BSAC Full Face Mask FFM Experience

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BSAC Full Face Mask (FFM) Experience
Using a Full Face Mask
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FFM Experience outline

• Theory Workshop
• Advantages of a FFM
• Fitting a FFM
• Precautions to be taken
• Dry workshop
• Practice fitting and removal
• Pool session
• Work in pairs (usually)
• 1 mask per pair
• Rota system
• Be ready in shallows

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Aims

• What is a Full Face Mask?
• Why use a Full Face Mask?
• Using a Full Face Mask
• Precautions

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What is a FFM?

• A full face mask (FFM) encloses the whole face
• Eyes, nose and mouth!
• Most FFMs are divided into two halves
• A mask
• provides an air space for the eyes
• An oro-nasal pocket
• allows you to breathe through mouth or nose
• reduces the dead space volume
• prevents build up of carbon dioxide

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Why use a FFM?

• Allows natural nose and mouth breathing
• Less stress
• Communications
• Diver to Diver e.g. for monitoring
• Diver to Surface e.g. aids project work
• Insulation from cold or polluted water
• Breathing supply secured through mask
• Less jaw ache on long dives
• Gas supplied in event of blackout

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Parts of a Full Face Mask
Face plate

• Regulator

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Parts of a Full Face Mask
Nose block

• Skirt

Spider
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Fitting a FFM

• Correct fitting and adjustment key to
• Comfort
• Preventing leaks
• Demist using antifogging agent.
• The cup of the spider should be positioned so it
  sits at the back of the head, below the crown.

Correct
Incorrect
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Fitting a FFM

• Normally accomplished by tightening the bottom
  straps first.

then working the way up.
PRACTICE before use.
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Releasing a FFM

• Most masks have quick release buckles on lower
  straps.
• Pull mask up and away from face, use thumbs to
  release straps.

PRACTICE before use.
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Dry Workshop

• Practice Session
• Work in pairs
• Ensure air is on or regulator is removed!

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Precautions

• Mask malfunction
• Practice clearing a flooded mask
• Carry spare half (normal) mask and AS
• Alternative Supply
• In case own mask floods
• For buddy - sharing FFM not practical
• Carbon dioxide build-up
• Caused by poorly fitted/vented mask
• Hypercapnia
• Increased air consumption

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Hints and tips

• Take time to ensure a good fit
• Practice fitting and releasing until competent
• Check for leaks in shallows
• Equalisation method depends on mask
• Pinch nose as normal (Scubapro) OR
• Push whole mask against face until nose block
  blocks nose!

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Summary

• Why use a Full Face Mask?
• Parts of a Full Face Mask
• Fitting a Full Face Mask
• Releasing a Full Face Mask
• Precautions

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