Workshop Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual

Transcription

1 Workshop Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual British Sub-Aqua Club

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3 Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual Contents Theory Lesson Practical Lesson Course Content Outline of course, Aims, Instructor Venue and Equipment Requirements, Administration, Costs 1 FFM Theory Workshop What is a FFM, Why use a FFM, Fitting, Dry practical, Precautions 3 FFM Practical Session Preparation, Kitting up, Underwater swim, Equipment care 9 Appendix A FFM Equipment Tracking Form 11 Appendix B Letter to Branch 12 Appendix C Checklist and timeline for running the FFM Experience course 13 Appendix D Practical Session Information 14 Issue 1.2, June 2007 Copyright The British Sub-Aqua Club 2007 Published in the United Kingdom The British Sub-Aqua Club, Telford s Quay, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 4FL Telephone: Fax: All rights reserved. This Instructor Manual may not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced or translated, or converted into any electronic or readable form without prior written consent of The British Sub-Aqua Club Copyright BSAC 2007 i

4 Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual BSAC are grateful to the members of the BSAC Diver Training Group and others for their contributions to the development of this course and its supporting materials. In particular: Howard Barnes Sean Gribben Jeff Reed Richard Scarsbrook ii Copyright BSAC 2007

5 Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual Full Face Mask Experience Course The Full Face Mask (FFM) Experience Course supersedes the Full Face Mask 1-day SDC. The FFM equipment is available. It is expected that the course will be delivered by Area Coaches using the set of FFM equipment held at BSAC HQ. The equipment will be allocated to each BSAC Region for a period of time, during which it will be available to all Area Coaches through the Regional Coaching Scheme. The equipment will then rotate between the Regions. The course has been developed to enable more members to experience an aspect of diving they may not be familiar with, and to give Area Coaches another opportunity to interact with their branches and members. It s fun! Aims To allow members to: experience a full face mask understand the benefits of a full face mask understand the precautions to be taken with a full face mask Entry Level Ocean Diver (or equivalent) Duration 2½ hours. Instructor Qualifications This Instructor Manual should be sufficient to allow the successful running of the FFM Experience Course so instructors do not have to have previously attended an FFM SDC. However it is important that instructors are familiar with the equipment provided by BSAC HQ so it is highly recommended that they attend a FFM Experience Course as a student before running one. Instructors should be a current BSAC member; a BSAC Open Water Instructor or above; an Area Coach; and/or have the approval of their Regional Coach. Copyright BSAC 2007 Student Instructor Ratio Course Content The FFM Experience Course is designed to be presented by a single instructor. The equipment supplied by BSAC HQ contains only 3 FFMs, which, together with the amount of pool time available, limits the number of students that can be accommodated. Venue Facilities and Equipment The FFM Experience Course needs a suitable classroom with teaching aids for the presentation of theory lessons, and a swimming pool for the practical session. The swimming pool needs a shallow end in which members can stand up to at least chest height. Plans to run the practical sessions at a location other than a swimming pool must be approved in advance by BSAC HQ. The course equipment provided by BSAC HQ is listed in Appendix 1. It is supplied in a large Pelican protective case. From time to time there may be changes due to servicing issues, but the Diving Resources Team at BSAC HQ will advise if this is the case. A set of FFM Student Notes is issued to participants after the course with further details on FFMs and their use. Additional copies are available from BSAC Diver Resources team. Please provide advance notice on the numbers required. Spare copies should be passed on with the FFM equipment. A PowerPoint presentation is supplied to assist with the course. This may be delivered using a digital projector or by printing the slides onto OHP transparencies. A single set of OHP originals is printed and included with the FFM kit. The cost of printing an Instructors own personal set of OHP VA s must NOT be passed on to students. Damage or loss of the standard set of notes must be explained to HQ for replacement. Administration The successful running of the course depends on prior organisation: we hope that this pack will assist you. If you have any further questions, or suggestions on items for inclusion to minimise your time spent organising, please technical@bsac.com who will forward your message to the relevant person. Appendix 3 provides a check list to aid with the organisation.

