Nedd to separate snorkel from BCD inflator mechanism

[satwar]

I'm a new diver but I'm always having trouble grabbing the BCD inflater mechanism when I want to trim bouyancy because it gets mixed up with my snorkel mouth piece. I'm using a Venture EXP wing, and wondering if a longer low pressure corrugated hose is available ? Any other suggestions appreciated.

 

[DennisS]

Move your snorkel to the right side.

Prepare for the onslaught of the anti snorkel posse

 

[grf88]

Put your snorkle in your pocket. Depending on the type of diving you do it may be best left in your kit bag.

 

[TechBlue]

Move your snorkel to the right side.

Prepare for the onslaught of the anti snorkel posse

You don't want your snorkel on the right side because it will interfere with your regulator.

Put your snorkle in your pocket. Depending on the type of diving you do it may be best left in your kit bag.

Better advice

 

[Peter Guy]

This is an issue I have with using a snorkel and one I've discussed with instructors who have many years of experience. Especially in the class situation where you may not have the option of putting the snorkel in your pocket, you must come up with a strategy which minimizes the issue.

The best one I've heard is this:

When you reach for your inflator, turn your head to "look" for it -- that is, turn your head to the left. This raises the snorkel and places it farther away from the inflator. As you get more comfortable with the gear, you'll find you will know where everything is and the problem will slowly disappear.

BTW, the only time I have a snorkel on my head is when I'm in the pool teaching -- otherwise, either no snorkel anywhere OR it is in my pocket. Did I mention that I don't believe snorkels have much use in Scuba? (MOD of snorkel -- 6 inches!)

 

[DennisS]

You don't want your snorkel on the right side because it will interfere with your regulator.
Better advice

It's been there for over 35 years and never caused a problem, so far.

 

[TechBlue]

It's been there for over 35 years and never caused a problem, so far.

It can be a problem when the snorkel is used as a reg, minor, unusual and quickly discovered but with new divers it does happen.

 

[grf88]

It can be a problem when the snorkel is used as a reg, minor, unusual and quickly discovered but with new divers it does happen.

Not so minor if they aspirate water into their lungs.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I kept my snorkel on my mask for about 20 dives and then realized just how big a PITA it is. I now have a snorkel in my pcket and for certain types of dives, I might put the proper snorkel back on my mask (although this has yet to happen). I do feel better having one with me at all times just in case.

 

[fnfalman]

No snorkel, no problem.

The few times the water was choppy enough for me to mount a snorkel, I use the foldable kind. It's light and it doesn't get in the way as much as a regular snorkel.