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Kirby Morgan® FAQs

Can I get the KMACS-5 without its case?

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.

Can I paint, coat or add any surface covering to the shell of my Kirby Morgan helmet?

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.

Can I still get the earlier non wing style whiskers for my Helmet/Bandmask

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.

Can I switch gases during my dive?

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.

Do I have to be trained to use it?

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.

Does Kirby Morgan have parts, manuals, or exploded views for my KMB 10?

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.

Does Kirby Morgan offer Oxygen (O2) fittings or O2 adapters for the air outlets on the KMACS-5?

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.

Does Kirby Morgan offer quick disconnects?

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.

Does the M-48 mask come with a regulator?

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.

How do I become a trained technician?

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

 

Australia

JFD Australia (Sydney)

JFD Australia (Sydney)
21-25 Munro Ave.
Kirrawee NSW 2232
Australia

Tel:
61 (0)2 9545 35000
JFD Australia (Perth)

JFD Australia (Perth)
54 Bushland Ridge
Bibra Lake WA 6163
Australia

Tel:
61 (0)8 9437 6800
Pacific Commercial Diving Supply

Pacific Commercial Diving Supply
Unit 2/6 Parkinson Lane
Kardinya WA 6163
Australia

Tel:
(61) 089 337-6367
Pacific Commercial Diving Supply NSW

Pacific Commercial Diving Supply
Unit 33C, 1-3 Endeavor Road
Caringbah NSW 2229
Australia

Tel:
(61) 29 524-0466

Belgium

De Zeeman Pro (Belgium)

De Zeeman Pro
Wayenborgstraat ½
2800 Mechelen
Belgium

Tel:
+32 (0) 15 43 0131

Brazil

Full Tech Dive

Full Tech Dive
Rua Latino Coelho, 22A
Rio de Janeiro-RJ
21070-720
Brazil

Tel:
+55 (21) 2270-7847

Canada

AXSUB INC.

AXSUB INC.
112 Montee Industrielle #200
Rimouski QC G5M 1B1
Canada

Tel:
+1.418.731.1539
Divers World

DIVERS WORLD
11-2 Beechville Park Drive
Beechville NS B3T 1L7
Canada

Tel:
902-876-0555, (800-616-3483)
Ocean Equipment

Ocean Equipment
2786 Maywood Road
Powell River BC V8A 0P4
Canada

Tel:
1 604 487 0715

Chile

Soc. Diving Service Salvage SPA

Soc. Diving Service Salvage SPA
Almirante Senoret 151 Of 101
Valparaiso
Chile

Tel:
56-32-2215174
Casco Antiguo Chile

Casco Antiguo Chile
Complejo Empresarial San Andres
Puerto Montt
Chile

Tel:
56-065-270962

China

XinHai Testecho Co., LTD.

XinHai Testecho Co., LTD.
Building No. 9, BinHai Innovations Park, No. 4668 Xinbei Road, TangGu
Nankai Qu
Tianjin Shi, 300451
China

Tel:
0086 (0)2225797143
Beijing United Sterling Trading Co. Ltd (Shenzhen)

Beijing United Sterling Trading Co. Ltd
Haichang Street
Shenzhen Shi
Guangdong Sheng, 518067
China

Tel:
(86) 10 5179 8772
United Sterling (Far East) LTD. Hong Kong

United Sterling (Far East) LTD. Hong Kong
1 - 15 Kwai Fung Crescent
New Territories
Hong Kong, 999077
China

Tel:
852-2735 7790

Croatia

Aquatica (Croatia)

Aquatica
Via Bottenigo 147 / A
Venice
Croatia

Tel:
+39 041.538.1517

Czechia

Diveland s.r.o

Diveland s.r.o
Ceskoslovenske Armady 13
160 00 Prague
Czechia

Tel:
00420 222 947 314

Finland

Polarsafety Oy/Polarsukellus

Polarsafety Oy/Polarsukellus
Rusthollarinkatu 8
02270 Espoo
Finland

Tel:
358 961 3316

France

De Zeeman Pro (France - Boulevard de Leeds)

