Full Face Mask Sidemount Diving
Just before I started my journey in the world of Sidemount, I saw a Full Face Mask at a local dive shop which piqued my interest. After asking a few questions, I found out that I could enroll in a Full Face Mask Scuba Diving Workshop or also known as an Integrated Dive Mask (IDM), which was an introduction to the system, how it worked, how to “don and doff”, how to adjust it etc. Then we jumped in the pool to try it out.
After the FFM Workshop, I did a lot of research into FFMs...and by a lot of research, I even reached out to a manufacturer with many questions. To my surprise, they responded pretty quickly and answered my questions with great detail! Several different masks are available; some make you look fantastic, and some look like a swamp creature. Some will use your current 2nd stage (the part that goes in your mouth), adapting onto the mouthpiece. Some have different colours, accessories or options. I will admit, a significant portion of my decision-making was based on the look of the mask.
When purchasing my FFM, I added a Swivel Connection and Quick Disconnect. Shortly therafter, I also added the Gas Block, allowing the Full Face Mask to be used in sidemount configuration. After using the mask in the cold waters of the Great Lakes and the warm waters off the coast of South America, I have made some interesting observations:
Not once have I had to deal with a flooding mask.
Not once has my mask been knocked off by a random fin.
My face stays amazingly warm in the cold water of the Great Lakes.
To use the FFM with my Sidemount Configuration, I have also been using Dual Tank Valve (aka Gas Block), allowing me to switch between tanks. I have discussed the idea of using FFM in Sidemount Scuba Diving with some well-known sidemount instructors, and they have provided the following cautions:
The Work-of-Breath (WOB) with a full face mask may differ from a normal 2nd stage. Be sure to review this with your instructor or local dive shop.
The Dual Tank Valve and additional hoses add more potential failure points to the system. More joints mean more O-rings that could potentially fail.
In my opinion, I believe you should still have a backup 2nd stage, perhaps one on each cylinder, but that is also introducing more failure points.
** Update **
In late 2021, the Ocean Reef Dual Tank Valve is under recall in the UK.
Do I have any regrets about my FFM and what’s next on my FFM Journey? The only regret that I have is that I should have tried a Full Face Mask years ago and am very much looking forward to Full Face Mask Multi-Cylinder Tech Training.
Full Face Mask diving isn’t for everyone. If you are interested in trying Full Face Mask diving, do your research, find out which is the best mask for you, and visit a local dive shop to try it out. If the dive shop wants you to buy it before trying it, find another dive shop. Manufacturers such as Ocean Reef have even identified some dive centres as “Experience Centers” where you can try before you buy.
To help in your research, here are a few links:
Full Face Masks… Not just for Public Safety Diving - Excellent article from TDI / SDI regarding FFM Diving
Full Face Masks Are A Breath Of Fresh Air - Excellent blog from another diver on Full Face Mask Diving
Ocean Reef Full Face Masks - Ocean Reef has a number of Full Face Masks from entry level to professional.
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