Bailout bottle

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Bailout bottle is a small scuba cylinder that is carried by scuba divers as a backup breathing gas supply. The term "bailout" refers to the act of switching to an alternate air source if the primary air source fails. The bailout bottle, also known as a pony bottle, provides an independent and redundant air source which allows the diver to safely ascend to the surface in case of an emergency.

Usage[edit | edit source]

The bailout bottle is typically attached to the diver's main scuba set and is accessed by a separate regulator. In case of an emergency, such as the failure of the primary air supply, the diver can switch to the bailout bottle and use it to ascend safely to the surface. The size of the bailout bottle varies depending on the depth and duration of the dive, but it is generally smaller than the main cylinder.

Types of Bailout Bottles[edit | edit source]

There are two main types of bailout bottles: independent and dependent bailout bottles. Independent bailout bottles have their own regulator and are completely separate from the main air supply. Dependent bailout bottles, on the other hand, are connected to the main air supply and share the same regulator.

Safety Considerations[edit | edit source]

The use of a bailout bottle increases the safety of scuba diving by providing an independent and redundant air source. However, it also adds complexity to the dive and requires additional training to use effectively. Divers must monitor the air pressure in both their main cylinder and their bailout bottle, and must be able to switch to the bailout bottle quickly and smoothly in case of an emergency.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Bailout bottle Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD