Bailout gas

Bailout gas is a type of emergency gas supply used in scuba diving and underwater diving when the primary gas supply is not accessible or depleted. It is a critical component of diving safety and is carried by divers to ensure they can safely return to the surface in case of an emergency.

Overview

The term "bailout" refers to the act of exiting a situation when it becomes too dangerous or untenable. In the context of diving, this means switching to an alternate gas supply when the primary supply is compromised. The bailout gas is typically stored in a separate diving cylinder or rebreather to the primary gas supply.

Use in Scuba Diving

In scuba diving, the bailout gas is often the same as the primary gas supply, typically a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen known as air. However, in technical diving or deep diving, the bailout gas may be a different mixture, such as trimix or heliox, which are designed to reduce the risk of decompression sickness and nitrogen narcosis.

Use in Underwater Diving

In underwater diving, the bailout gas is typically stored in a separate cylinder known as a "bailout bottle". This bottle is carried by the diver and can be quickly accessed in case of an emergency. The size and capacity of the bailout bottle depend on the depth and duration of the dive.

Safety Considerations

The use of bailout gas is a critical safety measure in diving. It provides a backup in case the primary gas supply fails or is depleted. However, it is important for divers to regularly check their bailout gas supply and ensure it is fully charged before each dive. Failure to do so can result in a dangerous situation if an emergency arises.

See Also

• Diving cylinder
• Rebreather
• Scuba diving
• Underwater diving
• Decompression sickness
• Nitrogen narcosis

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