De Zeeman Pro
Immeuble Le Leeds -253
59777 Boulevard de Leeds
France

Tel:
+33 (0)3 28535939
De Zeeman Pro (France - Six-Fours-les-Plages)

De Zeeman Pro
2742 Av John Kennedy
83140 Six-Fours-les-Plages
France

Tel:
+33 (0)483424595

Germany

Domeyer

Domeyer
Konsul-Smidt-Straße 15
28217 Bremen
Germany

Tel:
+49 421 37788-0
De Zeeman Pro (Germany)

De Zeeman Pro
Im Feenwalde 8
56290 Macken
Germany

Tel:
+49 (0)2605 9626013

India

Unique Hydra India Private Limited

Unique Hyrdographic, System PVT LTD.
A-148, Khaime MIDC
Maharashtra 400705
Maharashtra
India

Tel:
91 22 2761 9975

Italy

Aquatica (Italy)

Aquatica
Via Bottenigo 147 / A
30175 Venice VE
Italy

Tel:
+39 041.538.1517

Japan

Nippon Kaiyo Co. Ltd.

Nippon Kaiyo Co. Ltd.
5 Chome-12 Towa
Adachi City, Tokyo
120-0003
Japan

Tel:
+81-3-5613-8901

Mexico

Casco Antiguo De Mexico

Casco Antiguo De Mexico
Carretera Federal Tulum - Cancun km 293.7
77712 Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo, Q.R.
Mexico

Tel:
+52 984 688 34 80

Netherlands

Hytech-Pommec

Hytech-Pommec
Ramgatseweg 27
4941 VN Raamsdonksveer
Netherlands

Tel:
31 (0) 85 792 43 00

Norway

Spiro Services A/S

Spiro Services A/S
Stokkevannveien 15
3962 Stathelle
Norway

Tel:
35 96 34 88
Alf Lea AS - Diving and Safety Equipment

Alf Lea AS - Diving and Safety Equipment
Tollbodgata 3
5527 Haugesund
Norway

Tel:
47 41 41 44 90

Panama

Casco Antiguo Latam

Casco Antiguo Latam
Manzana CO 3-2
Colon
Panama

Tel:
(507) 441-6907

Poland

Ocean Tech

Ocean Tech
ul. Kaszubska Droga 13
80-209 Chwaszczyno
Poland

Tel:
58 711 76 85

Portugal

Casco Antiguo Portugal

Casco Antiguo Portugal
Estrada Nacional nº10, km18
2830-411 Coina
Portugal

Tel:
21 210 9260

Singapore

Sea and Land Technologies Pte Ltd

Sea and Land Technologies Pte Ltd
65 Tuas Avenue 1
639508
Singapore

Tel:
+65 6518 0777
Advanced Marine

Advanced Marine
No. 1 Gul Street 4
629233
Singapore

Tel:
65 6265 8122
Trim Systems Pte. Ltd.

Trim Systems Pte. Ltd.
11 Tuas South Link 1
636901
Singapore

Tel:
65 6266 4566

Slovenia

Aquatica (Slovenia)

Aquatica
30175 Marghera
Slovenia
Slovenia

Tel:
+39 041.538.1517

South Africa

Unique Hydra

Unique Hydra
152 - 156 Gunners Circle
Cape Town
7460
South Africa

Tel:
+27 21 835 7900

South Korea

Woojungsa

Woojungsa
682, Olympic-ro
Gangdong-gu
Seoul
05327
South Korea

Tel:
82 2 4300 678

Spain

Casco Antiguo Pro

Casco Antiguo Pro
Calle de Senda Galiana C nº 16-18
28821 Coslada Madrid
Spain

Tel:
(0034)608732680
Marine Vision

Marine Vision
Pol.Ind La Vega,
29649 Municipality of Mijas Málaga
Spain

Tel:
34 95 247 3230

United Arab Emirates

MM Ocean LLC

MM Ocean LLC
Unit 5403 Ocean Heights
The Marina
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Tel:
971 0585 919 664
Sources W. Equipment EST.

Sources W. Equipment EST.
WS124B
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Tel:
+97142776161

United Kingdom

JFD Limited

JFD Limited
Enterprise Drive
Aberdeen
AB32 6TQ
United Kingdom

Tel:
01224 740 145
Submarine Manufacturing & Products Ltd.

