Carry a 2nd Mask ??

[DI_Guy]

As a new diver, In my mind, I continue to imagine scenerios that may occur while diving to see how I would respond to different situations.

While diving its easy to have your Mask or Regulator bumped by your fellow divers ( I know we should not be within kicking distance,,,, lol )

How many of you carry a "back-up" mask in your BCD pocket just incase your primary mask takes a plunge at 100 feet.

Maybe this doesn't happen normally, but in my wild imagination, it has. I was thinking of buying a cheapy "back-up" mask.

Any comments ??

 

[DS1]

I always carry mine but its in my drysuit pockets

 

[AndrewJD]

I've got one too. Also in my drysuit pocket.

It is the same mask as my primary, a low volume frameless.

 

[ShakaZulu]

It's actually rather difficult to kick someones mask off, your aim have to be spot on. If you feel your are to close to someones feet, just hold it in place with one hand. You can always open your eyes under water and find it, or your buddy can retrive it, depth permitting. Panicked divers will rip it right off.......

 

[redacted]

Thought about it, have the extra mask and pocket, but decided against it for recreational diving. In stead, I practiced breathing and navigating without a mask and have gotten very comfortable without it.

 

[DI_Guy]

Thought about it, have the extra mask and pocket, but decided against it for recreational diving. In stead, I practiced breathing and navigating without a mask and have gotten very comfortable without it.

Awap:

This is what I do too and I am the same as you, quite comfortable, but I can't see my gauges at all without a mask (just a big blur). I would be worried during a deep dive, if I could make proper ascents and stops when maskless ( I would have to rely on my buddy )

Yikes what if we are both maskless ??? Now I won't sleep tonight ? ( just kidding )

Thanks for your comments

 

[MSilvia]

I bring one when doing dives that require deco, but I'm also in the "okay with my eyes open" camp. If I can't safely abort without a gauge, I'll bring a spare mask.

 

[pasley]

I do not carry a second mask. On the rare occasions I find myself close to someone’s fins, I put one arm in front of my face to protect my mask and the other hand holds the mask in place, just in case.

But having said that, just last Saturday, I have do abort a dive due to mask failure. The silicone skirt had come out from behind the lens and on descent, the mask leaked like crazy. I surfaced, found the problem, and had to cancel the dive. Don't know why the mask failed. But it is repaired now.

There is a balance to being prepared for every emergency or situation, no matter how remote and remaining streamlined. You can not possibly be prepared for every contingency. But do your best to prepare for the most sever and/or the most likely and then do good pre and post dive checks of your equipment.

 

[simbrooks]

My spare mask is in my spares/save a dive kit that follows me into the springs, to the beach or onto the boat. If i have a problem i trust my buddy will be on hand to assist in an ascent - otherwise i would try to rely on my ears. I also heard somewhere that its possible to cup your hand over your eyes and breathe out your nose and create an air pocket - although i havent actually done it that might be a solution to having no back up or buddy around (thanks buddy, first kick off my mask, then run for cover ). In an overhead, when that time comes i would probably take one, or at least one between the dive team, just in case there were a mask failure within the group - does everyone in the team really need one?? They arent hard to adjust after all. Just in case it all goes to pot i have a slightly cheaper mask in that back up kit for subsequent dives

 

[DI_Guy]

Cupping the hands over the eyes and creating an air pocket to see through ????

Now that sounds interesting.

Gonna try it next time ...