How to Use a Full Face Dive Mask

Full face dive masks were traditionally used only by professional divers. Since scuba diving has become such a popular recreational sport, manufacturers have started making full face masks for amateur divers as well. The price is higher than traditional masks, but the benefits seem to out-weigh the price. Full face masks give divers the ability to breathe normally while giving added protection against cold or polluted water. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a full face mask that securely fits your face. Just like a traditional face mask, you need to be able to create good suction around the entire mask to keep water from entering your mask.

    • 2

      Sign up for a full face mask diving course. If you are considering a full face mask, you are probably already scuba certified, but chances are you were trained using a separate face mask and regulator.

    • 3

      Attach your regulator hose to the face mask. This will feel different because you no longer have a mouth piece to deal with. The regulator is actually part of the face mask and just needs to be hooked up to your air supply.

    • 4

      Breathe. Learning to breathe while using a full face mask is as simple as breathing on land. You no longer have to breathe through your mouth; you can also breathe through your nose. Although this is a simple step, it may take a few tries before you are comfortable with natural breathing under water.

    • 5

      Allow water to enter your mask and learn to purge. Pressing your mask's purge button will empty your mask, or simply exhaling should empty your mask. Get a good feel for how your mask works and what you are comfortable with before attempting your first dive with a full face mask.