6 Course Content The Regional Coach is responsible for maintaining and communicating the overall schedule of FFM Experience Courses and equipment availability. As an Area Coach you should contact your branches sufficiently in advance (six weeks is normally recommended as a minimum to allow time for the information to be circulated), providing information on the course and arranging a suitable time. Considerations to take into account include availability of equipment, members, pool hire (min 1 hour) and theory course venue. Appendix 2 contains a letter that can be used, addressed to a Branch Officer. An MS Word version of the letter is available as a download: it can be tailored as necessary. It is your responsibility to check the equipment on receipt and send the Equipment Tracking Form to BSAC HQ confirming the equipment is supplied as listed and giving contact details so that the whereabouts of the equipment can be tracked. You should check the equipment is complete and working before handing it over to the next Area Coach. Where possible please try to collect the equipment from the previous Coach as the carriage costs are significant and must be covered in the running costs of the course. The preferred method is for you to attend the last of the previous Coach s sessions. This gives you the experience of using the mask and allows you to collect the equipment and check it is complete before running the course yourself. In the event of problems contact the following: Equipment listed is missing: previous Area Coach, BSAC HQ (Diver Resources) and Regional Coach. Equipment is malfunctioning: BSAC HQ (Diver Resources) and Regional Coach; and if handover time is approaching, Area Coach. Advice required: Contact BSAC HQ (Diver Resources). Incident has occured: BSAC HQ (Safety Manager). Normal current incident reporting procedure applies. Costs Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual Central costs for this course include the maintenance of the equipment, its transportation and the cost of the notes. A fee of 8 for each participant must be collected to be forwarded to BSAC HQ. Branches may also need to cover their running costs e.g. hire of the venue. It will probably prove easier for Branches to collect all the monies and issue one cheque direct to BSAC, via the Area Coach. Course Content The course involves a short theory lecture and a dry run on fitting the masks. This is then followed by a practical session where members experience using a FFM in a sheltered water environment (pool preferred). A debrief at a suitable venue providing refreshments is also recommended, providing a further opportunity for Area Coaches to answer any questions regarding BSAC to members and to report members queries/suggestions back to BSAC. Some Coaches may like to start (or end) the course with a short introduction to themselves, the Area Coach s role within BSAC, and any updates, as time allows. Student Feedback Student comments should be collected at the end of the session and fed back to HQ and the Regional Coach in an informal report. Include any suggestions for change or improvement. 2 Copyright BSAC 2007

7 FFM Experience Instructor Manual FFM Theory Workshop Introduction Theory Workshop Introduce self and FFM Experience course this provides an introduction to FFMs and their use. FFM Experience Outline Theory Workshop Begin with a theory session and dry workshop about 40 mins. Advantages of a FFM Fitting a FFM Precautions to be taken Dry workshop Move onto a pool session where each person will get a chance to try a FFM in the pool. Practice fitting and removal Pool session Work in pairs (usually) If appropriate, explain that you may decide to take a group of students together as a single group if there are small numbers, or not enough experienced divers. 1 mask per pair Rota system Be ready in shallows Aims Cover aims of the course. Use one of the FFM s (not the Scubapro) to highlight each of the points. What is a Full Face Mask? Why use a Full Face Mask? Using a Full Face Mask Precautions What is a FFM? A full face mask (FFM) encloses the whole face Copyright BSAC

8 Theory Workshop Eyes, nose and mouth! FFM Experience Instructor Manual Explain that the FFM is similar to the normal mask in that it provides an airspace for the eyes to be able to see clearly. It is different in that the FFM encloses the mouth and nose this means you can breathe through either. Point out that the FFM has a large airspace, use one of the larger masks e.g. the EXO 26 to illustrate this. A large airspace within the breathing loop creates a dead space, a volume of air that is difficult to replace with fresh air relate to snorkel design. To reduce the dead space volume, the larger masks (not the Scubapro) have a separate oro-nasal pocket that encloses the nose and mouth and so reduces the dead space. A FFM costs from 350 to thousands depending on the model and options fitted. Most FFMs are divided into two halves A mask provides an air space for the eyes An oro-nasal pocket allows you to breathe through mouth or nose reduces the dead space volume prevents build up of carbon dioxide Why use a FFM? Allows natural nose and mouth breathing Less stress Being able to breathe through either nose or mouth is a more natural and so stress free situation. Communications Communications modules can be added to FFM so that two divers can communicate with each other and/or the surface. Ask participants when this would be useful examples include low visibility, complex tasks e.g. detailed surveys or assembling items underwater. Diver to Diver e.g. for monitoring Diver to Surface e.g. aids project work Insulation from cold or polluted water The FFM encloses a greater portion of the face and, because it surrounds the mouth, it is harder to inhale/swallow any water. This provides a greater degree of insulation in very cold water and protection from polluted water. Breathing supply secured through mask The regulator is held in place within the mask and does not need to be gripped by the teeth. Jaw ache is reduced on long dives and, in the event 4 Copyright BSAC 2007

