Share Your Tip!

If you have a tip or trick for storing, cleaning, mounting, or using your Spare Air, share it with us. We'll publish the best ideas, and you may even get something for it. Best of all, you may help improve your fellow divers' underwater experience, and better yet, even help save a life!

Submit your tip below →

Offshore Helicopter Transport:

\"I travel out to an offshore oil rig by helicopter (90 mins). I keep my Spare Air in case of emergency landing and possible submersion of the helicopter.\"

— Davie B.

Editor's Note: Submersible Systems manufactures a model specifically for Helicopter Emergency Egress. This version of Spare Air is designated the HEED 3 (Helicopter Emergency Egress Device 3rd Generation), produced for the military and general aviation, providing breathing air in waterborne or toxic-air emergencies. Visit HEED3.com →

Ultralight Float Plane Safety:

\"As an ultralight float plane pilot, I keep my Spare Air attached to my inflatable life preserver. It serves as an extra piece of mind when landing in sea chop or glossy lakes. If I flip over, I have my Spare Air and knife to free myself.\"

— Ron N.

Editor's Note: Submersible Systems offers a modified Spare Air called the HEED 3—designed especially as a Helicopter Emergency Egress Device and packaged with a custom holster designed for attaching to flight vests and MOLLE-type vests. For more information, visit HEED3.com

Boat Maintenance & Emergency Repairs:

\"I keep one on my 40' boat to use for both emergency repairs and just normal checking of the bottom and zincs. If I hit an object, the Spare Air gives much-needed time to get overboard quick, see what the problem is, and make emergency underwater repairs. In addition, I can check my rudders, shafts, props, zincs, etc. with ease and even change zincs without the expense of hauling the boat.\"

— Roy H.

Freeing Anchors:

\"When we're ready to enter or leave a dive site, it takes no time at all to grab a mask and Spare Air, jump in the water, and free up the anchor without destroying the coral or other sea life.\"

Clearing Fouled Props:

\"With inboard motors and crab traps that you can't always see, I use it to cut the rope free from the props.\"

— Dave H.

Recovering Dropped Items:

\"Use a Spare Air to recover something in shallow water. When something drops overboard, sometimes the only chance to rescue the items is right when it falls in. Grab your Spare Air, don a mask, and dive in.\"

Note: Not recommended for deep diving.

Pool Repairs & Maintenance:

\"If you find yourself with a stuck hydrostatic valve at the bottom of your swim pool, or other repair, it is much easier to use your Spare Air to work on the problem.\"

— Steven B.

Editor's Note: Clean your equipment after use by rinsing with clean water. This is especially important when exposing your Spare Air to swimming pool chemicals, which can corrode metal components and degrade seals.

Fire Safety & Emergency Preparedness:

\"Keep your FILLED Spare Air next to your bed in case of a fire in your home.\"

— Jeff D.

Editor's Note: According to Children's Hospital Boston, \"The majority of fire-related deaths (75 percent) are caused by smoke inhalation of the toxic gases produced by fires.\" Spare Air can provide critical breathing air during escape from smoke-filled environments.

Avalanche Survival:

\"My buddy uses his Spare Air while snowboarding and skiing. Our mutual friend got stuck in an avalanche and was buried. With no injuries, he died only of suffocation before he could be rescued. If he had a Spare Air, both of us would still have a great friend.\"

— David M.

Editor's Note: Spare Air is used in many rescue and safety situations, including by the military for Emergency Helicopter Egress. For extreme sports, Submersible Systems offers the convenient Spare Air Xtreme Sport package designed for portability and quick access in backcountry conditions.

Enhanced Snorkeling:

\"Use your Spare Air unit as an accessory for snorkeling. If you see something worth exploring, exchange your snorkel for your Spare Air and take a closer look.\"

— Andrew L.

Lake & Dock Exploration:

\"When you are at a lake and you want to see what's under the dock or just under the water, grab your Spare Air and go explore.\"

— Aaron P.

❌ DO NOT Use as Primary Air Source

Why: Spare Air is designed as an emergency backup only. It does not contain enough air for a full dive. Always dive with an appropriately sized primary tank for your planned dive profile.

❌ DO NOT Exceed Recreational Depth Limits

Why: Air consumption increases dramatically with depth. Spare Air is designed for recreational depths (typically 60-100 feet maximum). Technical or deep diving requires redundant primary systems, not Spare Air.

❌ DO NOT Use Automotive or Shop Compressors

Why: Only breathing-air quality compressors are safe. Automotive compressors contain oil, carbon monoxide, and other contaminants that are toxic when breathed. Use only SCUBA compressors, dive shops, or the Nomad III breathing air compressor.

❌ DO NOT Hold Your Breath While Ascending

Why: Expanding air in your lungs during ascent can cause pulmonary barotrauma (lung overexpansion injury), arterial gas embolism, or death. Always exhale continuously during ascent, even if your air runs out.

❌ DO NOT Use Hydrocarbon-Based Lubricants

Why: Petroleum-based oils, WD-40, or automotive greases can ignite or explode when exposed to high-pressure oxygen. Use only silicone-based lubricants designed for SCUBA equipment.

❌ DO NOT Force Stuck Regulators

Why: Using tools or excessive force can strip threads, crack the cylinder neck, or damage the regulator. If stuck, soak in 1:1 vinegar and water solution overnight to dissolve salt corrosion.

❌ DO NOT Dive with Empty or Low-Pressure Spare Air

Why: An empty or partially filled Spare Air provides false security. Always check your pressure indicator before every dive and refill to 3000 PSI.

❌ DO NOT Skip Annual Inspections

Why: Internal corrosion, moisture contamination, or component wear can compromise safety. Annual VIP inspections and 5-year hydrostatic tests are required by DOT regulations and critical for safety.

❌ DO NOT Modify or Tamper with Components

Why: Spare Air is a precision life-support device. Modifications, unauthorized repairs, or component substitutions can cause catastrophic failure. Only qualified technicians should service internal components.

❌ DO NOT Store Empty or in Extreme Temperatures

Why: Empty cylinders allow moisture and contaminants to enter. Extreme heat (above 120°F/49°C) can damage seals and O-rings. Extreme cold can affect regulator performance and air density.

⚠️ Critical Safety Guidelines

• Certification Required: Spare Air should be used underwater by certified divers only who understand decompression theory and safe ascent procedures
• Emergency Backup Only: Never rely on Spare Air as your primary air source
• Practice Deployment: Familiarize yourself with Spare Air operation in controlled conditions before emergencies
• Check Before Every Use: Verify full pressure (3000 PSI) before every dive or activity
• Proper Maintenance: Follow all maintenance schedules and never skip inspections
• Know Your Limits: Understand air consumption at depth and plan conservatively
• Continuous Exhalation: Never hold your breath during ascent—always exhale

Share Your Spare Air Story

By submitting your tip, you may be featured on our website and could receive Spare Air accessories or merchandise as a thank you. We review all submissions and will contact you if your tip is selected for publication.