Title: How Scuba Works | HowStuffWorks
Headings: How Scuba Works
How Scuba Works
Wet Suits, Dry Suits, and Buoyancy Control
Scuba Breathing Apparatus
Diving Physics, Physiology and Hazards
Effects of Scuba Diving on the Body
Scuba: Additional Equipment
Scuba Training
Amateur levels

Content: The membrane moves away, allowing the lever to return to its normal position and thereby closing the inlet valve. The increased second-stage pressure opens the exhaust valve and allows the exhaled air to leave the second stage. When you inhale again, the exhaust valve closes and the process repeats. Operation of the regulator's second stage
The regulator must be cleaned with freshwater after each dive to eliminate salt water, silt and debris that would prevent the movements of the various valves and membranes and corrode the parts. Regulators should also be serviced at least once per year. Because the regulator is one of the most important pieces of equipment, many divers choose to purchase their own regulators (instead of rent) so that they can be confident that the regulator is in good working order and has been properly maintained. The final parts of the breathing apparatus are accessories that contain emergency or alternate air supplies. They include the following: Pony tanks - These are smaller cylinders that strap onto the main cylinder. Pony tanks contain air and have their own regulators.