Frequently Asked Questions About Surface Supplied Air. (SSA)

1. Q. What exactly is the concept of SSA?
     A. Air from a low-pressure compressor at the surface pumps air through a hose and demand second stage regulator system directly to the divers below. Virtually no gear is worn and the divers have a lifeline to the surface with the hose system and a simple belt that secures the hose and regulator to the body.

2. Q. How long will the engines run?
     A. Running time on the smaller AL-R260 is at least two hours on 1-1/2 quarts of gas. Longer on Model AL-C360 which has a three quart tank.

3. Q. Do the motors require an oil gas mix?
     A. No. They are four-cycle engines and take straight gas of unleaded 87 to 89 Octane.

4. Q. Are the compressors oil lubricated?
     A. No. A teflon cap on an aluminum piston pulsates inside the cylinder sleeve precluding the need for even rings and seals. Bearings are sealed and grease cannot enter the breathing system.

5. Q. What keeps exhaust fumes out of the breathing air?
     A. Lawyers and the fear thereof. Mechanically, however, a vertical snorkel draws air in 30 inches above the compressor. Exhaust is shot away on the opposite side. The way the unit floats, the exhaust will always seek the down wind position. Systems are approved for breathing according to Compressed Gas Association standards.

6. Q. What depths can I reasonably expect on an Air Line?
     A. The smaller model, AL-R260, will truly support two to 75 feet, three to 45. Model AL-C360 will do three to 75 feet, four to 45. These figure are for reference only. The systems are primarily designed for second atmosphere, recreational diving.

7. Q. What length are the hoses?
     A. They are all arbitrarily 60 feet to encourage diving within no-decompression limits. We will, however, customize lengths for certain applications such as deck mounting.

8. Q. Won't a salty environment cause the equipment to rust?
     A. It would without a few simple care procedures. When it is new you would lightly coat all the exposed metal and hardware with a marine-grade lube/protectant. After the dive day, a fresh water bath will rinse away accumulated salt, followed by a light touch-up of the protectant. Wherever possible, stainless steel or nickel-plated brass is used.

9. Q. Is training needed?
     A. Yes. Although easier to use as no gear is worn, you are still subject to the same physical laws. BCDs are not discouraged but they are not as critical, as the weight of air in a Scuba cylinder is not being consumed. Snorkel vests are an option but remember, you are connected to the surface float through the hose system.

10. Q. If the engine runs out of gas, what happens?
     A. You are encouraged to come up. Silliness aside, the hoses are under pressure and supply a reservoir of air for safe, unstressed ascent. You will be aware when the engine stops as each succeeding breath will require slightly more effort. As you may know, the air in the hoses will naturally increase in volume as you rise. The soundest recommendation is for the participants, or at least the dive leader, to carry an independent, back-up air supply such as a scuba pony system, or Spare Air. (See the Accessories section)

11. Q. Are the floating models stable when the sea gets choppy?
     A. Yes, up to four-footers. When you feel a surge on the hose you will know it's time to call it a day, or at least to go to the surface to evaluate the situation.

12. Q. Do the floats tow easily?
     A. Yes. The divers being free of gear experience the freedom of snorkelers. Otherwise, the hoses being under pressure will arch gracefully down so the floats are not being pulled awkwardly. The task of towing is shared by at least two anyway. They should never be towed behind a boat except at slow idle. They will sink.

A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT DIRECT-DRIVE.

     The Air Line has developed and introduced the lightest and most efficient direct-drive in the diving market, and as such, owns sole distribution rights of its unique products.

     In the frenzy to capitalize on the concept, certain other manufacturers are offering compressor systems used for stapling and nailing in the construction business. Their premise is that bigger motors make better compressors. They do not---they make more weight.