Why You Should Be Diving with an Integrated Octo

Written by: Maddie W

March 17, 2026

Time to read 4 min

As divers, we explore the underwater world, a place we couldn't reach without specialized equipment. Most divers start by renting gear, but eventually buy their own to ensure a comfortable fit and to meet their specific needs. There are many variations of gear. For example, BCDs come in jacket, back-inflate or backplate and wing styles. When choosing wetsuits, divers consider thickness, along with features like wrist or ankle zippers and special thermal technologies. In this post, we will discuss the difference between a standard diving octopus and an integrated octo, and explain why diving with an integrated octo simplifies your setup and enhances your diving experience.

What is an Integrated Octo?

Traditional diving octos are just like your primary second stage. They are brightly colored, often yellow or other neon colors, and are tucked in or clipped to the right side of your BCD to be accessible in emergency situations. In an out of air scenario, after getting the signal, the donor reaches for the octo and delivers it to their buddy right side up. After getting their bearings and calming down, the buddy pair signals that they are ready to ascend, link arms, deflate their BCDs and safely ascend.

Integrated octos combine the safe second and BCD inflator, serving the same purpose as traditional setups but eliminating one low-pressure hose. Typically, a standard setup requires one low-pressure hose for the octo and a second quick-disconnect low-pressure hose for the BCD inflator. An integrated octo uses a specialized quick-disconnect hose, which is included with the purchase. Since the integrated octo is attached to the BCD's corrugated hose (which is relatively short), in an out-of-air emergency, you would donate your primary regulator to your buddy and switch to breathing off the integrated octo.

Advantages of Integrated Octos

A major draw to this setup is gear streamlining. By having fewer hoses attached to your first stage, you move through the water with less drag. Not only does this allow you to move more comfortably and efficiently through the water, but it also reduces potential snag hazards as you are exploring reefs, forests, wrecks, or wherever else your adventures may take you.

As a diver, you should regularly think about responding to emergency situations, even though they are uncommon. Being a good diver means being a safe diver. However, when something goes wrong on a dive, it can be shocking and cause panic. Having an integrated octo can simplify sharing air. It’s common for the panicked diver to swim up to their buddy and grab for their primary regulator. If this happens, the donor knows that their integrated octo is right on their chest. Most divers are comfortable reaching for their inflator anyways, so the movement to grab the integrated octo feels natural as opposed to pulling the traditional octo out of the pocket.

Graphic showing how to share air with a dive buddy

When it comes to diving gear, lighter and less is better. When traveling, integrated octos are simpler to pack down. Instead of carrying a whole extra hose and second stage, you can fold up the integrated octo with your BCD. Some models even have a threaded attachment to the corrugated hose so that you can keep the integrated octo with your more sensitive and fragile gear in your regulator bag. When you’re ready to dive, simply screw it back- no specialized tools or effort needed!

Common Concerns

How can I control buoyancy while breathing off of an integrated octo?

Many divers, before ascending, dump the air from their BCD using the inflator. In an out of air scenario where you are breathing from your integrated octo, this becomes more difficult and less effective. Most BCDs have a shoulder dump that can be used in this case. As with any skill in diving, this should be practiced to increase comfortability in real situations.

Can I use an integrated octo with a backplate and wing system?

Many BP&W BCDs do not have a right shoulder dump- just a lower dump as well as the inflator. In an out of air scenario, you will typically be oriented vertically with your buddy, making the lower dump ineffective. If you dive with a BP&W and want to add an integrated octo to your setup, make sure to practice venting air until you feel confident doing so. In this scenario, it may also be a good idea to have a long hose setup to create space between yourself and the out of air diver to decrease stress.

Can I dive with buddies who do not use an integrated octo?

Absolutely! If your buddy does not use an integrated octo, educate them on how your setup works. Before every dive, you should be doing a buddy check to make sure everyone’s gear is working properly. This is a great time to go over emergency procedures, and you can explain how you would share air with them.

Our Favorites

Atomic SS1: Available in titanium or stainless steel, the Atomic SS1 fits virtually any BCD and comes in multiple colors for visibility. It has a threaded collar to detach easily from the BCD for storage and travel. It is low maintenance with a 2 year service interval.

Scubapro Air 2: Scubapro's integrated octo has large buttons for safe and easy operation and features a dive/pre-dive switch to prevent surface free flows.

Tusa Duo Air 2: This air balanced power inflator has a large purge button and low profile mouthpiece for easy operation.

Why You Should Be Diving with an Integrated Octo

Ultimately, incorporating an integrated octo into your scuba gear is a smart way to streamline your setup. It helps reduce bulk, lightens your load for travel, and eliminates dangling hoses, allowing for more effortless movement underwater. With a little practice, especially with buoyancy control during out-of-air scenarios, you'll find the transition to be seamless. Whether your BCD already includes one or you choose to add one later, the dive experts at Santa Barbara Aquatics are ready to help you find the perfect integrated solution.