Out Of Air Observations

Observations On Out-Of-Air Training

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Introduction in a pool to an out-of-air emergency is typically done in a casual, relaxed manner. The out-of-air diver slowly indicates with an across the throat motion that they are out of air and then indicating with fingers toward the mouth the desire to share air. In some classes, this exercise is only done a few (if that many) times (clearly not enough practice to develop comfort / competency).

However, in reality, a diver facing an out-of air situation (either real or perceived) may not be totally rational. Sharing air outside of the pool can sometimes create problems. (see Couple Communication). Often, the out-of-air diver has ceased, under stress, to be a wonderfully rational human being. This out-of-air diver (the "dive parasite") may forget the few casual pool training attempts and believe that the only source of air is in another diver's mouth. As such, a diver's first realization that there is an issue with another diver may be when the "dive parasite" rips the regulator from their mouth.

(Incidentally, if you lose your regulator to a "dive parasite," you can retrieve your regulator by firmly grabbing the regular (claw-like motion with all fingers surrounding the second stage) and sharply rotating downward while pulling the regulator toward you. If you do this, expect combative behavior.)

When I taught rescue classes (~40 hour lecture with ~ 18 hours open water work), I did an out-of-air simulation with some surprising results. The first day of class was either shore based or working on the surface (without scuba). On the second day (all on scuba), I informed the students that their first exercise would be to individually swim an underwater box pattern so that I could observe their swimming technique (looking at kick efficiency, etc). I stated that I would be slightly behind and above the student so I could observe them.

On the third leg of the box pattern, I removed my regulator, swam rapidly to the student, hit them on the shoulder to spin them such that they faced me. I then gave them the out of air signal. Some responses:

several divers totally froze and had to be manually carried to the surface

diver started to hand me their regulator (for single regulator air sharing), when the regulator was within inches of my mouth, the diver remembered they had just purchased an octopus. So, they withdrew their regulator and handed me their octopus

diver handed me an octopus without a mouthpiece (which had remained in the octopus holder)

diver handed me an octopus (a rental) without a diaphragm (so the regulator was filled with water)

diver handed me an upside down regulator

diver tried to hand me the regulator that was a combination of a regulator / bc inflator hose.

diver punched his octopus regulator into my mask faceplate and repeated this behavior until I had carried him to the surface

several divers could not find their octopus regulator and were manually carried to the surface (all their attention was focused on repeatedly attempting to find their octopus regulator)

The points are:

A successful air sharing event was rare. Most, in a real situation, had a high probability of being catastrophic

Freezing is a common stress response (so danger perception should be remembered as freeze, fight, or flight)

Repetitive behavior is a common stress response

Since all physical skills are extinguished with time, emergency procedures should be routinely practiced

Training should be as close to reality as safely possible.

Students considered this exercise a valuable learning experience as it reinforced my strong suggestion that skills be continually practiced

Legal Disclaimer: This exercise should not be done with an instructor without the experience and skill to handle the less than ideal scenario that will develop. (Instructor may need to ascend without a regulator.) This exercise places the instructor at above typical risk with a potentially combative diver. Those who choose to participate in this exercise assume all responsibility for their actions.

About The Author:

Larry "Harris" Taylor, Ph.D. is a biochemist and Diving Safety Coordinator at the University of Michigan. He has authored more than 200 scuba related articles. His personal dive library (See Alert Diver, Mar/Apr, 1997, p. 54) is considered one of the best recreational sources of information In North America.

Use of these articles for personal or organizational profit is specifically denied.

These articles may be used for not-for-profit diving education