Mask removal and replacement in Scuba Diving

There are many reasons why your mask may be removed underwater:

• Diving equipment malfunction. If a strap or buckle breaks, your mask will flood and will need to be readjusted.
• Contact with another object. You might hook your snorkel or even mask on something or might face an accidental kick from a diving buddy. Both can dislodge your mask.
• Residue on the mask. If your mask gets covered with grime or gets foggy, you may need to remove it, clean it, and replace it to enjoy good visibility.
• Improper positioning. If your mask strap is placed anywhere but the crown of your head, it will likely slip. You will probably need to remove the mask and put it on properly when this happens.

There are a lot of online scuba diving stores, so you can buy scuba gear as scuba diving mask, scuba wetsuit or scuba fins right now.

Practicing mask removal and replacement can be unpleasant – no one likes the feeling of a flooded mask or sudden poor visibility. However, you will need to stay calm while removing and replacing your mask, so if mask troubles spook you, consider practicing in a controlled environment or even start small by just picturing the steps to mask removal and replacement:

1) Start by finding a good environment. Choose a shallow area where you can kneel easily and keep slightly negative so that you can kneel at the bottom and focus on your mask easily. Prepare yourself mentally and focus on staying relaxed. One of the biggest risks with mask problems is the sudden panic it can cause, so proceed slowly and consciously focus on staying calm.

2) Place your forefingers on the top of the mask and your thumbs under the frame of the mask. Pull until water very slowly seeps into your mask. Continue to breathe normally until water fills your mask until just below eye level. It is important to introduce water into your mask slowly, because when your mask floods suddenly your body instinctively wants to inhale and hold the breath. Slowly adding water to your mask helps you to outwit this reflex.

3) Slowly add more water to the mask until it is completely filled. You may keep your eyes open or closed, depending on your comfort level. Pull the mask off either by pulling on the mask strap with one hand and the frame with the other or by pulling at the frame with both hands. Securely grasp the mask once it is off. Breathe through your mouth using the regulator. There is often an uncomfortable pressure or sensation as the nostrils fill with water. You can combat this somewhat by slightly exhaling through the nose. However, do not use your nose to exhale fully, as you may end up taking in some water.

4) Relax for a moment and make sure the mask is in the correct position for replacement. The nose pocket should be pointing towards the bottom. If your eyes are closed, you will need to use your fingers to ensure that the frame is clear of straps and that the straps and buckles are not tangled in any way. Even if you are able to keep your eyes open, you might want to occasionally practice this step with eyes closed. It is a useful skill to be able to remove and replace your mask with no visibility, as in some dives you may have poor visibility as well as mask problems to contend with.

5) Position one hand on the strap and one on the frame. Using one hand, seal the mask against your face. Using your other hand, pull the dive mask strap over your crown and smooth out the strap while keeping the mask in position over your face. Clear water out of the mask. Some divers prefer to clear water out of the mask first, before strapping the mask in place. In either case, remember to breathe normally while maintaining positive pressure in your nostrils until the mask is water-free.
That's it! Once your mask is in place again, you can continue your dive. If the process still makes you panic, practice in controlled environments until you can put your mask on underwater with full confidence.