Kirby Morgan® FAQs

The case (p/n 420-101) is an integral part of the design, building & shipping of the precision made interior workings of the KMACS-5. We therefore do not offer the KMACS-5 without the case. All KMACS-5s leave our factory installed into their cases.

Adding non authorized coatings to a fiberglass shell will condemn the shell and void the warranty on the helmet.  There are currently no approved coatings for a fiberglass shell.  A list of authorized coatings have been approved for our stainless steel shells, however applying these coatings will void the warranty on the helmet.  Please contact your Kirby Morgan Dealer for more info.

Yes. The non-wing style are still available! Just ask for 510-766, 510-767 starboard and port whiskers. They are for use on units with quad/tri valve exhaust assemblies.

The SuperMask® was designed with multiple gas switches in mind. When the pod is removed, you can use any second stage regulator, or you can mount a second pod with another second stage to the mask. This can be during the dive or when hanging in deco on a surface supplied deco gas or from bottles at the deco stops. When using a surface-supplied gas, having a pod mounted to the second stage allows for hard wired communications to the surface.

You must be a certified scuba diver and should be completely familiar with all the operational features of the mask before diving it in open water. It is recommended that you first dive in a calm, clear body of water such as a swimming pool, if possible, to become completely familiar with all the operational features of the mask. While it's operation is not complicated, the diver should be able to adjust the regulator for optimal breathing as well as unmount, mount and clear the pod.

We are sorry but we have no parts, manuals or support for the KMB 10. Due to safety concerns, we are not able to offer advice on keeping the KMB 10 or earlier models (KMB 8, 9)  in service. The KMB 10 was discontinued by US Divers twenty five years ago. These masks have completed their service life. Because this is life support equipment, in the interest of diver safety we recommend only that the old equipment be upgraded to newer, serviceable models such as the KMB 18 or KMB 28 Band Masks.

Due to the unique configuration of the air outlets, and their mate up with the air control manifold, Kirby Morgan does not offer O2 fittings or adapters for the KMACS-5 air outlets.

We do not make or handle Quick Disconnects (quick disconnect whip assembly - for between the sideblock emergency valve and the divers bailout bottle first stage regulator) but you would be able to source quick disconnects through many of our dealers. Please see our authorized dealers.

The M48 SuperMask & M48 MOD 1 do not automatically come with regulators.  This depends on the POD chosen.  The customer chooses a Mask (SuperMask or MOD 1) and chooses a POD.  Any POD goes with any Mask.  The three main SCUBA PODs are:

1. 805-015 SCUBA POD with Tilt to Purge
2. 805-026 SCUBA POD with Balanced Purge Tube
3. 200-130 SCUBA POD with Balanced SCUBA Regulator installed

If you require the regulator, order POD part no. 200-130 to go with the Mask of your choice.

Below is a list of all our current Kirby Morgan Dealers that are certified in maintenance and repair technician courses:

Kirby Morgan does not make a vacuum controlled test device for our one way valves (555-195). This device was used back in the 1980s (not made by Kirby Morgan) but this tester was phased out long ago. Vacuum controlled one way valve testers are not necessary and are no longer commercially available for our equipment. The current and approved method for testing the one way valve is covered in the Kirby Morgan Owners Operations & Maintenance Manuals.

We ask that you send it to one of our authorized dealers for inspections.

At this time, we are not manufacturing Miller Diving helmets and currently do not have a future production date.
There will be an industry notification sent out once we have made a decision regarding the availability of Miller Diving helmets.

Please note that Miller 400 spares remain available through our Authorized Miller Diving Dealer network.  You can find a full list of authorized Miller Diving Dealers on the website at www.millerdiving.com/dealers.

Kirby Morgan helmets are heavy duty professional life support equipment and are not intended for use with a self-contained gas supply (not intended for SCUBA use). There is no provision for surface swimming once the SCUBA air supply is depleted. This could lead to serious injury or death by suffocation or drowning. We are sorry but Kirby Morgan does not offer a light weight, recreational diving helmet that would keep the ears dry.

