Clarification of Snorkel requirement

[oly5050user]

Snorkels are pretty useful tools to have. They allow you to rest, face down on the surface. In the US Navy School for Underwater Swimmers, snorkels were not allowed (1967). They felt you needed to know how to cope without them. In the USAF, we sometimes carried snorkels in our dive-knife sheath (under the straps), so they would be available after parascuba jumps. I now always dive with a snorkel, by choice and not because someone told me to do it. I have a number of different types, and my two favorite ones are the ScubaPro Shotgun (from many years ago) and the USD Impulse. The other one I really like is a long-ago extinct Dacor flex snorkel (I have two of them, and like them with Scuba). You really don't appreciate snorkels until you have had a stomach cramp, or been on the surface in 15-20 foot waves waiting for a Coast Guard pickup for several hours (happened in the 1970s, and I wish the snorkel was still with me at the time).

SeaRat

those are my favorite ones also..used to do free dive spearfishing in Newport Rhode Island with the shotgun..snorkels have their place..if you dive of beach and cover alot of ground/distance from beach its a good idea to have one..off a boat if you go down a anchor line then up as we do on northeast wrecks really not needed..average rec diver in caribbean trip-probably good idea for most of them for they cannot navigate back to boat on the bottom..

 

[KOMPRESSOR]

This is direct from WRSTC:

minimum instructional diving system. The equipment required to be worn by students while performing the skills listed in 4.9. This equipment includes, as a minimum: fins, mask, snorkel, cylinder and valve, buoyancy control device with low-pressure inflator, regulator, alternate air source (active scuba/air delivery system), submersible pressure gauge, weight ballast system, and exposure suit (e.g., wetsuit, drysuit, etc. if appropriate). Additional desirable (but not required) equipment includes a timing device, depth gauge, and compass/direction monitor.

US Members are: PADI, PDIC, SSI, SDI, YMCA and IDEA.

Not Just a PADI Thing - I always thought it was...

We have some kind of (old) general rules here too. It says snorkel must be worn, but also states that only masks made of rubber is allowed and that the tank must have a reserve lever on the tank valve. It doesn't say you should bring a manometer though, even now that it's become quite regular in use these days! -Wouldn't you agree?! :14:

 

[String]

Snorkel is essential but a depth gauge and timing device are desirable but not required ?!

Priorities misplaced there i think. Its time for updating.

Anyone know what CMAS state for required minimum kit?

 

[Wildcard]

I never wear a snorkle except for PADI classes. The result is in my IE, I twice mistook my AIR2 for my snorkle, they feel the same and are in the same place. Once I demonstrated a skill wrong ( no AIR to reg exchange required) and once while at 25 feet I stuffed my snorkle in my mouth thinking it was my AIR2....

 

[PaulChristenson]

PADI requires both the student and instructor to wear snorkels, much to my chagrin! If you have taken a PADI course where either you or the instructor wasn't wearing a snorkel, the instructor was violating standards. Although I doubt seriously anybody gives a hoot.

Hoot Hoot Hoot!!



Paul in VT

 

[KOMPRESSOR]

Its time for updating.

Anyone know what CMAS state for required minimum kit?

Well, the basis for these "rules" that of course are totally outdated is the Norwegian Diving Federation, which is a member of the CMAS. Have you seen many rubber masks in use these days? Neither have I, but I have one in my store together with a pair of doubles from '69, waiting for the right kind of flashy 70's regulator set to show up!

My point is simply that PADI should og probably will have to change their rules about the use of snorkel. They are great for free diving, but that's all. Period.

 

[Robert Phillips]

None of those regulations say WHERE the snorkel is to be worn.

I'll wear mine in my gear bag!

 

[TSandM]

My LDS is PADI and quite serious about standards, but they were fine with me having a snorkel secured by a bit of inner tube to the front of my harness. I did not have to have it attached to my mask.

 

[kidspot]

Thanks everyone ... What about NAUI? That's who I did my BOW with.. my Rescue was with PADI and neither I nor my instructor wore a snorkel on our masks...

How bout IANTD?

Aloha, Tim

 

[neil]

NAUI requires a snorkel for students and instructors, except for technical courses where the snorkel is optional. If I had OW students in BP/W, I could ask NAUI for a standards waiver.