What Is a Tankless Dive System and How Does It Work? I've been watching tankless dive systems evolve for the better part of a decade now, and I'll tell you—understanding exactly how a tankless dive system works has become pretty important for anyone considering an alternative to traditional scuba gear. These battery-powered surface-supplied systems have moved from novelty gadgets to legitimate diving equipment, and knowing what's actually happening when you breathe through one matters for both safety and realistic expectations. What Is a Tankless Dive System? A tankless dive system is a battery-powered compressor unit that floats on the surface and delivers breathing air to a diver below through a low-pressure hose. Unlike traditional scuba where you carry compressed air on your back, these systems generate breathable air on demand and push it ...