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The OTS Guardian Full Face Mask

Martin Gomez   Jul 28, 2026

The OTS Guardian Full Face Mask

 

The OTS Guardian Full Face Mask (FFM) is one of the most popular full face masks used in professional, public safety, technical, and recreational diving. Designed by Ocean Technology Systems (OTS), it combines diver comfort, safety, and communication capabilities into a single integrated breathing system.

Unlike a traditional mask and regulator setup, the Guardian is not simply a mask—it is a complete life-support breathing system.

What Makes the Guardian Different?

With a conventional scuba setup, you breathe through a second-stage regulator while wearing a separate dive mask.

The Guardian integrates these two components into one system, allowing the diver to:

  • Breathe naturally through both the nose and mouth.

  • Keep the entire face dry throughout the dive.

  • Increase comfort during long dives.

  • Reduce jaw fatigue since there is no mouthpiece to bite.

  • Improve thermal protection in cold water.

  • Add underwater communication systems for team diving.

Main Components

The Guardian Full Face Mask consists of several integrated systems:

  • Impact-resistant polycarbonate visor

  • Double-seal silicone skirt

  • Balanced second-stage regulator

  • Internal oro-nasal mask

  • One-way exhaust valves

  • Ambient Breathing Valve (ABV)

  • Nose block for equalization

  • Five-point head harness

  • Communication port

Each component plays an important role in providing comfort, safety, and efficient breathing underwater.

The Oro-Nasal Mask

One of the most important features of the Guardian is the internal oro-nasal mask.

Its purpose is to:

  • Deliver fresh breathing gas directly to the nose and mouth.

  • Prevent exhaled carbon dioxide (CO₂) from being rebreathed.

  • Improve breathing efficiency.

  • Help reduce visor fogging.

Without the oro-nasal mask, CO₂ buildup would increase and breathing would become significantly less efficient.

Anti-Fog Airflow System

The Guardian incorporates an effective anti-fog design.

When the diver inhales:

  1. Air enters through the regulator.

  2. The airflow is directed across the inside of the visor.

  3. The air then enters the oro-nasal chamber.

This continuous airflow helps keep the visor clear throughout the dive without requiring anti-fog treatments in most conditions.

Ambient Breathing Valve (ABV)

One of the Guardian's most unique features is the Ambient Breathing Valve (ABV).

When on the surface, the diver can open the ABV and:

  • Breathe normal atmospheric air.

  • Avoid using cylinder gas unnecessarily.

  • Extend available breathing gas.

  • Reduce regulator wear.

Before descending, the diver simply closes the ABV and begins breathing from the scuba cylinder.

This feature is especially useful during long surface waits before entering the water.

Removable Second Stage

The Guardian's balanced second-stage regulator can be removed for:

  • Cleaning

  • Routine maintenance

  • Inspection

  • Replacement

However, it is specifically designed to operate as part of the Guardian Full Face Mask system and is not intended to be used independently like a standard second-stage regulator.

Underwater Communications

The Guardian was designed with communications in mind.

It can be equipped with OTS communication systems such as:

  • Buddy Phone

  • Ear/Microphone Assembly

  • Aquacom Systems

This makes it an excellent choice for:

  • Public Safety Divers

  • Search and Recovery Teams

  • Commercial Divers

  • Scientific Divers

  • Underwater Photographers

  • Dive Instructors

  • Team Diving Operations

Reliable communication greatly improves coordination and safety during complex dives.

Who Should Consider the Guardian?

The Guardian is an excellent option for:

  • Public Safety Divers

  • Rescue Divers

  • Commercial Divers

  • Ice Divers

  • Cave Divers

  • Dive Instructors

  • Underwater Photographers and Videographers

  • Divers with jaw fatigue or TMJ issues

  • Cold-water divers

  • Divers working in contaminated or low-visibility environments

Does It Require Training?

Absolutely.

A Full Face Mask changes several fundamental diving procedures compared to a conventional scuba system.

Every diver should receive proper Full Face Mask training before using one in open water.

Essential skills include:

  • Proper mask fitting and adjustment

  • Switching from the Full Face Mask to a backup (bailout) regulator

  • Underwater removal and replacement of the mask

  • Managing a flooded mask

  • Emergency procedures

  • Communication system operation (if installed)

These skills are significantly different from those used with a traditional scuba mask and regulator and should only be practiced under qualified instruction.

Final Thoughts

The OTS Guardian Full Face Mask is one of the most refined and versatile full face mask systems available today. Its balanced second-stage regulator, wide field of view, efficient anti-fog airflow, Ambient Breathing Valve, communication capability, and user-friendly maintenance make it an outstanding choice for both advanced recreational divers and professional diving operations.

When combined with proper training, the Guardian offers a level of comfort, safety, and functionality that traditional scuba equipment cannot match, making it an excellent investment for divers who demand the highest level of performance underwater.

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