Kawasaki DA Aqua-Master #1839
The Kawasaki DA Aqua-Master regulators were introduced in the late 1960s after U.S. Divers permitted Kawasaki Aircraft Company to produce a line of double-hose regulators. Branded “AQUA LUNG NIHON KK AQUA-MASTER,” these Japanese regulators had distinct differences from their American counterparts. Kawasaki manufactured them using metric measurements for all internal parts, which made them incompatible with U.S. versions. This metric design choice emphasized the unique engineering approach Kawasaki brought to diving technology, setting these regulators apart as highly specialized equipment
Design Variations and Key Models
Kawasaki produced several versions of the DA Aqua-Master regulators, with the most common models being the DA and DA II. The earlier DA model, produced between 1971 and 1977, was closely modeled after the U.S. Aqua-Master and included the “tire” yoke design, commonly used in the U.S. regulators of the time. This standard yoke setup could accommodate most tanks of that era. In contrast, the DA II, introduced in 1978, featured a more durable, reinforced yoke capable of supporting high-pressure cylinders. This change allowed divers to explore deeper with more reliable air supplies, although other technical adjustments were minimal
Kawasaki’s regulators included several distinctive features that made them popular among divers in Japan and unique to collectors today. Many of the DA Aqua-Master units carried a lead seal on the body cap, indicating that a certified technician had inspected or serviced the device. This lead seal was a quality marker, although it wasn’t present on all models. The regulators also included seamless hoses and unique clamps, which added to their durability and usability. These hoses were unlike those on U.S. models, further reinforcing the unique design approach Kawasaki employed.
Each regulator came with Japanese writing on the mouthpiece and in a lead-sealed box. This box seal guaranteed authenticity, indicating that the regulator had not been previously disassembled. These details catered to the quality control standards in Japan and appealed to collectors interested in fully original units
Historical Significance
The production of the Kawasaki DA Aqua-Master regulators represents a notable moment in the history of diving technology. These regulators offered a fresh take on the classic Aqua-Master design, adjusted for the Japanese market and manufacturing standards. Despite similarities with the U.S. models, the Kawasaki versions emphasized durability and compatibility with high-pressure equipment, showcasing Kawasaki’s innovation in the diving industry
Kawasaki regulators continued to feature in Japanese catalogs into the late 1970s. These models are rare finds today and are valued for their unique history and design variations, marking a significant contribution to vintage diving gear collections. Vintage Scuba Gear Australia highlights these models as essential for enthusiasts, bridging American and Japanese diving technology’s early developments
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