KMACS 5 MANUAL
reading of the bottom depth. In an emergency, the pneumo air can be used as a breathing air supply for a diver. The diver tells the KMACS 5 operator to “Turn on the
The diver should practice using the pneumo as an alternative air source under controlled conditions in shallow water. The pneumo hose should be bubbling when it is inserted in the diver’s mask, otherwise the diver will receive a blast of water when the pneumo is first turned on.
2.9 DIVER AT DEPTH
Once the diver reaches the bottom, or his maxi- mum planned depth, the diver should inform the KMACS 5 operator that he is, “On the bottom.” At this time, the KMACS 5 operator should ensure that he gets an accurate depth reading. The KMACS 5 operator should inform the diver that he is “Taking a pneumo...”, when he opens the pneumo purge valve. The diver should observe the end of the pneumo hose and immediately inform top side that, “He has bubbles...”. Once the diver has a flow of bubbles at the end of the hose, the pneumo valve (D,O) should be closed immediately.
Should the diver move deeper at any time during his dive he must inform the KMACS 5 operator and another pneumo should be taken for a new maximum depth reading. If the KMACS 5 operator knows that the diver is moving over an uneven bot- tom he should periodically take additional pneumo readings to ensure that the diver has not accidentally gone deeper and neglected to notify top side. Keep in mind, however, that every pneumo reading does use some air. If high pressure air is the air source and the dive is deep, or the diver is working hard, pneumo readings should be taken as sparingly as possible.
2.10CHANGING OUT HIGH PRESSURE CYLINDERS
The KMACS 5 operator should continuously moni- tor the diver’s air supply at the two high pressure gauges (L,M) when diving with high pressure air as the primary supply. When the initial supply source pressure drops to between 300 and 500 psi (20.7 and
34.5bars), depending upon depth, the diver should be switched over to the second air source using the selector valve handle (I). While the diver is breathing off the secondary source a fresh cylinder should be put on line immediately.
To change out high pressure cylinders, first close the cylinder valve on the tank which is low. Once the valve is closed, open the bleeder valve on the yoke (S) and allow the pressure to bleed from the line. The high pressure whips are color coded to help the KMACS 5 operator to ensure he is selecting the correct one. Always observe the umbilical pressure gauge (B) carefully during this procedure. If the KMACS 5 operator is not careful he may acciden- tally turn off the high pressure cylinder supplying the diver’s breathing air. If the umbilical pressure gauge (B) needle starts to “fall”, turn the cylinder back on immediately and double check to ensure the correct cylinder is being changed.
When the high pressure whip is empty, unscrew the knurled knob on the yoke (S) and attach the yoke to a fresh cylinder. Tighten the yoke knob finger tight, close the bleeder valve, and slowly open the cylinder tank valve. Read the new pressure on the appropriate gauge (L,M).
2.11PROCEDURES DURING THE DIVER’S ASCENT
At the end of the dive, the diver should prepare to leave bottom upon orders from the KMACS 5 operator. The KMACS 5 operator must carefully note the diver’s depth and time on the dive log. The KMACS 5 operator is responsible for monitoring the diver’s ascent rate which should not exceed 60 feet (18 meters) per minute, or slower if a dive computer is being used to monitor decompression/no decom- pression status. The diver should not leave the bot- tom until he is instructed to do so by the KMACS 5 operator. At the start of the diver’s ascent he should
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