How to Buddy Breathe

Always scuba dive with a partner so that you have an emergency breathing plan if you run out of air.

Things You'll Need

• Masks
• Buoyancy Compensators
• Dive Weight Belts
• Fins
• Scuba Tanks
• Snorkels

Instructions

Buddy Breathing Without an Octopus Rig

1. Signal to your buddy that you're out of air and want to buddy breathe.

2. Allow your buddy to hand you the regulator when she's ready. Make sure your buddy keeps her hand on the regulator at all times.

3. Exhale first to clear the regulator. Use the purge button if necessary. Repeat this with every exchange.

4. Take two to three normal breaths, then push the regulator out of your mouth and let your buddy take it away and breathe for a few breaths.

5. Establish a rhythm, and let the air donor maintain control at all times.

6. When you and the donor are calm and ready, signal to each other that you're ready to ascend.

7. Face each other, and hold on to each other's equipment straps with one hand while passing the regulator back and forth with the other.

8. Establish a slightly positive buoyancy, and start kicking toward the surface. Let the donor control the rate of ascent.

9. Be ready to switch to an emergency ascent if necessary.

Before You Dive

1. Set a schedule for the dive, and make sure that you and your buddy both understand it.

2. Agree on hand signals to indicate low air, out of air and requests to buddy breathe.

3. Compare your air consumption rates from previous dives with your buddy. The comparison is not a completely reliable estimate for future dives, but it can give you an idea of who might run out of air first. Remember that temperature and exertion can accelerate air usage.

4. If you have only one octopus rig between the two of you, have the person with the slowest air consumption carry it.

Buddy Breathing With an Octopus Rig

1. Signal to your buddy that you're out of air and want to buddy breathe.

2. Stay calm and allow your buddy to hand you her octopus regulator.

3. Remember to exhale or press the purge button on the regulator to clear it before inhaling.

4. When you're ready, calm and breathing normally, signal that you're ready to ascend to the surface.

5. Face each other and hold on to each other's equipment straps to stay together.

6. Ascend normally.

Tips & Warnings

• Common hand signals are: low on air - place hand flat to your chest with the fingers curled under; out of air - slice hand back and forth across your throat; buddy breathe - tap on the front of your regulator with one finger.

• If your tank has a reserve, you may be able to toggle it on and switch back to independent breathing before you ascend.

• While ascending, remember not to hold your breath. Exhale slowly at all times when you don't have the regulator. Holding your breath while ascending can lead to an air embolism.

• Don't push your limits on your dive schedule. Always give yourself a 15-minute margin on your estimated air consumption.

• You and your buddy may both run low on air. Be ready to switch to an emergency ascent if needed.

• Never linger at the same depth after you've switched to buddy breathing. Accept that the dive is over, and head for the surface.

• Make sure you are an officially certified scuba diver before entering the water.

• Scuba diving is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.