Full Face masks

[Jin Morgan]

As a newbie can I ask if it is possible to learn diving using a full face mask? Can they allow you to do everything you need in training, eg share air, clear ears? If they can't why are they used at all?

[Dave]

As a newbie can I ask if it is possible to learn diving using a full face mask? Can they allow you to do everything you need in training, eg share air, clear ears? If they can't why are they used at all?

Ear Equalisation is required regardless of whether you use a full face or normal mask.

Alternative air source is still do able, however the skill is different. With a "normal" mask, you can just grab the spare second stage from a buddy, with a full face mask, you do need to close switch on the mask, remove it, take the buddy's spare 2nd stage and then put on ( if you have one with you ) your spare normal mask.

I use them since I find them much more pleasant to dive with. They also keep you warmer and avoid the issues with mask fogging or having to clear the mask.

You could learn to dive using one, but you would still need to be able to handle the standard mask/dv. They do tend to cost more to buy. My AGA Divator mask , DV and hose cost about ?400 inc vat

Dave

[james rawlinson]

As a newbie can I ask if it is possible to learn diving using a full face mask? Can they allow you to do everything you need in training, eg share air, clear ears? If they can't why are they used at all?

I don't know about learning in a FFM but I'd recommend doing the BSAC Full Face Mask SDC if its still run. As well as discussing the pros and cons of FFM in general when I did it a few years ago we played with a number of different makes and models including AGA Divator (both standard and positive pressure) - that way you learn all the necessary safety skills and if you go for one you are making an informed purchasing decision (I personally found the AGA Divator most comfy but others had different opinions). Its probably best to phone BSAC and ask them direct - there is probably a minimum qual to do the course if its still run somewhere on the website. If you have a special reason for wanting to use one (medical etc) then I'm sure BSAC would be happy to listen... Don't forget to post what BSAC say if you call them so others know too if they're interested!

J

[Dave]

:=As a newbie can I ask if it is possible to learn diving using a full face mask? Can they allow you to do everything you need in training, eg share air, clear ears? If they can't why are they used at all?

I don't know about learning in a FFM but I'd recommend doing the BSAC Full Face Mask SDC if its still run. As well as discussing the pros and cons of FFM in general when I did it a few years ago we played with a number of different makes and models including AGA Divator (both standard and positive pressure) - that way you learn all the necessary safety skills and if you go for one you are making an informed purchasing decision (I personally found the AGA Divator most comfy but others had different opinions). Its probably best to phone BSAC and ask them direct - there is probably a minimum qual to do the course if its still run somewhere on the website. If you have a special reason for wanting to use one (medical etc) then I'm sure BSAC would be happy to listen... Don't forget to post what BSAC say if you call them so others know too if they're interested!


It is still run. There are not many scheduled in the programme of events. There are courses on 7,13 and 28 November ( see <a href="http://www.bsac.org/events/poe2004ffm.htm" >http://www.bsac.org/events/poe2004ffm.htm</a> )

Dave