Second Stage Regulators, Octopuses & Integrated Alternate Air Sources
Whether you are replacing your primary second stage, adding a high-visibility octopus for out-of-air emergencies, or streamlining your dive rig with an integrated BCD inflator/regulator, International Diving Centre carries the industry’s most reliable alternate air sources. Explore top-rated second stages and octopus systems from SCUBAPRO, Atomic Aquatics, Apeks, AquaLung, and Halcyon.
Primary 2nd Stage Regulators
Pneumatically balanced second stages featuring inhalation effort control knobs, micro-adjustable Venturi switches, and titanium or carbon fiber valve components for effortless breathing.
Backup Octopus Regulators
High-visibility yellow second stages paired with 36-inch yellow hoses designed for instant identification during dive buddy sharing scenarios.
Integrated Inflators (AIR2 / SS1)
Replaces your standard BCD power inflator with a combined inflator and backup regulator (e.g., SCUBAPRO AIR2 or Atomic SS1), eliminating a dangling octopus hose.
Choosing Your Alternate Air Configuration
- Standard Octopus Setup: Uses a dedicated secondary hose and high-visibility yellow 2nd stage secured in the chest triangular zone. Simple, familiar, and standard in Open Water training.
- Integrated Power Inflators (AIR2 & SS1): Combines power inflation/deflation controls with a fully functional second stage attached to your BCD corrugated hose. Reduces drag, eliminates one LP hose from your 1st stage, and guarantees your backup is always in a fixed location.
- Technical Necklaced Secondary: Used in DIR and technical diving configurations where the octopus hangs on a bungee necklace directly under the diver's chin, allowing instant hands-free access if air sharing is needed.
- Venturi & Free-Flow Control: Essential feature on secondary breathers! Setting the Venturi switch to "Pre-Dive" prevents annoying surface free-flows when jumping into the water or swimming through surf.
Alternate Air Source Comparison Guide
| Alternate Style | Key Advantages | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Yellow Octopus | Easy to spot by a panicked buddy; long 36" hose allows comfortable side-by-side swimming | Recreational divers, students, & dive center rentals |
| SCUBAPRO AIR2 / Atomic SS1 | Eliminates 1 low-pressure hose; stays fixed to BCD; reduces underwater gear drag | Streamlined recreational divers & warm-water travelers |
| Necklaced Tech Secondary | Right under chin for immediate access; donor donates primary 2nd stage on long hose | Cold-water ocean divers, cave, wreck, & twinset technical divers |
Get Your AIR2 or SS1 Installed at IDC Vancouver: Installing an integrated inflator like the SCUBAPRO AIR2 or Atomic SS1 requires specific BCD hose couplings and tuning intermediate pressure. Bring your BCD and regulator to 2865 West Broadway and our certified techs will mount and bench-test your unit!
