Backscatter AirLock
comes with a gauge to measure the vacuum
From invisible to viral
Hugy is not a high profile brand in North America and so HugyCheck and its value as an insurance policy has been rather invisible to the North American marketplace.
Over the last year though, it’s as if everybody realized that ‘a housing can flood and this is not funny’.
So, our suggestion is that instead of calling an insurance broker after the sad, and potentially expensive, fact, why not avoid paying insurance premium increases at all, and avoid heart attacks in the aging population of underwater photographers.
Many housing manufacturers and third party accessory vendors now sell their own versions of the vacuum system. California retailer Backscatter came up with the AirLock Vacuum system. Mounted on a variety of housings, thanks to inexpensive adapters, the AirLock comes in two versions: manual with a vacuum measuring gauge and electronic with an LED alert valve that flashes to signal vacuum status.
Hong-Kong based Nauticam introduced its own version at DEMA, called the Nauticam Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System. The principle remains the same although their device alerts the user of vacuum changes and also of any water ingress. The leak detection system has been standard in Nauticam products for many years.
From now, all housings will ship with Vacuum Check and Leak Detection. Vacuum valves will be optional. When installed the valve LED blinks blue for ambient pressure, green for solid vacuum, yellow for vacuum degradation until water enters, and then it turns red, like the face of its owner! Without the valve, the water detection will still work. Nauticam will offer many valves to fit their various housings and also some other housing brands.
Aquatica’s system also combines vacuum and water detection devices with a flashing light alert.
As for third party manufacturers, Vivid Housings, an Internet-based accessory and housing manufacturer, offers its own version of the electronic monitoring vacuum system.
Is it worth it?
Protecting a $200 compact system may not be worth the installation of a vacuum system. However, if you mortgaged your house to pay for your dSLR, then it becomes a cheap insurance policy.
Now all you have to do is convince your insurer that the system adds a measure of protection that warrants a policy rebate, which just may save the purchase price of the system, and unnecessary stress on the old ticker. Happy Bubbles
Most people know DAN for our dive safety programs like emergency assistance, education and insurance. But did you also know that DAN now offers a wide range of travel insurance options? Our affordable policies protect you, your equipment and your travel investment against the unforeseen – ensuring your vacations are as they should be, worry free.
DAN.org/TRAVEL
Nauticam’s electronic module for its Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System comes as standard on its housings. Vacuum valve and hand pump are sold separately
Your Dive Safety Association
INCIDENT PREVENTION +
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT +
INCIDENT PROTECTION
www.divermag.com
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