PADI Full Face Mask Diver
Enhance safety, improve communication, and operate with control using full face mask systems
Duration
1–2 days, 2 dives
Max Depth
30m / 100ft (or within certification limits)
Level
Equipment Specialty
Next Step
PADI Public Safety Diver / PADI Dry Suit Diver
Overview
The PADI Full Face Mask Diver course trains divers to safely use a full face mask (FFM), a system that covers the entire face and allows breathing through both the nose and mouth.
Full face masks provide increased thermal protection, security, and breathing comfort, while enabling the use of surface communication systems—a critical capability in professional and technical diving environments.
Training focuses on mask operation, gas management, and emergency procedures, including mask removal and switching to backup systems.
At N9BO℠, this course is positioned as an operational upgrade — bridging recreational diving into professional, public safety, and technical applications.
Course Facts
- Course name: PADI Full Face Mask Diver
- Level: Equipment specialty
- Minimum prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Ratio: Maximum 4 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: Full face mask system with primary regulator and bailout (backup regulator)
- Depth / environment: Maximum 30m / 100ft or within diver’s current certification level
- Format: Knowledge development + confined water skills + open water dives
- Duration: 1–2 days with 2 open water dives
What You’ll Learn
- Assemble and configure a full face mask system.
- Manage breathing and gas flow through the mask.
- Perform mask removal and bailout procedures.
- Switch between full face mask and backup regulator.
- Understand communication system integration (where applicable).
Prerequisites
- Be at least 12 years old.
- Hold Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent).
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
Full face masks provide:
- Increased breathing comfort
- Enhanced thermal protection
- Greater security (mask stays in place)
- Optional underwater communication capability
Yes. Full face masks are widely used in:
- Public safety diving
- Commercial diving
- Military operations
- Technical diving environments
You will complete confined water training followed by 2 open water dives, focusing on system control, bailout procedures, and emergency handling.
The most critical skill is mask removal and bailout to a backup regulator, requiring calm, controlled execution under stress.
Yes. You will use a full face mask system with a backup regulator, and optionally communication equipment depending on configuration.
Ready to Upgrade Your Diving Capability?
Send us your certification and goals. We’ll train you to operate safely and confidently with full face mask systems.
Go Pro with PADI Full Face Mask Instructor
Expand your teaching capability by becoming a Full Face Mask Specialty Instructor, training divers for professional and technical applications.
