Long Hose Primary and Snorkel

[Jake]

Hello all-

As I progress in my diving, I'm trying to incorporate better techniques whenever I can. One of those is the "technical" configuration of a 5-7' primary hose and a short second. Technical training is in my future, so besides me liking this setup in its own right, it will be a training point at some juncture.

The issue I have is that I work with students on a regular basis as a DM, and I'm expected (as are they) to have a snorkel at all times. Regardless of how you feel about a snorkel in general, what is your experience with the long hose (wrapped around the neck) paired with a snorkel? Does the snorkel pose an unacceptable entanglement point with the long hose, in which case the long hose is best left for times when I can do my preferred kit setup, or can it be used satisfactorily even with a snorkel? Obviously, you can be careful and avoid the snorkel, but that may not always be the case in a rushed situation.

Thanks in advance.

 

[shark.byte.usa]

Do you actually have to have it on your mask or can you get one of those folding snorkels and stow it in a pocket but still have your long hose setup without the issue? Other than that I don't see how a snorkel works with a long hose.

 

[red_infinity]

I am interested in this as well, since I am using a hogarthian setup but I might need to use a snorkel for my research diving training. I have been told that it won't get in the way as you can just lift the hose over the snorkel easily, but I have yet to try this myself.

 

[ppo2_diver]

PADI standards just say you have to "have" as snorkel on you. It doesn't have to be on your mask. Except when demonstrating snorkeling skills.

 

[Jake]

PADI standards just say you have to "have" as snorkel on you. It doesn't have to be on your mask. Except when demonstrating snorkeling skills.

That may be the case, but I'm still wondering how the two work together (I don't always have the option to have the snorkel "stowed") in practice. Are they mutually exclusive?

 

[ppo2_diver]

You're only using the snorkel on the surface and the long hose underwater right? Pull it out of your pocket, put it on your mask, and use it. When going under water, take it off your mask and stow it in your pocket. I've never had my long hose get in the way of the snorkel and I've never had my snorkel get in the way of the long hose. So in my round about way, I'd say they are mutually exclusive.

Wh

 

[scarefaceDM]

What he said.

I do this most of the time. I just whip it out...do the demo. then loose it when we do underwater drills/skills.

Simple.

 

[TSandM]

Donating the long hose over a snorkel can pull your mask off, especially if you are moving fast, and of course depending on how you have the snorkel secured to your mask.

When I took Rescue and had to carry a snorkel, I put mine under the inner tube loop that normally secures my backup light. I think Catherine actually has a picture of this somewhere in a snorkel thread here.

 

[oly5050user]

Donating the long hose over a snorkel can pull your mask off, especially if you are moving fast, and of course depending on how you have the snorkel secured to your mask.

When I took Rescue and had to carry a snorkel, I put mine under the inner tube loop that normally secures my backup light. I think Catherine actually has a picture of this somewhere in a snorkel thread here.

If working with an instructor along with his students you may want to check with him/her on their thoughts...Dm supposed to be a role model as is the instructor.If you are set up one way and the instructor is set up another it may lead to confusion.Remember they are at the very entry level and not ready for some techniques..The instructor may also want gear config's between the 2 of you the same..Same goes with snorkel positioning.Should be in a standard position during all training,students and staff alike.Once they are certified or there are no training dives going on ,then wear/carry anywhere you want..Its all about liability..

 

[CompuDude]

Yes, I'd check with the shop/boat/instructor before going to an alternate configuration that may not be acceptable to them. If they're ok with it, go for it, though... I feel it's good for students to see as many configurations as possible so they aren't thrown for a loop the first time they seem something different. Helps cement the concept of "other ideas" in their heads.

As for the snorkel plus long hose, just say no, except on the surface when needed for demos. Get a good pocket snorkel, the Oceanic is especially good because it has a super industrial Velcro attachment point that make putting it on and taking it off a breeze. You definitely do NOT want it on you once you descend (with a long hose rig).