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The use of AGA's or other full face masks for ice diving is contraindicated on SCUBA except for SAR or other working dives. Statistically, the low temperatures encountered while ice diving frequently cause freeflows in FFM's, and this risk need only be taken if comms are required for safety or objective related reasons, or if the water is contaminated. This is why I recommend the use of tethers, as it permits line pull communication with the surface for divers using a standard half mask. Warmth of the face is a poor justification of these devices. When using the right mask and hood, only the upper lip and corners of the mouth are exposed, which will avoid frostbite or any tissue damage by metabolic heating for any reasonable dive duration. Reference posts in the archives by Rob Robbins (US antarctic diving program coordinator) on this stuff. Water temp in McMurdo get to -2 C, and they dont use the FFM's. -Sean -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
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