MX-Z Rebreather - Bailout Open Circuit Valve or BOV

MX-Z Rebreather - Bailout Open Circuit Valve or BOV

Attached to the diver’s mouthpiece is a Bailout / Open Circuit Valve. This is essentially a standard open circuit second stage fed from the Z-Manifold in Side-mount configuration and the left post in back-mount configuration, like a standard backup regulator from our OC UTD/DIR configuration. This allows the diver to simply switch from Closed Circuit (CC) – the breathing loop – to Open Circuit (OC) – the second stage. This is simply done by flipping the lever on the BOV from OC to CC or CC to OC.

When switching to OC the diver must remember to clear the second stage of the water. Flipping the lever to OC also shuts off the breathing loop, or CC, so water cannot enter the breathing loop, nor can gas escape from the CC. The BOV has become exceptionally convenient in our diving operations as we can go to it and return from it very quickly and easily. This has enabled us to use it while dealing with difficult surface operations as well as when we descend or ascend that first 10’/3m to 20’/6m. This reduces the risks associated with tough surface conditions.