Scuba Training: Air Sharing Basics to Master

scuba trainingWhether you’re a certified scuba diver or you’re still in scuba training, it’s crucial that you master the basics. And one of those ever-important basics is air sharing. Here, we’ll discuss how to air share and a few precautions you should take while practicing.

Sharing Air: The Basics

Like the old adage goes, practice makes perfect. But even more than that, perfect practice makes perfect. Before you can have an effective practice, you need to master technique.

  • Signal
    Before air sharing can even begin, it’s important that you signal to your diving buddy. The more distinctive your signal, the better. Make sure you have a designated signal before you even hit the water!
  • Buddy’s Move
    Once you’ve signaled to your buddy that you’re low on air and want to share, it’s their move. Your buddy should know to move toward you and offer an air source.
  • Breathe
    Once you have the offered regulator in your mouth, begin breathing normally. But don’t forget that if your buddy offers their primary reg, they need it back! This shouldn’t be standard for your practice drills, as it can quickly become a dangerous situation.
  • Physical Contact
    No matter what, keep physical contact with your buddy when you’re practicing air sharing. Grabbing onto an arm or tank valve will ensure that when you practice scuba diving, the reg won’t be pulled from your mouth prematurely.

 

Extra Precautions to Take

No matter how advanced your scuba classes are, air sharing requires a few essential precautions. Here are some of the most important precautionary steps to take before practicing air sharing on a scuba diving course:

  • Review your drill before the dive begins. You and your buddy should know which air sources to use, as well as your signal for air sharing.
  • Don’t forget about your buoyancy! Safe air sharing is important, but it shouldn’t absorb all of your attention.
  • Inform your instructor before the dive. If you plan on practicing without telling your divemaster, they might mistake the situation for a real emergency.
  • Don’t start with single regulator “buddy breathing.” As previously mentioned, this can be dangerous for both divers, especially if you’re inexperienced.

Almost 80% of diving problems involve the head and neck. That includes your regulator and breathing! But if your scuba training is done with diligence and accuracy, you’ll improve your safety and the safety of those around you.