Brass Adapter (on One Way Valve): 1/4 inch NPT-O2

Emergency Valve Outlet: 9/16 -18 inch UNF 2A (USA “standard scuba”)

Small LP Ports 3/8 inch-24 UNF 2B

Large LP Ports 1/2 inch -20 UNF 2A

Plans for the KM 67 Helmet have been postponed / release date undetermined.

The removable pod enables you to handle all out of air situations. Simply unlatch and remove pod and use your alternative air source, octopus, bailout system or buddy breathing to the surface.

The LP inlet: #8 male JIC

The primary air outlets: #6 male JIC

The pneumo outlets#4 male JIC

A

Have you seen what appears to be rust? Kirby Morgan would like to assure all dealers and SS helmet owners, that the helmet  shells are not actually rusting. All of these helmet shells and other main components, are cast and machined from a highly corrosion resistant grade of 316L stainless steel. The investment casting process can produce a very good finish, but this still requires more processing to be acceptable. Each helmet shell is initially hand finished, then, it is processed to a very smooth surface using specialized friction finishing equipment. Even after all this processing, these smooth surfaces will still have small surface porosity that can trap foreign matter, some of which can “rust”. This is what will make the surfaces appear to be rusting. This foreign matter that may be trapped, needs to be cleaned away, and the surfaces need to be protected. Basic cleaning and protection should be performed on a regular basis and may need to be performed more often depending on what type of environment the helmets are used in. NOTE, This “Rusting” issue can also be seen on Fiberglass helmet shells and chrome plated brass parts. It is what is stuck to those surfaces that is “rusting”. Not the fiberglass or chrome.

Cleaning Procedures for the stainless steel helmet
Thoroughly clean the components with a cleaning soap such as Simple Green. A soft scrubbing tool can help to remove excess materials.  See figure 1

Dry the components and wipe completely with Isopropyl alcohol and allow to evaporate.  See figure 2.
 
Using  a kitchen sponge with an abrasive side. Wet and apply hand soap that contains a slight abrasive (LAVA hand soap works very well, or Go-Jo Pumice, citric hand soap), and simply rub onto the affected area of the helmet shell. The unwanted stains will easily be removed.  See figure 3
 
NEVER USE STEEL WOOL TO PERFORM THIS TASK. It will deeply embed iron particles into the stainless and may cause severe rusting to the component.

Citric acid or diluted vinegar can be used to passivate stainless steel and remove any light rust. A lemon half works well as a scrubbing tool, and at the same time provides the citric acid to help eliminate small surface particles of rust. Allow enough liquid to deposit on all affected surfaces and allow it to settle for at least 30 minutes. Rinse and re-apply as needed. Rinse again and finish wipe with the Isopropyl alcohol allow to dry completely. Apply at least 2 coats of a good quality paste wax. This will help seal surface porosity to prevent foreign matter from being trapped, which may then rust.  
See figure 4.

It is best to clean as much of the helmet surfaces as possible, rather than cleaning only affected areas, as this will help prevent any future issues. A basic cleaning and waxing procedure should be performed as part of a routine cleaning regiment.

Kirby Morgan suggests the use of lemon juice/lemons, or vinegar for the source of acid. These types of acid will help dissolve certain stains, rust and certain residue buildup such as hard water and mineral deposits. Because they are natural and non-toxic, Kirby Morgan highly recommends them for this procedure.

B

Below are the links to the two products we recommend (E-NOX Clean and UNO SF, by Walter Surface Technologies).

Please follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding use.
Step #1 for your Stainless Steel Shell or Pod.
Use E-NOX Clean - Cleaner/Brightener Gel. Here is the link:
http://www.biocircle.com/en_US/products/environmental-solutions/industrial-cleaning-degreasing/e-nox-clean

Step #2 for your Stainless Steel Shell or Pod.
Use UNO SF (as a neutralizer) – High Strength Degreaser. Here is the link:
http://www.biocircle.com/en_US/products/environmental-solutions/industrial-cleaning-degreasing/uno-s-f

For more information regarding cleaning procedure "B" see Bulletin #4 of 2014.