9 FFM Experience Instructor Manual Theory Workshop of the diver becoming unconscious, the regulator will be retained so air will continued to be available to the diver. Some disabled divers may find it easier to use than conventional scuba gear. Less jaw ache on long dives Gas supplied in event of blackout Parts of a Full Face Mask Show the FFMs and point out the parts. Face plate Faceplate is made of toughened glass or polycarbonate. Look through it. Regulator Regulator standard diving design. Note that it is fastened to the mask through one of the ports others are available for an additional regulator. Turn the mask around to they can see the regulator protruding through the oro-nasal pocket. FFMs are frequently used with gas switching blocks to provide the diver with more than one gas from the same regulator, e.g. a decompression gas richer in oxygen, or for rebreather divers to have an open circuit bale out in the case of a problem with their breathing loop. Parts of a Full Face Mask Skirt Point out the skirt and demonstrate how it seals around the face show the flexibility. Spider The spider is used to secure the mask to the face show all 5 straps and their adjustment. The spider should be inspected to ensure it is in good condition. Nose block Nose block is used when clearing ears more about this later. Fitting a FFM Correct fitting and adjustment key to: Comfort Preventing leaks The skirt of the mask should sit evenly around the face hence the spider. If correctly fitted the FFM should be comfortable and not leak! Copyright BSAC

10 Theory Workshop FFM Experience Instructor Manual Demist using antifogging agent. Large faceplate so use an antifogging agent to prevent the mask misting up. The cup of the spider should be positioned so it sits at the back of the head, below the crown. The cup of the mask should be positioned so that it sits just below the crown of the head as in the right hand picture above this allows the skirt to seal evenly around the face. Fitting a FFM Demonstrate fitting and removing mask. For the demonstration a cylinder should be connected to the regulator or the regulator should be removed (only to be done by a competent person) i.e. the person can breathe with the mask on. To fit the FFM, first loosen off the straps. Ensure that the person being demonstrated on is aware that they should signal in the event of a problem or if they feel uncomfortable. Normally accomplished by tightening the bottom straps first....then working the way up Using a volunteer (either pick somebody with short hair or get them to wear a hood for ease and clarity of demonstration), show tightening the bottom straps first, applying even pressure so the cup sits in the centre of the head just below the crown. Then tighten the remaining straps, working the way up. Pressure should be felt evenly around skirt and form a seal if connected a regulator can be heard to be working. PRACTICE before use Releasing a FFM Place a thumb behind each of the lower buckles and apply pressure upwards and forwards to release the straps and push the mask away from the face and off it should only be necessary to release the lower straps for the mask to be removed. Note that the Neptune 2 mask has two toggles to achieve the same effect. Most masks have quick release buckles on lower straps. Pull mask up and away from face, use thumbs to release straps. PRACTICE before use Practice is required coming up. 6 Copyright BSAC 2007

11 FFM Experience Instructor Manual Theory Workshop Dry Workshop PRACTICE SESSION For this session participants should be comfortable fitting and removing a mask as a prelude to the pool session, the latter being important in the event of a problem. It will probably be easier to connect the masks to regulators for this part. If cylinders are to be used, get the person fitting the mask to sit down and another volunteer to hold the cylinder pony cylinders may be more convenient. Should issues of transporting equipment up and down stairs, etc. be seen to be likely to cause a problem, the dry workshop can be held immediately prior to the pool session, if this enables the equipment to be used in a more suitable location. At the end of this workshop the supervising coach must ensure that all participants are competent in removing a full face mask before going into the pool. Work in pairs Ensure air is on or regulator i removed! Precautions These precautions cover the main problems associated with FFMs if using in the open water note that full training should be sought. Mask malfunction Practice clearing a flooded mask Carry spare half (normal) mask and AS Water in a FFM can be cleared by tipping the head back and purging the regulator to force water out of the bottom. In a worst case scenario the FFM can be removed and a normal mask/regulator fitted. This requires an AS. The AS is also necessary for the buddy as it is not practical to share a FFM. Alternative Source In case own mask floods For buddy - sharing FFM not practical Carbon dioxide build-up Caused by poorly fitted/vented mask Carbon dioxide from exhaled air can build up if the oro-nasal pocket is poorly fitted or missing. A large dead volume is created which means that exhaled gas is not completely expelled from the FFM with each breath. Hypercapnia This can lead to hypercapnea a build up of carbon dioxide in the body causing symptoms including headaches, rapid pulse and eventually unconsciousness. Copyright BSAC

