A self-contained surface supplied air system preferably provided with backpack-wearable capability and automated setup functions for ease of use that is capable of recording valuable recreational and scientific data in an unobtrusive manner. The flotation tube process for the system can be automated to reduce setup time and electronically regulated to increase reliability and safety. The system allows recreational divers or their inherent equipment to be capable of recording valuable and reputable data in a manner that does not involve extra effort by the user. The disclosed system can use a miniature pH sensor design with automatic calibration for integration into the data recording device. In one embodiment, the novel hookah diving system comprises a portable body enclosing all necessary equipment and featuring automatic flotation tube inflation and deflation. An integrated data recording device collects physical data at points along the diver's tether preferably from the surface all the way to the depth of the diver.