C

Kirby Morgan has recently found, tested and approved an excellent cleaner for the Stainless Steel Helmet Shells, Innosoft B570®, and protector, Innoprotect B580®. They are fast acting, ready to use and 100% organic.

Highly corrosion resistant 316L stainless steel was chosen for the helmets listed above. Though the shells are exceptionally smooth and shiny, it is normal to have a certain amount of porosity on metal surfaces. The appearance of “rust & rust spots” may occasionally form. This is oxidation, not of the stainless steel, but of tiny amounts of foreign material trapped in the surface porosity.

For more information regarding cleaning procedure "C" see Bulletin #12 of 2016.

FINISH CARE IS A PART OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE.

NOTE: All new stainless helmet shells are electro chemical cleaned (electropolished) and friction polished to a very smooth exterior surface finish. If so desired, the surface can be brought to a higher luster using basic polishing techniques, (i.e. polishing compounds and light buffing techniques).

Kirby Morgan does not handle used equipment, condemned helmets and/or mask frames. We are strictly a production facility and advise that you contact our authorized dealers if you are looking to buy or sell new or used equipment.  If you have had a unit stolen and need a value for insurance purposes, we (or your dealer) will be happy to provide you with the current retail price to serve as a replacement value.  If you are able to provide us with the serial number we will be happy to give you the age of any unit. However, despite the age, condition can vary greatly from unit to unit depending on usage & maintenance history. For these reasons it is impossible for us to appraise the value of a unit from a serial number or a photo. Proceed with caution on any used gear purchases. If you are able to, have the used equipment inspected by certified, factory trained personnel (most Kirby Morgan dealers) prior to purchase. Most importantly, if bought used, always have your life support equipment inspected as described above before use!  Our website Dealers page will show all KM dealers and include information as to whether or not they are a factory certified inspection & maintenance facility.

The removable scuba pod is a unique feature in a full face mask. The mask may also be used in the surface supplied mode. Multiple scuba pods may be used with different gas options while retaining the advantages of a full face mask.

The mask frame and rigid components are made of a variety of high impact plastics. The flexible face seal is made of the highest quality silicone that conforms to the divers face.

The eye/nose cavity seals under the nose in the same manner as a standard scuba mask. The mask is also designed to work with various communications configurations.

The masks can be configured to use various wireless and hard wire communications systems. We do not sell the communications hardware. Ask us for recommendations on communications.

The threads at the end of the emergency valve are 9/16-18. A standard scuba hose, male (3/8”-24 UNF2A) will attach to them.

Due to delays beyond our control with the CE certification process, a kit to convert the stainless steel helmets to the 450 regulator has been put on hold for an indefinite period of time.

Until the SuperMask® was introduced, all full-face masks had one major drawback. If your regulator or gas supply failed, you had to remove the whole mask to gain access to an alternate source of breathing gas. With the Supermask®, switching to an alternate gas source is as simple as unlatching the pod from the mask and mounting another pod or simply using another second stage regulator. If your alternate air source is another SuperMask® pod, your communications will remain operable.

We are sorry but there are no plans to produce a stainless steel SuperLite® 17B or 27 Helmet.

Many of todays most popular regulators can easily be mounted to the SuperMask® pod. However, due to a wide variety of manufacturing specs, some regulators do not fit. Please see the regulator section.

With the SuperMask® there is no need to keep the mouthpiece constantly clamped in your mouth during the dive. This makes your dive very comfortable, no jaw fatigue on long dives such as cave penetrations or prolonged decompression times, especially with the larger rebreather hoses.

This mask has a remarkable fit. Not only does it fit most people, including those with small faces, but also most people with facial hair such as beards and mustaches.