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
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Instructions

  1. 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

    • 10

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

    • 11

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

    • 12

      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.

    • 13

      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

    • 14

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

    • 15

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

    • 16

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

    • 17

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

    • 18

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

    • 19

      Ascend normally.