Mask Clearing; Open Water Scuba Diving

Mask Clearing of Open Water Scuba Diving Diving Aim is to remove a scuba mask underwater, breathe normally while it's off, replace the mask and clear it.

Reason to Learn

While unlikely, it is possible that your mask can be knocked off while diving. This could be caused by accidentally making contact with another diver or by a broken mask strap. You may also want to intentionally remove your mask underwater in order to adjust the strap or change masks.

It is therefore important to become comfortable with not wearing a mask and with putting it back on.

Step 1

Begin by relaxing and breathing normally. If you wear contact lenses you will need to close your eyes during this exercise. Even if you don't wear contact lenses you might find it more comfortable to keep your eyes closed.

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Step Two



Mask Removal & Replacement Step 2.

Photo Credit: Nicholas McLaren

Peel the rubber skirt at the top of your mask off your face and allow water to slowly fill your mask.

There is no correct speed to fill the mask and you can do this as quickly or as slowly as you like.

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Step Three



Mask Removal & Replacement Step 3.

Photo Credit: Nicholas McLaren

Holding the mask with one hand, use the other hand to grasp the back of the mask strap. Pull the mask strap over the top of your head and allow the mask to come away from your face.

If you have long hair you'll need to be careful not to tangle it in the mask strap. Take is slow and steady and be cautious of tangles.

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Step Four



Mask Removal & Replacement Step 4.

Photo Credit: Nicholas McLaren

With your mask now off, you should hold it in front of you with both hands. Keep a firm grip on the mask as it could be very difficult if you drop it.

Continue breathing normally with the mask off. When you perform this skill in the open water course you may need to keep the mask off for 60 seconds - your instructor will signal when you can begin to put it back on. You may find it difficult to breathe with the mask off - if you find that water gets up your nose you can try exhaling from your nose.

If bubbles from your regulator go in your face you can tilt your head to the right, allowing the bubbles to flow freely out of the left regulator vent.

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Step Five



Mask Removal & Replacement Step 5.

Photo Credit: Nicholas McLaren

When you're ready to put your mask back on you should start by arranging the strap in front of the mask, leaving the face side of the mask clear.

Push the mask against your face so that the rubber skirt seals and the mask feels comfortable.

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Step Six



Mask Removal & Replacement Step 6.

Photo Credit: Nicholas McLaren

While holding your mask in place, use your other hand to slide the mask strap over your head. Check that it's not twisted and is correctly in place.

As with taking the mask strap off, if you have long hair you will need to be cautious about entanglement.

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Step Seven



Mask Removal & Replacement Step 7.

Photo Credit: Nicholas McLaren

Ensure that the rubber seal is free of any hair or any other objects.

If hair is caught under the mask seal it can cause the mask to leak or flood.

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Step Eight



Mask Removal & Replacement Step 8.

Photo Credit: Nicholas McLaren

Using your index and middle fingers, push against the top corners of your mask.

Remember not to hook your thumbs under the bottom of the mask. Pressure on the top of the mask will be adequate and lifting the bottom of the mask will usually lead to the mask reflooding as it's cleared.

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Step Nine



Mask Removal & Replacement Step 9.

Photo Credit: Nicholas McLaren

With your fingers putting pressure on the top corners of your mask, look up towards the surface. Take a regular breath from your regulator and exhale through your nose. Your mask should clear.

Don't be discouraged if your mask doesn't completely clear on the first attempt - just take another breath and try again.

Remember: If your mask isn't clearing you may not be exhaling through your nose. Many people confuse exhaling through their mouth and nose.

Try to concentrate on breathing out through your nose or try placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth as you exhale (this forces most people to exhale through their nose).

Once your mask is clear, breathe normally and give your instructor the OK sign.