The Regulator Recovery and Clearing is another famous PADI Open water Diver course skill. It is also one of the first skills that you will do in Confined Water Dive 1. The PADI Regulator Recovery and Clearing skill is surprisingly easy to do, however many new scuba divers are nervous for this skill.
The reason why some new scuba divers are nervous to perform the Regulator Recovery and Clearing skills that it involves taking your regulator second stage out and dropping it next to you. For the first time you have no mouth piece in your mouth, and you feel a bit out of control not holding it in your hands like in the previous regulator clearing 2 Methods skill.
Don’t worry as you will find out that the Regulator Recovery and Clearing is easy to perform and you will have a lot of time to recover your regulator. The trick is to blow small bubbles from your mouth when you remove the scuba regulator.
The smaller the bubbles the longer you have to recover the second stage. The reason why we blow small bubble is that you can never hold your breath underwater. We solves this by exhaling small bubble instead of holding our breath.
Learn here how to teach the PADI Regulator Removal, Recovery and Clearing Skill as a PADI Dive Instructor
Check out this video about the PADI Regulator Removal and Recovery Briefing:
Steps for the PADI Regulator Recovery and Clearing Skill
1. Take a deep breath in
2. Take out the regulator, have the mouth piece down and blow bubbles
3. Move your hand to the right and drop the regulator behind the shoulder
4. Lean right, stretch your right arm, touch your knee, the tank and slide your arm in a sweep forward
5. Catch your regulator on your right arm
6. Recover the regulator, make sure it’s the right way up
7. Replace the regulator in your mouth
8. Clear it either way you like it, by exhaling or purging
9. Resume breathing
Check out the Regulator Recovery and Clearing video here:
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Would you also like to own your own scuba regulator then check out our 3 scuba regulator recommendations:
Aqua Lung Legend Regulator
Scuba Pro MK25 Regulator
Apex XTX 50 Regulator
Next Skill: Partially Flooded Mask
Frequently Asked Questions About Regulator Recovery and Clearing
What is regulator recovery and why is it important?
Regulator recovery is a fundamental scuba diving skill that enables a diver to retrieve their regulator if it becomes dislodged underwater. Mastering this skill ensures that divers can maintain access to their air supply in unexpected situations, enhancing safety and confidence during dives.
How do you perform the sweep method for regulator recovery?
To execute the sweep method:
- Exhale continuously to prevent breath-holding.
- Lean to the right, allowing the regulator to dangle.
- Extend your right arm downward, touching your thigh.
- Sweep your arm back along your leg and then outwards in a wide arc.
- Catch the regulator hose on your arm and guide the mouthpiece to your mouth.
- Clear the regulator before resuming breathing.
This method is widely taught in scuba courses and is effective for quickly retrieving a lost regulator.
What are the two methods for clearing a regulator underwater?
There are two primary techniques:scubadivingtips.net
- Blast Clear: Forcefully exhale into the regulator to expel water.
- Purge Button Clear: Press the purge button on the regulator to release a burst of air, clearing water from the mouth piece
Both methods are effective, and divers should practice each to determine personal preference.
Why is continuous exhalation emphasized during regulator recovery?
Continuous exhalation prevents lung over-expansion injuries by ensuring that expanding air escapes as pressure decreases. It also helps maintain buoyancy and composure during the recovery process.
How can divers overcome anxiety related to regulator recovery?
Building comfort with regulator recovery involves:reddit.com
- Regular practice in controlled environments.
- Gradual progression, starting with holding the regulator before letting it go.
- Visualization techniques to mentally rehearse the skill.
- Seeking guidance from instructors to address specific concerns.
Consistent practice and support can significantly reduce anxiety associated with this skill.
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