Out-of-air procedures and air sharing

An out-of-air event happens when your regulator stops delivering gas. This is a critical emergency. You must stay calm while you find a way to breathe.

This procedure affects every diver regardless of their experience level or depth. I saw a student in Koh Tao in 2018 panic because his pressure gauge hit 50 psi. Most instructors teach you to signal your buddy immediately so that you can begin an air share. You will use your octopus or a secondary regulator to breathe from your partner’s tank.

Never wait until your gauge reads 0 bar before you act. A common mistake is trying to swim directly to the surface without breathing. You should always signal your buddy and ascend together while sharing air because rapid ascents cause decompression sickness.