Out of Air Emergencies
Buddy Breathing
Buddy breathing was the procedure of choice before alternate air sources became standard equipment. This method requires both divers to share a single 2nd stage.
When you buddy breathe, the donor takes 2 breaths from the 2nd stage, then passes it to the other diver. As that diver takes 2 breaths, the donor must exhale small bubbles while waiting for the 2nd stage to be returned. This process continues until the ascent is completed.
Your instructor will teach you how to buddy breathe, but as long as you have an alternate air source, you will never have to use it. Because of this skill's complexity, it's considered dangerous to use in an actual emergency unless both divers have practiced and mastered the procedure in controlled conditions.
When you buddy breathe, the donor takes 2 breaths from the 2nd stage, then passes it to the other diver. As that diver takes 2 breaths, the donor must exhale small bubbles while waiting for the 2nd stage to be returned. This process continues until the ascent is completed.
Your instructor will teach you how to buddy breathe, but as long as you have an alternate air source, you will never have to use it. Because of this skill's complexity, it's considered dangerous to use in an actual emergency unless both divers have practiced and mastered the procedure in controlled conditions.
