Clarification of Snorkel requirement

[Nemrod]

I use the Scubapro Shotgun for snorkel diving, free diving I generally don't use a snorkel. Occasionally when diving my double hose rigs and especially when not using a BC and when I expect I may need to do a surface swim I may carry a snorkel. Double hose rigs will free flow when swimming on the back so swimming face down is facilitated with a snorkel--or--I push the tank up and turn the air off or on as needed--no big deal. If diving a single hose rig, BP/W, then I see absolutely no need for a snorkel. I surface swim on my back, the wing nicely inflated and floating me gently and my arms resting comfortably on the BC bag. Mask popped on my forehead I can see where I am going and make excellent headway even in very rough conditions.

I wish ScubaPro would release retro yellow and blue Jetfins, matching Shotgun snorkels and Fino masks. Both of my Shotguns are becoming severly aged. My only complaint with the snorkel camp is that as an adult I like to choose when I need a snorkel and when I don't and usually I don't. N

 

[daniel f aleman]

I'm a DM, and I always wear a snorkel in the ocean - invaluble at the surface; I carry one in a pocket in over-head dive profiles.

 

[labaum]

I understand why someone might consider a snorkel superfluous for scuba, but (and I'm not trying to sarcastic, I'm trying to learn something here) what would make it potentially dangerous?

 

[daniel f aleman]

I understand why someone might consider a snorkel superfluous for scuba, but (and I'm not trying to sarcastic, I'm trying to learn something here) what would make it potentially dangerous?

Nothing about the snorkel is dangerous when used in the ocean (it's used at the surface for all the reasons that you already know) - but it is a snag-hazzard in wreck diving and pointless in cave diving.

 

[Cacia]

Searat, I dove with some excellent old-schoolers the other night. They had the hawaiian style metal cams and no gear to speak of...no second reg, no wetsuits, etc. One of them told me that the snorkel was "one of the most important peices of gear. He said, you can float out here forever, if you have to...". I never really thought about it like that...

 

[spectrum]

I understand why someone might consider a snorkel superfluous for scuba, but (and I'm not trying to sarcastic, I'm trying to learn something here) what would make it potentially dangerous?

*It represents 1 more thing that a crashing wave can catch on the surface and could potentially dislodge your mask or break an aging strap.
*It is a potential entanglemanet point for loose line etc.

Where we have been doing all of our diving from shore I always use 1. I like to get my face wet predive and sometimes it takes a while for the group to get ready. This way I can sight see, get mellow with the water and not consume any dive air. As for surface swims I much prefer being face down sight seeing with a snorkel to squintingint the sun guessing where I am going.

If I were doing a boat dive, up/down, little likelihood of a surface swim I might consider leaving it behind but it has become so transparent to me I'd probably take it anyhow.

If I were getting into wreck or cave penetrations or doing an ice dive it would become best to not have it.

As with many scuba gear issues it's specific to what sort of diving you do, your preferred methods and risk toloerance. I honestly think that it a defiance thing for some. Others have an strong desire to only carry what they will (not may) need on a dive. Some people calim to be disturbed by having it there, I don't even know mine is around, then again I don't notice my bubbles either.

Sorry for the diversion kidspot but I think labaum asked a good sidebar question and I wanted to give him a broad answer.

BTW the Feb 06 edition of Dive Training Magazine (free at your LDS) has a whole feature on the topic.

Pete

 

[String]

I understand why someone might consider a snorkel superfluous for scuba, but (and I'm not trying to sarcastic, I'm trying to learn something here) what would make it potentially dangerous?

This is in danger of crossing into the much "done to death" other snorkel threads so i'll keep this short. Revive one of the others for more debate.

Firstly entanglement hazard with line, wreck, kelp and pretty much anything else. I have seen masks dislodged and in some cases totally ripped off with them getting caught on shot lines and other things - some of which quite deep.

Secondly diving in a current its a superb source of drag that causes a mask to leak and again can dislodge.

Thats in addition to the comfort factor.

If a student wants to carry a snorkel somewhere in a pocket then its fine. If they try to wear one on a mask during training we stop it.