12 Theory Workshop FFM Experience Instructor Manual Increased air consumption Must watch contents guage more regularly as many people find they have an increased air consumption when using a FFM. Hints and tips Time and practice key factors to successful use. Take time to ensure a good fit Practice fitting and releasing until competent Check for leaks in shallows Equalisation method depends on mask Pinch nose as normal (Scubapro) OR Push whole mask against face until nose block blocks nose! Show the Scubapro mask and demonstrate (there is no need to put the mask on) that with this mask the nose can be reached to clear the ears when diving. Now show one of the other masks and point out that the same cannot be said of these. To clear the ears with these there is a nose block in the oro-nasal pocket; by pushing the whole mask up the nose block will block the nostrils and allow the ears to be cleared. When using the mask for diving the nose block is adjusted so that it is in the correct position to achieve a block when required. Summary Summarise the points covered, and question the students to test their understanding. Finish by asking the students for questions. Why use a Full Face Mask? Ask for advantages of FFM. Parts of a Full Face Mask Point out parts of FFM and ask for names. Fitting a Full Face Mask Ask for key points in fitting FFM. Releasing a Full Face Mask How is the FFM released? Precautions What precautions should be taken when using a FFM? 8 Copyright BSAC 2007

13 Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual FFM Practical Session Lesson Objectives The objective of the session is to give students an enjoyable taster of using an FFM in the pool. Achievement Targets To have fun! Equipment Needed A cylinder (Din fitting or A-Clamp), weightbelt, BC and a connection to the BC inflator is required for each FFM. Each FFM 1 st stage is supplied with a Seatec type connector so if sufficient BCs with this type of inflator are not available then the BC hoses may need to be swapped. Do not disconnect the FFM regulator from the first stage supplied as each 1st stage is set up at the correct interstage pressure for that mask. FFM use may increase air requirements so additional cylinders should be available. Instructors should monitor the air consumption and also stress the additional air requirements to participants. A supply of extra weights is advisable because the additional air volume in a FFM can mean that students need more weight than they would normally use in a sheltered water environment. If organising the session using buddies on normal scuba equipment, a set of pool scuba equipment will be needed for each buddy. Lesson Contents There are different ways to run this session depending on the numbers and experience of those taking part use judgement. For small numbers and less experienced participants the instructor can set up two or three sets and supervise these. For larger numbers of more experienced divers equipment can be set up in pairs with one person having a FFM and the other person on normal scuba equipment to buddy up and provide support in the case of any problems. 1. Preparation Some pre-requisites need to be arranged before the course: Plans to run the practical session at a location other than a swimming pool must be approved in advance by BSAC HQ. Pool cover and an emergency action plan are required. Make sure the Branch/students know what equipment they need to bring. Set up the equipment at the venue before the practical session starts. 2. Kitting Up Place the equipment at the pool side adjacent to waist chest deep water. An assistant or two may prove useful to help with the fitting of the masks. Enter the water and fit the BC. Ensure the cylinder is turned on before attempting to fit the mask to the face. Remind participants that in event of a problem they can stand up while in the shallow end. Reconfirm that each participant can release the mask in the event of a problem, as they should have demonstrated in the dry practice previously. Copyright BSAC 2007

14 Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual Demist the FFM using the defogging agent supplied. Fit the mask as demonstrated in the dry run, remembering to start with the lower straps first. Tighten the remaining straps 3. Underwater Swim Check all OK, complete the buddy check, and then descend into shallow water. Explore the pool and experience a FFM! A leaking FFM can usually be dealt with as follows: Poor seal: remove mask and retighten paying particular attention to strap order Small face: try the Scubapro mask. Equipment failure: inspect the equipment paying particular attention to the skirt. If a student complains that their jaw aches remove the mask and retighten. Pay particular attention to the strap order and the position of the spider: there should be no need to over tighten the straps. 4. Equipment Care Immediately after the practical session, ensure that all the equipment is rinsed with fresh water. It can be packed in the box for transporting but should be opened to allow the equipment to dry fully at the earliest opportunity. Any problems with the equipment should be reported to the DR department at BSAC as soon as possible, and the Regional Coach should be informed. 10 Copyright BSAC 2007

