Octopus — What It Is and Why It Matters
An octopus is the backup second-stage regulator carried by scuba divers as an alternate air source for a buddy in an out-of-air emergency. It connects to a second low-pressure port on the first stage and is typically identified by its bright yellow color and secured in a visible, easily accessible location on the diver's chest area.
In an air-sharing emergency, the out-of-air diver takes the octopus while both divers ascend together. Some divers use a longer hose on their primary second stage and donate that to the out-of-air diver while switching to the octopus themselves — a configuration common in technical and DIR (Doing It Right) diving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I clip my octopus?
The octopus should be secured in the triangle formed by your chin and the bottom of your rib cage — the golden triangle — where a panicking diver can find it quickly. Use a clip, holder, or BCD pocket designed for this purpose. Never let it dangle freely where it can drag through silt or coral.
Should I test my octopus before every dive?
Yes. Take a few breaths from the octopus during your pre-dive buddy check to confirm it is delivering air normally. This simple step can prevent a fatal failure during an actual emergency.
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