Chapter 1 General Information; Introduction - Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B Operation And Maintenance Manual

Locate the exploded view at the back of this manual. Fold it out and follow the numbers as you read. All
the numbers in parentheses in the text refer to the numbers on the exploded drawing. These numbers are
called "location" numbers on the parts list. They are used to find the referred to parts on the exploded
drawing only. They are not the part number. Always check the part number when ordering to make
sure it is correct. Always specify the mask model number as well. There is only one exploded view
drawing which includes both the Kirby Morgan Band Mask (KMB 18A) and Kirby Morgan Band Mask
(KMB 18B), as well as the Kirby Morgan KMB 28 Band Mask.
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. (KMDSI) started
as the Kirby Morgan Corporation in 1965. Kirby
Morgan is a registered trademark for our products.
William Bev Morgan started designing
and making diving equipment shortly
after becoming a breath-hold diver while
working as a beach lifeguard in the late
1940's. There was very little equipment
available in those early days so it was
necessary to make much of his own gear.
During the early 1950's he originated the Los
Angeles (California) Underwater Instructor
Program for teaching SCUBA divers/instruc-
tors, then started Dive 'N Surf, one of the first
diving equipment suppliers that integrated Scuba
diving instruction into the same operation as sales
and service of equipment. He, along with his
partners, Bill and Bob Meistrell, designed and
manufactured diving equipment that remains a
standard in the diving industry today.
In 1957 Morgan sold Dive 'N Surf to his partners.
In 1960 he started commercial diving along with
designing and making diving equipment for the
commercial market.
The Kirby Morgan Corporation was formed to
manufacture commercial diving helmets. The
copper and brass "heavy gear" or " Standard Dress"
helmets were the first manufactured by the com-
Document # 010518001 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
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BEFORE GOING FURTHER-
pany. Over the years Kirby Morgan designed,
manufactured, and sold many different helmets
and masks for commercial divers.
Staying active in commercial diving has
contributed to the successful design innovations
of KMDSI products. This may be the pri-
mary reason for the acceptance of our de-
signs by professional divers. Over the years,
Morgan has designed more than forty diving
helmets and forty five diving masks.
KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
Bev Morgan, Chairman of the board,
Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.
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