How to properly donate the second stage?

[Aqua-Andy]

I was watching a UTD video on youtube and I noticed AG commented on how the girl in the video is progressing. She was donating the second stage by holding it by the purge cover ring then progressed to holding it by the hose. I was just wondering why protocol is to donate holding the hose and not the reg itself?

 

[TSandM]

Because if you donate by holding the hose, then the entire regulator, including purge cover, is available to the out-of-gas diver. If you hold the regulator, it's harder for the OOG diver to take it and purge it.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Lynn, thanks for the explanation. With what was going through my head I was totally over thinking this. The more I read about or see DIR videos the more i want to take there classes.

 

[TSandM]

You'll find that there are cogent and usually fairly convincing reasons for all the choices that were made in equipment configuration and protocols. Whether you decide to adopt them or not, at least you'll know why we did!

 

[Trace Malinowski]

Because covering the purge button during donation can be a common mistake, divers should learn at least three basic ways of clearing the second stage of water. Purging with the button is the best method because it will clear debris out of the mouthpiece if any had entered. Humming or otherwise exhaling into the regulator will work if the purge button is accidentally covered. Finally, a third method involves using the tongue as a piston to force the water out of the mouthpiece like a pump or a plunger if the diver is unable to adequately exhale.

The advantage of donating a regulator from the mouth is that you are providing a working regulator that won't be clogged with debris, and as Lynne said, it makes it easier for the OOG diver to purge the regulator for added safety ensuring the mouthpiece is debris free. While DIR training advocates this method of keeping the second stage free, it has always been a universal precaution.