Long Hose versus Short Hose Regulators

During recreational diving, a short hose is most commonly used on the regulator, though there is an alternative hose which can be used when assisting a diver who has run out of air; a long hose. This provides easy access for any diver who may require air.

However, technical divers often opt for longer hoses, when they do a short hose will be attached to the regulator, just below the chin. In the case of an emergency, the diver will have to remove the long hose which he is breathing from, from his mouth and pass it to the diver who needs air. He will then have to make use of his alternate regulator hose.

It is sometimes, easier to use a short hose configuration, due to the fact that the diver doesn’t need to remove his regulator while sharing air with an out-or-air diver. This is also beneficial as it reduces the chance of drowning when switching hoses, and also lung barotrauma which can result from holding one's breathe while allowing another diver to make use of his air supply.

Photo by Travis. S<

A long hose should be a decent length, measuring approximately 2 metres. If the diver is really tall (over 6 foot) it is advisable to use an even longer hose. Likewise, a shorter diver may feel more comfortable with a slightly shorter long hose. However, consideration should be given to the fact that they may need to share with a taller person.

It has been argued that divers who have run out of air will automatically panic and grab the regulator from his diving buddy's mouth and not the extra air supply. It is advised that divers should always prepare themselves for this situation and be ready to pass the regulator from his mouth to the diver in need. Making use of a long hose is beneficial for sharing, especially during an ascent where a shorter hose could cause the divers to bump into each other and fins to become tangled. The long hose will allow for a calm ascent, making it easy for divers to swim side by side The same can be said when it becomes necessary to exit structures, for example, shipwrecks or caves. Here the long hose will allow the divers to swim freely, in single file. Although shorter hoses are used more in recreational diving, this could be a problem if divers need to share the air supply while trying to swim through narrow spaces. This would not be possible with a short hose.

A great deal of controversy seems to surround the question as to whether it is better to use a short or long hose regulator configuration. Some divers believe it will be better to be trained initially to make use of a long hose. If they ever want to change to technical diving, they will already be familiar with using the long hose and will only have to focus on technical diving skills.

Overall it seems that the long hose is actually better for recreational diving as well as technical diving, but each diver will need to make a choice, based upon personal preference.