5-ft vs 7-ft Hose for Single-Tank Diving

The long hose is the heart of the DIR configuration: you breathe from a regulator on a long hose and donate it to a teammate who's out of gas. The question for single-tank divers is how long "long" needs to be.

What does UTD allow, and what do we recommend?

UTD's minimum equipment for its open-circuit classes calls for a donatable primary regulator on a 5- or 7-foot hose, wrapped around the neck, with a backup on a bungee necklace. Either length meets the standard.

For training with Gardner Underwater, we specify a 7-foot hose, for singles, doubles and sidemount alike.

5 feet vs 7 feet at a glance

Why 7 feet?

It works in more situations. In open water, teams may share gas side by side, but hose reach still depends on the divers, routing and equipment. But space isn't always open. In low visibility, around a wreck or through a narrow gap, you may need to share gas in single file, one diver behind the other. A 7-foot hose makes that possible.

It supports consistent donation. Gardner specifies 7 feet for singles, doubles and sidemount. The donation principle stays familiar, while the hose routing and failure response still need to be learned for each configuration.

The extra length isn't in the way. Routed properly, the slack is taken up down your right side and under your waist belt.

Does body size matter?

A little. Shorter divers sometimes find a 7-foot hose looks long when they first route it. In practice, the routing absorbs the difference: the hose runs down your right side to your hip, where it's tucked, then across your chest and around your neck. A fit check with your instructor is the best way to settle it.

How do you stow it without a canister light?

Technical divers often tuck the hose under their light canister on the right hip. Single-tank divers without a canister light use the waist belt instead:

1. The hose leaves the first stage and runs straight down your right side.
2. At your right hip, tuck it under the waist belt.
3. Run it diagonally up across your chest to your left shoulder.
4. Wrap it around the back of your neck, from left to right.
5. It comes into your mouth from the right.

When you donate, you bow your head to free the loop around your neck, then pull the hose free of the belt and show your teammate it's clear. For the full sequence, see Out-of-Air Drill: How to Donate the Long Hose.

Common mistakes

• Nothing holding it at the hip. The hose loops away from your body and snags.
• Trapping it under other gear. It must come free in one movement.
• A hose that's too stiff or kinked. Choose a flexible hose and route it without sharp bends.
• Never practicing donation. Whatever length you choose, practice donating it.

Set it up with someone who dives it

For the full configuration, see Long Hose Configuration and DIR Gear Configuration, Piece by Piece. If you want to try the setup before buying, you can rent a DIR backplate and wing, and get regulator service, through our shop.