Mask on the forehead debate....OH NOOOOOO!!!!

[ScubaCRNA]

I couldn't help but think about the debate several weeks ago about not putting the mask on the forehead because that is a sign of distress as I was reading my latest issue of Alert Diver.

The article, "Understanding Diver Panic" lists objective signs of panic. It states that,

"At the surface:
1. Head held back and out of the water, gasping for breath (often with the mask off).
2. Arms flailing frantically, as if attempting to push self out of the water.
3. Inability to speak or call for help due to gasping for breath.
4. The panicked diver often does not have the BC inflated and is still wearing weights while trying to keep his or her head above the water."

There is no mention of the mask being placed on the forehead as a sign of distress or panic.

If everybody started putting their mask on their forehead then it wouldn't mean anything anymore than what it is....another place to put one's mask.

 

[sheck33]

The only reason i wouldnt put it on my forehead is because it is easy to loose that way, i have seen it happen. As for this 'sign of distress thing', sigh, i am pretty confident that if someone is in distress it will be rather obvious and i dont need a mask on a forehead to come to that conclusion.

 

[Bob3]

I'd say a mask on the forehead would probably indicate the diver was NOT in a panic. Someone freaking out would not place their mask carefully on the forehead, they'd yank the critter either down or off.
I predict the "mask on forehead" thing will no doubt go the way of "no backrolls allowed" fad.

 

[devilfish]

A diver in panic will most often not place the mask casually on the forehead, he/she will rip the mask off their face and discard it, on the surface or underwater.
A diver who is tired, has difficulty breathing or catching their breath, or unable to talk on the surface because of shortness of breath or any other discomfort will slip the mask off the face to the forehead, not as a signal of distress but simply to allow them to breath. Most people are nose breathers. For scuba diving they must program themselves to breath through the mouth through the regulator. When stress occurs they invert to a nose breather. Since the mask blocks the nose they remove the mask to allow them to breath. A mask on the forehead has two indications. 1. Looking stupid. 2. Possibility that the diver is not comfortable for some reason, which could lead to panic.

 

[SDAnderson]

No matter your level of experience or training, removing your mask while you're in the water is a sure sign that you aren't comfortable. Removing it to your forehead is an automatic response and that means an unthinking response.

The reason for pulling the mask down around your neck to get it off your face is two-fold: it assures that you won't get your mask knocked off the top of your head by a wave; it also shows that you are in control enough to remember your training. Because removal of your mask in-water is a warning signal, you want to clearly demonstrate to anyone watching that you are still in control and thinking.

Turning it backwards on your head serves much the same purpose as pulling it down.. It's a little more prone to getting knocked off but for divers that already have regulators strapped around their necks, pulling the mask down for relief isn't always a very comfortable option.

Steven

 

[Iguana Don]

Mask on the forehead was/is used by cave divers

There are very few waves in a sink hole (where most caves are located) so the point of waves knocking it off is moot. It's just comfortable to put it there.

 

[ZoCrowes255]

And if I see you in an openwater enviornment, have a mask on your forehead and you don't respond to me if I ask you if you are OK then I am coming in after you. And if you did not need rescuing then I am going to be just a tad bit angry.

In class if you have it on your forehead you owe me a beverage of my choice (too bad I am not 21 )

 

[jonnythan]

..on my forehead, mainly because it's so easy to get back on from there. The strap is already in the right place.

 

[jonnythan]

and I always see people with their masks on their foreheads. If it ever meant distress, it doesn't anymore. Floating in the surface with a mask on your forehead won't get a reaction from anyone. No one is going to run to help if you have your mask there.

 

[Nessie]

@ZoCrowes:
Well, than there would be two of us angry.
IMO having the mask on the forehead at a divesite without waves is the most sensible thing. By the way, I try to teach my students to use their brains, and I would expect this from my divemasters as well.
I would never pay someone a drink because he/she sticks to rules without having a proper reason why to do it that way.