There are many situations when a scuba diving buddy pair may need to buddy breathe. And to ensure both divers ascend back at the surface safe, there are certain techniques and procedures that must be followed.
Positioning of the scuba diving pair is one of the most important considerations. More information on positioning of a buddy breathing pair can be found here.
Scuba Diving Buddy Breathing Procedure
The basic procedure with buddy breathing is for each diver to take two breaths, then pass the regulator to the other diver. The second diver then takes two breaths and passes the regulator back to the other diver.
This procedure continues until both divers have their own secure source of air. This may be when they have both reached the surface, or maybe when they have ascended to a decompression stop where there is a spare tank waiting.
If Scuba Buddy Breathing Always Ascend to the Surface
In the vast majority of situations, the buddy-breathing scuba pair should immediately ascend to the surface. The fact that they are buddy-breathing means that something has gone wrong. One of the divers is out of air; maybe from heavy air consumption, equipment failure or have recognized a bad air fill. Whatever the reason, if one diver is out of air, there is the possibility that the same problem may occur to the donor.
For example, if the receiver usually uses a lot of air, when buddy breathing his or her breathing rate is only going to increase due to the increased anxiety inherent in the act of buddy breathing.
The Scuba Ascent While Buddy Breathing
The ascent is one of the most important stages in a scuba dive. It is when major problems such as the bends, or an air embolism can occur. And this possibility is greatly increased when a buddy pair are ascending to the surface.
Problems can occur due to the buddy breathing procedure of having to wait while the other diver takes their two breaths. And during this time the diver is ascending.
Therefore the most important thing to remember is to let a small amount of air to dribble out of the mouth while ascending. This will prevent the lungs expanding excessively and leading to possible risk of an air embolism.
Reduce Anxiety While Scuba Buddy Breathing
Buddy breathing on scuba can be an extremely stressful situation; as one diver has run out of air. At best, he or she has probably swum up to the nearest diver with bulging eyes and making cutting action across their neck.
At worst, the out of air diver may have ripped the working regulator out of the potential donor’s mouth. And suddenly there are two scuba divers with increased levels of anxiety.
And the nearest diver might not even be the original diver’s designated buddy!
Both divers need to remain calm and act rationally. If both divers are aware of the scuba buddy breathing procedure and the inherent dangers of the situation, the situation should be under control.
All scuba divers should learn and master the skill of buddy breathing. Even with technology making available various types of secondary or back-up air supplies, there may always be the need to buddy breathe when underwater on scuba.
Bruce Iliff - Hello from an Australian freelancer! I’ve been scratching articles together in Australia in a range of subjects for a number of ...
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