Can you carry multiple air tanks when scuba diving

## **Can You Carry Multiple Air Tanks When Scuba Diving?**

Scuba diving is a fantastic activity that allows you to explore the underwater world. However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved in scuba diving, including the risk of running out of air.

One way to reduce the risk of running out of air is to carry multiple air tanks. This can be done by using a double tank setup or a sidemount diving rig. Let’s explore how and when each setup is used, their advantages and disadvantages.

### **Double Tank Setup**

A double tank setup is the most common way to carry multiple air tanks when scuba diving. This setup consists of two air tanks that are mounted on the diver’s back, one on each side. Double tanks provide a longer breathing duration compared to a single tank and reduce the risk of running out of air during a dive.

**Advantages of Using a Double Tank Setup:**

1. **Longer Dive Time:** Double tanks provide more breathing gas, allowing divers to stay underwater for longer periods of time.

2. **Redundancy:** Having two air tanks provides redundancy in case one tank fails or becomes compromised.

3. **Stability:** The weight of the double tanks helps to keep the diver stable and upright in the water.

**Disadvantages of Using a Double Tank Setup:**

1. **Heavy and Bulky:** Double tanks can be heavy and bulky, making them difficult to transport and maneuver underwater.

2. **Increased Risk of Overweighting:** The extra weight of the double tanks can increase the risk of overweighting, which can lead to buoyancy issues.

3. **Limited Mobility:** The double tanks can restrict the diver’s mobility and make it difficult to navigate in tight spaces or when diving in strong currents.

### **Sidemount Diving Rig**

Sidemount diving is a more specialized form of scuba diving that involves mounting the air tanks on the diver’s hips or thighs, rather than on the back. Sidemount diving rigs allow divers to carry multiple air tanks, typically two or three, which are evenly distributed on both sides of the body.

**Advantages of Using a Sidemount Diving Rig:**

1. **Improved Trim and Buoyancy Control:** The sidemount configuration allows divers to achieve better trim and buoyancy control, as the weight of the air tanks is distributed more evenly.

2. **Increased Mobility:** Sidemount diving rigs offer greater mobility and flexibility underwater compared to double tank setups. This makes it easier to navigate through tight spaces and ascend or descend in the water column.

3. **Reduced Risk of Overweighting:** Since the air tanks are distributed on both sides of the body, the risk of overweighting is lower than with a double tank setup.

**Disadvantages of Using a Sidemount Diving Rig:**

1. **More Complex Setup:** Setting up a sidemount diving rig requires more training and experience compared to a double tank setup.

2. **Increased Equipment Cost:** Sidemount diving rigs typically require specialized equipment, such as a sidemount harness and regulators, which can be more expensive than double tank setups.

3. **Limited Gas Capacity:** Although sidemount diving rigs can accommodate multiple air tanks, the overall gas capacity is typically lower compared to double tank setups.

## **When to Use Multiple Air Tanks**

The decision of whether or not to carry multiple air tanks when scuba diving depends on several factors, including the dive site, dive profile, and the diver’s experience level.

* **Extended Dive Time:** Multiple air tanks are essential for dives that require longer bottom times, such as wreck dives or deep dives.

* **Safety Margin:** Carrying multiple air tanks provides a safety margin in case of equipment failure or unexpected gas consumption.

* **Multiple Dive Sites:** If you plan on making multiple dives in a single day, carrying multiple air tanks can save time and eliminate the need to refill your tanks between dives.

* **Diving in Strong Currents:** Multiple air tanks can provide additional stability and buoyancy control when diving in strong currents.

* **Specific Dive Activities:** Certain dive activities, such as underwater photography or videography, may require longer dive times and additional gas for powering equipment.

## **Conclusion**

Carrying multiple air tanks when scuba diving can significantly increase your safety and extend your dive time. However, it’s important to choose the appropriate air tank configuration based on your dive plan, experience level, and physical abilities.

Double tank setups provide longer breathing duration and redundancy, while sidemount diving rigs offer improved trim, mobility, and reduced risk of overweighting. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on the specific dive conditions and your individual needs.