Submarine Manufacturing & Products Ltd.
Blackpool Road
Lancashire
PR4 3RE
United Kingdom

Tel:
+44 (0)1772 687775
Chambers Oceanics Ltd.

Chambers Oceanics Ltd.
3D HARPINGS ROAD
Hull
HU5 4JF
United Kingdom

Tel:
01482 876999

United States

Diver's Supply INC.

Diver's Supply INC.
2396 Belle Chasse Hwy.
Gretna, LA 70056
United States

Tel:
504.392.2800
Dive Lab

Dive Lab
1415 Moylan Rd.
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
United States

Tel:
850-235-2715

How do I find my serial number?

I am looking for a vacuum test device for the One Way Valve (aka Check valve or Non-return valve). Does Kirby Morgan make this? Where can I get one?

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.

I need an inspection on my Kirby Morgan product. Do I send it to Kirby Morgan?

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

Is Kirby Morgan really making a new Miller Diving Helmet?

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.

My ears have been injured. I can still SCUBA dive but I must keep my ears dry. Would one of your helmets work for me?

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.

The most often asked for thread sizes?

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

Wasn't Kirby Morgan going to make a helmet with a full sized large view port called the KM 67?

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

What about low on air, or out of air situations?

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.

What are the air inlet & outlet fittings on the KMACS-5?

The LP inlet: #8 male JIC

The primary air outlets: #6 male JIC

The pneumo outlets#4 male JIC

What are the product weights?

Part # Description Quantity Weight Alone Packed Weight
560-194 Handle, 37 w/plaque 1 1.66 lbs
525-210 Sealed Pull Pin Kit 1 .55 lbs
540-054 Earphone Retainer 10 .170 lbs
545-016 Air Train 1 2.2 oz
545-022 Regulator Body 1 .515 lbs
545-080 Regulator Body 1 .45 lbs
555-155/154 Bent Tube Assembly w/o-rings 1 .2 lbs
560-005 Rear Weight 1 4.8 lbs
560-014 Handle (all) 1 2 lbs
560-019 Port Weight 1 3.5 lbs
560-023 Starboard Weight 1 .6 lbs
560-026 Hinge 1 1 lb
560-070 Port Retainer 1 2 lbs
560-106 Handle, SL27 1 1.59 lbs
525-100 Whisker Exhaust Kit 1 6.35 oz
520-162 Shell 1 3.8 lbs 5 lbs
520-065 Shell 1 5 lbs 8 lbs
520-004 Face Port 1 .33 lbs
515-009 Mic 1 1.95 oz
515-006 Earphone, Left 1 3.1 oz
510-554 Whisker 1 .245 lbs
510-682 Head Cushion 1 .5 lbs
515-005 Earphone, Right 1 3 oz
510-524 Flex Knob, Steady Flow 1 .058 lbs
510-446 O-ring, 17A/B Bottom 10 1 lbs
505-055 Neck Clamp 1 1.4 lbs
500-901 Helmet Bag 1 1.61 lbs
415-056 DCS2 Battery 1 5.7 lbs
305-161 SprFlow 1st Stage 1 2.04 lbs 10 @ 20.4 lbs.
255-050 Big Bore Hose 1 .37 lbs

What can I do about the appearance of “rust like” discoloration on my Kirby Morgan stainless steel helmet? Is it rust?

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).

What is the value of my used, old (or stolen) helmet? Does Kirby Morgan appraise, buy or sell used equipment?

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.

What makes the M-48 mask unique?

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.

 

What type of communications can be mounted to the M-48 mask?

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.

Whats the fitting type on the emergency valve?

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.

When will there be a 450 Regulator conversion kit for the stainless steel helmets?

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.

Why would I want a Full Face Mask? I already have a mask.

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.

Will Kirby Morgan be making a stainless steel version of the SuperLite® 17B or 27 Helmet?

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

Will my regulator mount on the M-48 mask? If not, which ones do?

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.

Will the M-48 mask cause jaw fatigue on long duration dives?

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.

Will the M-48 mask fit my face?

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.