Hollis Explorer User Manual - page 7
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WARNING:
COLD WATER
Diving rebreathers in frigid water requires special equipment, training, and preparation to prevent pos-
sible injury or death. Rebreathers present unique variables to cold water diving that are not a factor in
open circuit diving in the same temperatures. Cold water diving is beyond the scope of this manual.
There are many variables not listed here. It is essential and the responsibility of the diver to be aware
of all issues. The diver must know how to best prepare their equipment, and how to best prepare
themselves for the cold water environment. The diver must obtain further training beyond standard
Explorer training or Open Circuit Ice Diver certification alone.
Cold Water Issues Include The Following:
- Changes in temperature may lead to expansion and contraction of CO
2
absorbent material possibly
leading to channeling.
- Decreases in temperature effect the efficiency of the scrubber and greatly reduce the rated use
times.
- Sensors are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Storage of Oxygen Sensors below 32° F (0°) or
above 100° F (37.8° C) can damage or greatly shorten the life of the sensor.
- Mushroom valves may freeze open or closed if condensation is allowed to cool. Always perform the
Pre-Dive Sequence and pre-breathe the unit before entering the water and before any subsequent
dives. The diver should warm and visually inspect the mushroom valves between dives.
- Open circuit bailout must be rated and compatible with the environments dived in.
- Check the scrubber MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for specific warnings about storage tem-
peratures. Scrubber material should not be allowed to freeze inside or outside of the rebreather.