SNUBA/hookah diving

[2airishuman]

During a trip to some tropical islands last winter, I saw SNUBA diving trips heavily promoted. I wasn't especially interested and was concerned about safety, particularly since the absence of a requirement for any training was cited as one of the benefits of these trips. Since then I've come across equipment for sale.

While this isn't something I'm planning to do, I'm wondering how these surface supplied systems fit into the world of diving. Does anyone train people for this so they can do it safely? Are there any situations in recreational diving where a surface supplied system has any benefits over tanks?

 

[Doby45]

They had this at St. Maarten when I was there doing my disco dive. It went down to 30' and they walked along a predetermined "path" and then they climbed back out. It allows people the opportunity to see what it is like to be underwater with the only requirement being (Keep the hardhat on your head). I see nothing wrong with this and no reason for any "training". Put hardhat on, go underwater, walk around and come back up. What specific training do you think should be included with this experience?

SeaTrek St Maarten - helmet diving in the Caribbean

 

[Patoux01]

What specific training do you think should be included with this experience?

With "conventional" snuba, I don't know, some sort of warning about lung overexpansion maybe?

 

[diversteve]

Brownies offers training since they're one of the largest sellers afaik. Online Training For The Student And Also Great Collaboration With The Instructor |

They sell some longer hosed systems also - long enough to get someone embolized if they don't know what they're doing IMO. Brownie's Third LUNG100FT Kayak Hookah Hose No Tank No Regulator Snuba | eBay

Brownie's Third Lung Diving, Hookah Surface Supplied Air Systems |

The few times I've seen Snuba (St. Thomas and Trilogy Sailing, Maui) the hoses weren't very long - maybe 20' max. Since the whole cruise was 4-5 hrs. I'm sure they don't do much training.

I know a few people that clean boats on Snuba. I guess it could be easier to have most of the gear on top than in the gunk created by scraping.

 

[Doby45]

With "conventional" snuba, I don't know, some sort of warning about lung overexpansion maybe?

OK, here is your training. KEEP BREATHING. That pretty much sums it up and there is no need for a 20-30min class with this type of "diving".

You start with a 15 minute boat ride to Little Bay, where you will receive a safety briefing on the platform.

I think the above quote sums it up. Not much else needed..

 

[diversteve]

You are aware that SeaTrek is not Snuba right? No heavy helmet holding you down until the attendant brings you up.
Coral World on St. Thomas has something similar - they even have a winch to lower/raise the "walkers".



Snuba ^ uses an on-demand 2nd stage modified to work with a surface mounted/floating compressor.

 

[decompression]

Zuba and Kids' Classes · UTD Scuba Diving


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[fstbttms]

Snuba ^ uses an on-demand 2nd stage modified to work with a surface mounted/floating compressor.

Close, but no cigar.

"Snuba" uses tanks which are left on the surface, frequently in a dinghy, inflatable raft or other method of floating them. What you'ved described is a hookah rig.