Regulators
A regulator is the single-most important piece of kit a diver can own. This is your life-support equipment, keeping you alive when you are in the alien underwater world, so you want to make sure you have something which you can rely on.
A regulator comprises a first stage, which mounts on to your cylinder pillar valve, and then a primary second stage, which is the main reg you breathe through. Most also have a secondary second stage, also known as an octopus, which is a redundant reg designed to be there for your buddy in an emergency situation.
The first stage can either be a yoke fitting (also known as an international, or A-clamp) or DIN fitting. A DIN fitting screws into the pillar valve, the A-clamp attaches on to it. Whichever attachment method is used, the first stage regulates the pressure down from the existing bottle pressure (normally up to 300 bar) to an intermediate pressure of 8-10 bar above ambient water pressure, dependent on the manufacturer's specification.
It has various ports – usually two high-pressure and four low-pressure – through which gas can be routed and to which hoses and equipment can be attached. The second stages – both primary and octopus – regulate the final pressure down from 8-10 bar by supplying gas on demand (hence the alternate name of ‘demand valve’).
Usually the exhaust mechanism is on the bottom rear of the stage, directing exhaled bubbles up either side of your mask, but certain manufacturers – particularly Poseidon – use a side-exhaust second stage design. It is advisable to have your regulator tested by a qualified service technician at least once a year, depending on the number of dives you do in 12 months.
Remember, you rely totally on this piece of kit when underwater, it isn’t worth skimping on a service just to save yourself £30-50.
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