Q. O2 second stage regulator Isolator shutoff

MX Rebreather - O2 second stage regulator Isolator shutoff

When we are using an off board O2 bottle and doubling up its use as a bailout O2 deco bottle, we need to ensure that we have an open circuit 2nd stage on a standard 40"/100cm LP hose. This will allow use to use the bottle as a standard OC deco bottle in the event we have bailed out. As we also use this bottle to supply O2 to the rebreather, we need to have the bottle turned on and the first stage functioning to add O2 to the MX series rebreather. This also means that the bailout 2nd stage will be “live.” This increases risk and can also be problematic while scootering where the second stage can freeflow.

So a simple solution is to install a regulator isolator on the LP hose right before the 2nd stage. This ensures that the 2nd stage is not functioning when the isolator is set to the “off” position, therefore reducing risk of the regulator free flowing while diving and/or scootering and also risk of a “live” O2 regulator at depth that another diver may accidently switch to or use. The isolator creates an extra safety and step for a diver at depth to turn on the regulator. Once again this conforms with our UTD/DIR philosophy of not having a deco bottle turned on and available at depth.