Out of Air Situations: Prevention and Reaction
Learn how to prevent and respond to out-of-air emergencies while scuba diving with confidence and preparation.
SAFETY WHILE DIVING
Out of Air Situations: Prevention and Reaction
For most divers, the thought of running out of air is one of the most nerve-wracking scenarios. Thankfully, with proper habits and preparation, it’s also one of the most preventable. Still, if it does happen, knowing exactly how to respond can mean the difference between a safe recovery and a dangerous panic.
Prevention Starts at the Surface
An out-of-air situation usually stems from one of two things: poor planning or poor awareness. Before every dive, review your tank pressure and agree on air check-in points with your buddy. Dive computers and analog gauges are there for a reason—check them early and often.
You should also have a clear idea of your own air consumption rate. If you're new to diving or haven’t been in the water for a while, practice buoyancy and breathing techniques during shallow dives to help reduce your air usage.
Recognizing the Signs Before It’s Too Late
Running out of air isn’t always a sudden event. Most divers experience warning signs—like difficulty inhaling, a drop in gauge pressure, or unexpected buoyancy shifts—before full depletion. The moment you notice something feels off, signal your buddy and prepare to ascend or air share.
Reacting Underwater: What To Do
If you suddenly find yourself out of air, here’s what to do:
Signal your buddy immediately. Use the out-of-air hand signal (a slashing motion across the throat) and indicate you need to share air.
Begin air sharing. Your buddy should offer their alternate air source (octopus). This is where training and trust pay off. You both stay close, breathing calmly, and ascend together.
Ascend slowly and safely. Never bolt to the surface. Control your buoyancy, maintain contact, and perform a normal ascent rate with a safety stop if possible.
If your buddy is too far away or unreachable, you may need to make a Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA)—exhaling continuously and ascending at a safe pace while keeping your airway open.
Personal Gear Tip: Aqualung ABS Octopus
I personally use the Aqualung ABS Octopus, and I highly recommend it for recreational divers. It’s compact, lightweight, and features a 120-degree angle that makes air sharing more comfortable from any position. Its bright color makes it easy to locate, which is essential in emergencies.
When choosing your alternate air source, comfort and reliability matter just as much as price. If it’s been a while since you practiced using your octopus, take the time during your next dive to refresh those skills with your buddy.
Stay Prepared—Always
Out-of-air situations are rare, but they become dangerous when divers panic or forget their training. Review emergency procedures regularly, check your gear before every dive, and maintain good communication with your buddy. With a calm head and the right gear, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.
Happy and safe diving,
The ScubaBlast Team
DAN. (n.d.). Top 5 Most Common Diving Accidents. Divers Alert Network.
https://dan.org/alert-diver/article/top-5-most-common-diving-accidents/
PADI. (n.d.). How to Handle Running Out of Air. PADI Blog.
https://blog.padi.com/how-to-handle-running-out-of-air/
Scuba Diver Life. (2018). How to Perform a CESA.
https://scubadiverlife.com/how-to-perform-a-cesa-controlled-emergency-swimming-ascent/
Dive Training Magazine. (2021). Mastering the Art of Air Sharing.
https://www.dtmag.com/thelibrary/mastering-the-art-of-air-sharing/