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Dry suit inflation installation onto a KM 37 helmet

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 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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