Larry Wedgewood Scuba Diving Instruction

Lesson 39

Secondary Considerations

Section Two 

Breathing Effectively Underwater

Watch the video above and then answer the quiz questions below

Course Complete

You’ll remember that when scuba diving, it is most effective to breathe slowly and deeply, because the air you breathe while underwater is denser than at the surface and requires more effort to breathe. And the denser the air and the faster you breathe, the more energy you use breathing.

Breathing slowly and deeply is also important for effective gas exchange. When you breathe, your body absorbs the oxygen it needs and releases waste carbon dioxide, but this occurs only in the lungs. Not all of the breathing passages take part in gas exchange. We call these air passages dead air space. The first air you inhale (“dead” air) with each breath is the air from your last exhalation, so it is higher in carbon dioxide.

Quick Quiz

1. My buddy and I descend to 12 metres/40 feet. I would expect to use my air __________ at 6 metres/20 feet.

2. The most efficient way to breathe dense air underwater is to breathe

3. My body responds to anxiety with increased breathing, but slow breathing helps reduce anxiety.

4. Which of the following are among the breathing rules I follow as a diver? (choose all that apply)


 

Section Two

Seeing and Hearing as a Diver

Seeing and Hearing as a Diver

Swimming and Moving

Swimming and Moving

Staying Warm

Staying Warm

Breathing Effectively Underwater

Breathing Effectively Underwater

The Buddy System (continued)

The Buddy System (continued)

Managing Your Air Supply as a Buddy Team

Managing Your Air Supply as a Buddy Team

Swimming at the Surface

Swimming at the Surface

Descents in Open Water

Descents in Open Water

Ascents in Open Water

Ascents in Open Water

Course Complete
Larry Wedgewood Scuba Diving Instruction

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