Lift Bags - Marking Tubes

Some of the lift bags and surface marking tubes include a non-locking inflation connection fitting that supports easy and rapid power-inflation at the surface using the standard quick-disconnect low-pressure BC inflator hose. However, there are some safety concerns using that mode for deployment while at depth. Disconnecting the inflator hose from your BC at depth could compromise your buoyancy control in an emergency. Although the inflation connector on the device is non-locking, there is a possibility connectors could jam and fail to easily separate if the connectors are not clean and well maintained. As with any such device, it is also possible to create enough lift such that it could begin to drag you to the surface if there is any delay in release and the rapid power-inflation feature can reduce the time available before release.

For deployment at depth we suggest using an alternate low-pressure quick-disconnect inflator hose mounted on a stage or bailout bottle, rather than the primary BC inflator hose, for power inflation of this device. If this is your first experience with power-inflation lift bag or marking tube deployment at depth, first practice this type of deployment under controlled conditions.