Free-Flowing Regulator

What if my regulator malfunctions?

Most new divers are worried about their regulator malfunctioning and cutting off their air supply. To prevent this, most regulators are designed with a fail-safe. Any problems with the reg will cause it to go into a freeflow, during which the reg constantly emits air, rather than cutting off the gas supply. While the resulting stream of bubbles is quite powerful, by sipping the escaping air like you would a water fountain, you can breathe off of a malfunctioning reg and return to the surface.

Check out the video above to see the skill in action. Keep in mind: we are not instructors! This is meant to be an example of what you will learn, not a study tool.

Want to see more scuba skills? Check out our video archive.