An argument for always having a snorkel

[wreckchick]

I have started dives in calm water, but surfaced with choppy water, with 3-5 foot waves, with about 500psi. I go to my snorkel, and wait for the boat to pick me up. The last 500psi is for getting on the boat.

If you rent a tank, you do not want to run it empty. I will cost you alot returning an empty tank.

The last 500 psi if for emergencies and it's contingency gas. If you have to use it, use it! I've surfaced with less that 500 psi a few times and boarded a boat with less more times than that because I've needed it for some reason, that's why it's there!

R

 

[shoturtle]

If you want to take a snorkel, take a snorkel! I don't have any particular issue with anyone who does or doesn't, my only point was that taking a snorkel for the next time the nav was off is not really a solution to the problem; better nav skills are. Of course nobody is perfect and life would be less interesting if everyone was but striving to not have to repeat this scenario because of nav errors seems a more proactive course of action than bringing a snorkel.

R

That was not the message I got from your post. It read quite differently in my opinion, but I could be wrong.

The OP said he realize his mistake with the nav. And I think he'll use his compass more regularly. I think he decide to dive with a snorkel, just in case he may need to do another long surface swim.

 

[shoturtle]

The last 500 psi if for emergencies and it's contingency gas. If you have to use it, use it! I've surfaced with less that 500 psi a few times and boarded a boat with less more times than that because I've needed it for some reason, that's why it's there!

R

That is why I go to my snorkel in choppy water, and go to the last 500psi during the physical re-boarding the boat. And on a long surface swim, 500psi will not last long.

 

[shoturtle]

I think you are right, this one might bring some sparks, sit back and enjoy the fireworks.

 

[cfelliot]

......my only point was that taking a snorkel for the next time the nav was off is not really a solution to the problem; better nav skills are......

A navigational error, which I admit now for the 3RD TIME, is not the only source for this situation!

On this type of dive there’s no boat waiting for you top-side. An equipment failure could just as easily put you in the same situation with a long surface swim!

Although a plastic tube won’t be hanging from my mask because I hate it there, I will have a fold-up in a BC pocket!

 

[Diver Dennis]

No worries cf. I wouldn't worry about the "snorkel vs no snorkel" debate. Do what you feel you need to do. I for one will not give you a hassle...

 

[fishb0y]

And on a long surface swim, 500psi will not last long.

Actually I think it would last much longer than you think.

 

[emttim]

I don't see why a snorkel has anything to do with this. Crappy navigation doesn't somehow make a snorkel more useful. Swimming on your back is faster than swimming forward snorkeling; it's that simple. A snorkel is an inanimate object...it's pretty pointless to blame human error on an inanimate object.

 

[shoturtle]

Hmmm... so it was the end of your dive? Does you dive shop give you a discount for air left in your tank for a fill? I personally find it much easier to swim on my stomach with a reg in my mouth than a snorkel.

I guess I missed the law that states you are no longer allowed to use the air in your tank once surfacing.

Let me restate it again, if you bring a tank back bone dry, they will charge you for a re inspection. So I was thought to bring it back with at least 100psi. If you want to run the tank bone dry and more then happy to pay the fee. Go right ahead to run it bone dry.

And if you do not believe in a safety reserve, that is fine if you are okay with that.

 

[highlandfarmwv]

I keep a folded shorkel in my pocket, and have used it once--but it was handy that once! I'll always carry one esp in open ocean water.