Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL
BUYING
TECHNICAL
REPAIR
FLYING

GENERAL

Why should I buy a Spare Air?

SPARE AIR is the smallest redundant SCUBA system available yet is packed with 3000 psi to provide you with enough air to get you to the surface in an emergency from recreational depths. Take safety into your own hands - buy a SPARE AIR!


How does Spare Air work?

Spare Air is easy to use! Simply put the mouthpiece in your mouth and start breathing. Spare Air has a pressure indicator and a refill port. Visit How Spare Air works for more information.


Is Spare Air refillable?

Yes, SPARE AIR can be refilled easily from a scuba tank, at a dive shop or by your own high pressure hand pump. Visit our Refilling page for details.


How big is a Spare Air?

They are so small and compact anyone can carry them diving! SPARE AIR is the smallest redundant SCUBA system available yet is packed with 3000 psi, enough air to get you to the surface in an emergency.

The 300 model is similar to the size of a can of hairspray. The 300 model and the 300-N Nitrox model hold 3 cubic feet of air or approximately 57 breaths at the surface.

The new 600 model is the same height as the 300, expanding 1 inch to the diameter and adding only 1-1/2 lbs while doubling air capacity. The 600 model doubles the air capacity of the 300 to 6 cubic feet or air or approximately 114 breaths at the surface


Which size Spare Air should I buy?

The 300 model is our most popular size with recreational divers and is also offered in a Nitrox version for those of you who dive with Nitrox. The new 600 model will meet the demands of divers requesting an even larger air capacity (also available in a Nitrox version).


Do you need to be a certified diver to use SPARE AIR underwater?

As with all SCUBA products SPARE AIR is recommended to be used by certified SCUBA divers.


Do you need to be a certified diver to use SPARE AIR for above water out-of-air-emergencies?

Many customers use SPARE AIR for above water emergency situations like residential and commercial fire (smoke inhilation prevention) and industrial chemical air contamination. In those cases, there is no certification necessary for above ground use.


Where can I mount it?

SPARE AIR units come with a Holster that allows you to mount the SPARE AIR virtually anywhere! Two quick disconnect straps connect the Holster on the front of the BC cummerbund, on your tank strap or anywhere on your BC that you choose.


BUYING

Where can I purchase a Spare Air?

Spare Air can be purchased direct on our Online Store or from an Spare Air Dealer or Distributor if you are overseas.



TECHNICAL

Does Spare Air work well in different water temperatures?

Yes, they have been tested and proven effective in all recreational diving conditions.


What is the recommended depth?

The SPARE AIR model is designed for recreational diving limits of less than 100 feet.


Does the Spare Air affect buoyancy?

All models are nearly neutrally buoyant. You may need to adjust your weight as necessary.


REPAIR

How long is the warranty period?

SPARE AIR units have a one-year warranty from the date of purchase.


What maintenance does SPARE AIR require?

The unit should be removed from its holster, rinsed off in fresh water after every dive, dried, and stored full of air. For more information, refer the Owner's Manual.

How often should I service my SPARE AIR?

SPARE AIR is recommended to be serviced annually and hydrostatically tested every five years. Send your Spare Air to us for Annual Overhaul.


Do the 3000 psi cylinders have to be hydro tested?

Yes, all SPARE AIR 3000 psi cylinders need to be VIP tested once every year and hydro tested once every 5 years. Send your Spare Air to us for hydro testing.


I need a part to repair my SPARE AIR. Can I order the part from you?

Many spare parts can be purchased on our Online Store. Examples are: Mouthpiece, Snap Ring, Check Valve Cap, etc. If the part is internal or not found on our online store then it requires installation by an authorized SPARE AIR technician or will be changed out as part of the annual overhaul service. Please take your unit to an Authorized SPARE AIR Dealer/Dive Shop or send to Submersible Systems for repair.


Can I upgrade my unit to a Nitrox model / use a standard SPARE AIR with Nitrox?

Yes, complete the Repair and Trade-In form checking the box for ‘Convert to Nitrox’ and send in with your Spare Air unit.


FLYING

Can I take my Spare Air on a plane?

Yes – Spare Air is Easy to Travel With! Take on any airplane to your dream vacation. For more information, visit our Traveling With a Spare Air page.


Check out all our products: