Dive skill video: alternate air source use - stationary

If there's one emergency skill that can truly save be life-saving underwater, it's alternate air source use. As dive professionals, demonstrating this skill flawlessly isn't just about passing your evaluation – it shows your ability to handle a real out-of-air situation with the calm control that could one day make all the difference.

🎬 Check out our video demonstration below to see this skill performed perfectly, then read on for the breakdown!

Of course there are several steps and details that can vary slighlty according to instructor's preferences and techniques, just remember this is one way of demonstrating this skill.

Why this skill is critical

Beyond the obvious benefit of providing air in an emergency, mastering alternate air source use builds confidence in buddy procedures and reinforces the importance of staying close to your dive buddy. When performed correctly, this skill demonstrates that even the most serious underwater emergency can be managed safely without a panicked ascent – a reaction that can lead to serious diving injuries.

Breaking it down step by step

Step 1: Signal clearly and position yourself

The key to a professional demonstration starts before you even reach for the alternate air source:

• Establish neutral buoyancy at the same depth as your buddy

• Make direct eye contact with your buddy

• Execute a clear, deliberate out-of-air signal (hand across throat)

• Maintain a calm demeanor throughout – even in a simulated emergency

  
  

Step 2: Receive the alternate air source

The moment of connection requires precision:

• Extend your hand to receive the alternate air source

• Take the second stage and bring it to your mouth

• Purge briefly before inhaling, whether by using the purge button or exhaling into the regulator

• Use your right hand to establish contact with your buddy's arm

  
  

Step 3: Establish stable breathing

Once you have the alternate air source:

• Take your first breath slowly and deliberately

• Establish a normal breathing rhythm

• Maintain eye contact with your buddy between breaths

• Give a clear OK signal once stable

  
  

Step 4: Prepare for ascent

While this skill does not require to actually swim in this position (this comes later in the PADI Open Water course), using an alternate air source is a good reason to ascend! So you want to terminate the skill by preparing your ascent.

• Signal to your buddy you are ready to go up

• Find and elevate your low pressure inflator in preparation

  
  

Teaching tips for dive professionals

1. Focus on buoyancy first: Before asking your students to do this skill in open water, ensure their buoyancy control is excellent. A demonstration that drifts up or down locan be dangerous in a real emergency.

2. Control your breathing rate: Even in demonstrations, many candidates breathe rapidly, which signals anxiety. Practice taking slow, normal breaths when using an alternate air source.

3. Communicate clearly: Use standard hand signals before, during, and after the skill. Clear communication is essential for a professional-level demonstration.

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Remember that as a dive professional, you're not just showing that you can perform this skill – you're demonstrating how you'll teach it to others. Your movements should be deliberate enough that a student could learn just by watching.

🌊 Stay tuned for our next dive skill breakdown, and keep practicing until your demonstration looks effortless! 🤿