What Is Hookah Diving?

Hookah diving uses a personal compressor to deliver air above the water rather than in a tank of compressed air (scuba tank). Hookah diving is convenient for commercial divers and others who are immersed in limited areas and depths.

  1. Significance

    • Hookah diving uses surface-supplied air for divers in a limited space and depth, so a diver doesn't wear a tank on his back. Hookah systems are commonly used by commercial divers to provide greater freedom of movement.

    Function

    • An air-supplied hookah system includes a motor and compressor to generate air, which is delivered to the diver via an air hose and regulator. Unlike scuba tanks, the hookah system does not provide compressed air (i.e., air under pressure).

    Certification

    • According to Keene Engineering and See the Reef, no formal instruction is required to use hookah equipment for diving, but scuba diving certification is recommended for safe diving practices, skills and knowledge.

    Features

    • The amount of air provided by a hookah system is determined by the working motor--as long as the fuel tank is filled or the unit is plugged in (electric units). Some models include an air filter and a reserve air tank to respectively remove particles in the air and to provide a constant flow of air.

    Considerations

    • The surface-supplied air system should be monitored for fuel and possible malfunctions to alert the diver that air supply is reduced and that he should ascend. Divers should practice safe diving procedures, which include diving with a buddy (on a separate system) to avoid out-of-air emergencies.