Pony bottle

Pony bottle is a small scuba diving cylinder used as a redundant air source for scuba divers. It is an essential piece of diving equipment that provides an independent and immediate source of breathing gas in case of an emergency.

Description

A pony bottle is typically a small, independent gas cylinder, fitted with a regulator, that is carried by a scuba diver as a safety backup. The size of the pony bottle can vary, but it is usually between 2 and 3 litres, although sizes up to 20 litres are not uncommon. The pony bottle is often filled with the same breathing gas as the main cylinder, but it can also be filled with a different gas for decompression or emergency use.

Use

The pony bottle is typically attached to the diver's main cylinder or BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) and is used in case of an emergency, such as when the diver's primary air source fails. The diver can switch to the pony bottle and ascend safely to the surface. It is also used in technical diving where divers may need to switch gases during a dive.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of a pony bottle is that it provides an independent and immediate source of breathing gas in case of an emergency. This can be a lifesaver in situations where sharing air with a buddy is not possible or practical. However, a pony bottle also adds weight and bulk to the diver's equipment, which can affect buoyancy and maneuverability.

See Also

• Scuba diving
• Diving equipment
• Buoyancy Control Device
• Breathing gas

References

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