A freeflowing regulator is a skill that often causes a bit of anxiety for students—after all, when their regulator begins to freely dispense air without them asking for it, it can feel like something’s gone terribly wrong.

But as a diving instructor, you know that responding to a freeflowing regulator is a vital part of their training. And it’s actually easier than it looks. This skill is a great opportunity to teach students how to stay composed in emergency situations and use the right technique to resolve an issue.

Teaching this skill

Start by explaining to students what causes a regulator to freeflow: it can be caused by a regulator malfunction or freezing. However, modern regulators are designed not to cut of the air in this situation but to let the air flow freely.

Once they understand the problem, demonstrate how to simulate the freeflow by pressing the purge button and how to breath from it. The most common (but not the only) technique is to take one side of the regulator out of the mouth. Bend your head to one side to avoid flooding your mask and take slow, controlled breaths.

The reward

The moment they handle this issue successfully is a moment of pride for both the student and the instructor—it’s a demonstration of staying calm, thinking clearly, and solving the problem on the spot.

Become a PADI diving instructor

Being a PADI diving instructor is truly the best job out there! You get to live and work in stunning tropical destinations, stay active every day, and experience the incredible reward of helping students learn new skills and boost their confidence.

Imagine spending your days teaching others to dive, sharing your love for the underwater world, and seeing their excitement as they master each skill.

Dreaming of becoming a PADI diving instructor? Get in touch, and we’ll show you how!