Dry suit inflation installation onto a KM 37 helmet

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 9 June 2008
  • Generated on 7 July 2025
  • IMCA SF 10/08
  • 1 minute read

The practice of installing a dry suit inflation whip with modified fittings onto a KM 37 side block has been reported to IMCA.

Kirby Morgan 37 helmet

Kirby Morgan Dive Systems Inc. has advised the following.

  • The modification to the side block assembly of the KM 37, shown in the photograph above, is not recommended.
  • The leverage on the brass fitting is extremely high giving a high potential for breakage.
  • The fitting at the bottom of the side block is a 3/8″ straight thread fitting with an O-ring seal which is not designed to sustain this kind of leverage.

Members are reminded that an in-line valve is not deemed necessary by the helmet manufacturer, as long as a good quality and suitably approved inflator hose is used or the KMDSI restrictor adapter PN# 555-210.

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