What is the maximum overbottom pressure required from 0-60 FSW when diving the KM37?

When diving with the KM-37 system, understanding the maximum overbottom pressure is crucial for ensuring diver safety and equipment functionality. Overbottom pressure refers to the pressure at the bottom of the dive, which is influenced by both the ambient water pressure and the additional pressure provided by the surface-supplied equipment.

For depths between 0 and 60 feet of seawater (FSW), each additional foot of water exerts an additional pressure of approximately 0.43 psi, which contributes to the total pressure experienced by the diver. At a depth of 60 FSW, the ambient water pressure would be about 26 psi (60 feet multiplied by 0.43 psi per foot).

To ensure the diver is safely supplied with sufficient air under pressure, the KM-37 system typically requires a maximum overbottom pressure that sufficiently exceeds the ambient pressure to maintain the necessary airflow for the diver. The correct answer of 165 psi incorporates both the ambient pressure at the depth and allows for additional safety factors. This value ensures the diver has enough air supply while accounting for any potential variances in actual water pressure.

Understanding how to calculate overbottom pressure is essential for diving safety, as it ensures that surface-supplied air systems can function effectively while accommodating