can attach the hoses however is the best for you.
Piece Two: Primary Regulator
The primary regulator is responsible for taking oxygen from the tank and delivering it to you through a mouthpiece.
It is attached to the end of the octopus with a low-pressure hose and the air pressure continues to be reduced until it gets to you. By the time you get the oxygen, it should be at optimal pressure.
Here there will be a purge button. The purge button releases a lot of air into the regulator so that any trapped water can be removed. There should also be an adjuster that gives you the opportunity to change your breathing resistance.
Finally, there is an exhaust valve located just before the mouthpiece to prevent the air bubbles from blocking your vision for too long. Of course, the mouthpiece is responsible for delivering oxygen straight to your mouth.
Piece Three: Another Regulator
You should have another regulator attached to your diving octopus as an emergency backup, should your or another diver’s primary regulator falter.
It is exactly the same as the first regulator but it is only used in case of an emergency. The emergency regulator should be connected with a longer piece of hose in case another diver needs to use it.
Piece Four: Diving Console
A diving console is something that can be used easily underwater and allows you to see the depth that you’ve reached and which direction you’re facing underwater. The console should also be linked to a submersible pressure gauge that lets you know how much oxygen you have left in the tank.
This gauge is attached to the end of the octopus with a high-pressure hose. Air is sent down the hose to the gauge which allows it to indicate how long you have left to stay underwater. It is vital that you connect this correctly to avoid getting into a dangerous situation.
Piece Five: Inflator Hose
Your inflator hose should be low-pressure and connected from the end of the diving octopus. This means that you can add air to your buoyancy control device easily without any hassle. You should attach the inflator hose to your buoyancy control device with a specialized sleeve.
The sleeve should be textured so that you can easily get a grip of it underwater when you need to attach the hose.
Summary
We’re sorry to say that the diving octopus is not a real animal that you carry around on your diving adventure for good luck. Instead, it’s an invaluable setup that keeps you safe underwater. We hope that you’ve found our article useful and are confident in setting your own octopus up.
Remember that you’ll need two regulators, one diving console with a pressure gauge, and an inflator hose. The regulators and inflator hose should be connected with low-pressure hoses, while the pressure gauge needs a high-pressure hose.
Make sure that you’re using high-quality materials to give you the best chance of a relaxing dive. All of these pieces work together seamlessly, so don’t try and cut corners with your diving octopus.