15 Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual Appendices APPENDIX A FFM equipment tracking form [Full size form available as separate Adobe PDF document] Please check the equipment carefully to ensure it is correct as listed, then complete this form and return it to the address at the foot of the page. On some occasions the actual FFM supplied may have to be altered due to servicing issues. Contact Diving Resources at BSAC HQ if in doubt. Case Kirby Morgan Exo 26 FFM and Regulator Ocean Reef Neptune 2 FFM and Regulator Scubapro FFM and Regulator Demisting agent Straps in good condition Number of course packs present: If additional packs are necessary please give number required: Contact details (in case of query or if equipment required for FFM SDC): Name: Membership number: Address: Tel (home): Tel(daytime/mobile): Details of any problems found: If you have requested additional packs and want them sent to an alternative address, please give the address here: Signed: Date: Diving Resources, The British Sub Aqua Club, Telford s Quay, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 4FL Tel ; Fax ; technical@bsac.com Copyright BSAC 2007

16 Appendices APPENDIX B Letter to branch Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual [This letter is available as a separate Microsoft Word document for tailoring] Dear [Branch Officer], Our Regional Coaching Team will be offering Full Face Mask Experience courses shortly. These are designed to provide a brief introduction to full face masks, both as a fun event and to allow members to find out a bit more about them. Visiting your Branch to run the course also provides an opportunity for me, as Area Coach, to discuss national BSAC issues and Regional course requirements that can be fed back to HQ as part of the communication process. This course consists of a theory session/dry workshop of about 40 mins and a pool session where participants can try out a mask in the pool. A set of Student Notes will also be issued for further reference. It would be helpful if the Branch could provide the following items of equipment: [delete/add to list as necessary] 3 cylinders (minimum, 3 spare recommended if many participants), 3 BCs, and 3 weight belts plus spare weights, plus 3 sets of fins 3 sets of normal scuba equipment (mask, fins, cylinder, regulator, BC, weightbelt if necessary Presentation equipment: screen, digital projector, computer, extension lead, connecting leads and files [Optional paragraph: If time allows I can also give a presentation covering the role of the Area Coach, points from the latest Incident Report, and an update on current BSAC developments. The opportunity to discuss additional issues informally is also beneficial.] The course cost payable to BSAC is 8 per person. This covers the Student Notes, maintenance of the equipment, and transport costs. The branch may also need to charge an additional fee to cover the pool/venue costs. BSAC s FFM equipment will only be in our Region for a limited time before moving to the next Region so ideally I would like to hold courses between [start date] and [end date]. If you are interested in having a Full Face Mask Experience course at your Branch, feel free to contact me on [contact details]. Yours faithfully, [name] Area Coach 12 Copyright BSAC 2007

17 Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual Appendices APPENDIX C Checklist and timeline for running the FFM experience course Dates assigned by Regional Coach Contact made with branch officer Date of course agreed Venue Approximate number of participants Contact area coach running prior course Confirm date of equipment handover Check equipment all OK Check number of packs available (attend prior taster session if necessary) Course packs ordered if needed Reconfirm details with Branch Officer and check cylinders, BC s and weight belts available. Check presentation equipment available if needed. Equipment available on the day: Case with FFM equipment 3 Cylinders (minimum, 3 spare recommended if many participants) 3 BC s, check direct feeds fit from regulators 3 weight belts + spare weights Practical session instructor slate Presentation equipment e.g. screen, digital projector, computer, extension lead, connecting leads and files Study packs Copyright BSAC

18 Appendices Before: Full Face Mask Experience Instructor Manual APPENDIX D Practical session information Check all equipment works including direct feed connections Make sure defogging agent handy Ensure participants clear on rota system Ensure all participants are current BSAC members During: Place the equipment at the pool side adjacent to waist chest deep water, use two participants to assist with the fitting of the masks. Enter the water and fit the BC. Ensure air is turned on before attempting to fit the mask to the face. Remind participants that in event of a problem they can stand up while in the shallow end. Demist the FFM with the use of the defogging agent supplied. Fit the mask as previously demonstrated in the dry run remembering to start with the lower straps first. Tighten the remaining straps. Check all OK, complete buddy check, and then descend into shallow water. Explore the pool and experience a FFM! AIR CHECK After: Rinse equipment down Check all present Allow to dry before leaving the equipment in the case for prolonged periods Before leaving: Check all students have a study book All monies collected All equipment present Solicit student feedback for informal report to HQ and Regional Coach 14 Copyright BSAC 2007

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