Dive skill video: partial mask flood

If there's one thing that makes new divers nervous, it's water in their mask. That moment when liquid starts creeping in can trigger panic in even the most enthusiastic students. Yet, handling a partially flooded mask is an essential skill that every diver needs to master. Let's break down this fundamental technique that you'll be teaching throughout your diving career.

Whether you are getting for your PADI Divemaster or PADI Instructor program, this is a key skill that you will need to master and demonstrate during your course.

Why this skill matters

A mask can flood for countless reasons - a stray hair breaks the seal, a student smiles too widely underwater, or they accidentally bump it during a dive. Teaching students to clear a partial mask flood calmly builds confidence and ensures they can handle this common occurrence without stress. Remember, we're not just teaching a technique; we're teaching comfort in the underwater environment.

Check out our video and then read on for some tips on how to teach this skill.

Breaking the skill down for your students

Step 1: Maintain position and relax

Teach your students to stay neutrally buoyant and maintain their position when their mask begins to flood. The natural instinct is to tilt the head back or rush to the surface - both potentially dangerous reactions. Instead, encourage them to stay level and keep breathing normally through their regulator.

Step 2: Break the seal intentionally

For practice purposes, teach students to deliberately break the seal of their mask by gently pulling the bottom edge away from their face, or slightly pinching the top of the seal. They should allow water to enter slowly, filling the mask approximately halfway. Remind them to keep breathing normally through their regulator throughout this process. This controlled introduction of water helps students manage the sensation without panic.

Step 3: Press the top of the mask

Have students place their fingertips on the top frame of the mask, applying gentle but firm pressure. This creates a good seal at the top of the mask, which is crucial for the clearing technique to work properly.

Step 3: Look slightly upward

A slight upward gaze positions the bottom of the mask lower than the top, allowing the trapped water to pool at the bottom where it can be easily expelled.

Step 4: Exhale through the nose

Here's where the magic happens! A slow, steady exhale through the nose forces air into the mask, pushing water out through the bottom seal. Remind students that they don't need a forceful blast - a controlled exhale is more effective and uses less air.

Step 5: Check and repeat if necessary

After exhaling, the mask should be clear. If a small amount of water remains, simply repeat the process until the mask is completely clear.

Teaching tips for dive professionals

1. Practice in shallow water first: Always start in controlled conditions where students can stand if needed. This builds confidence before moving to deeper water.

2. Demonstrate slowly: When showing this skill, break it down into exaggerated steps so students can see exactly what you're doing. Your demonstrations should be slower and more deliberate than how you'd normally perform the skill.

3. Address the mental challenge: Acknowledge that the sensation of water in the mask can be uncomfortable. Emphasise breathing and relaxation techniques that help overcome the initial panic response.

4. Watch for common mistakes: Students often lift their heads back, hold their breath, or forget to maintain the top seal. Gently correct these habits early.

   
   

Remember, the key to teaching partial mask clearing isn't just the technical steps - it's helping students overcome the psychological barrier of water near their eyes and nose. A student who masters this skill early will have a much more enjoyable diving experience overall!

🌊 Stay tuned for our next dive skill breakdown! 🤿