What's the use in doing that?

[kent_1848]

OK, I am taking a Divecon class, and have now seen NAUI, SSI, and PADI classes. I was certified SSI, and took, NAUI AOW. I just recently helped with my first PADI OW class, and was kind of shocked by some of the things that took place. First off, there was this snorkel to regulator to snorkel to regulator exchange thing? What is that all about? Also, the instructor wanted everyone to keep their masks and snorkel or regulator on/in at all times...Why? I don't know anyone that sits at the surface with their mask on...it fogs up! Also, the instructor actually talked through his snorkel! :rofl: I could barely keep a straight face! Is this really the way PADI is taught, or was it just this instructor?

 

[simbrooks]

OK, I am taking a Divecon class, and have now seen NAUI, SSI, and PADI classes. I was certified SSI, and took, NAUI AOW. I just recently helped with my first PADI OW class, and was kind of shocked by some of the things that took place. First off, there was this snorkel to regulator to snorkel to regulator exchange thing?

We were told it was to get us used as an intro to retrieving the regulator, ie getting used to the reg being out of your mouth, reinserting and purging.

Also, the instructor wanted everyone to keep their masks and snorkel or regulator on/in at all times...Why? I don't know anyone that sits at the surface with their mask on...it fogs up! Also, the instructor actually talked through his snorkel! :rofl: I could barely keep a straight face! Is this really the way PADI is taught, or was it just this instructor?

Use defog for foggy masks Not sure on the always have something in your mouth thing, probably in case folks slip over in the pool, liability thing as the new stuff might unbalance you a bit if you arent so sure on your feet. As for talking through the snorkel, i would hope that's an instructor thing, but i could be wrong.

I am wondering how quickly this will turn into a PADI bash.....

 

[gfisher4792]

Well, I can usually keep my mask on at the surface without fogging. And if it's wavy, that's where it stays.

Talking though a snorkel would be a bit much for me, though. I think I would roll my eyes and laugh. At least a little bit.

 

[hermosadive]

...I am wondering how quickly this will turn into a PADI bash.....

I'm sure that's why he started the tread. Any sort of training has to be simplified to the weakest link. People who have never snorkeled before probably find it awkward using a snorkel and a regulator. Doing a snorkel/regulator exchange gets them comfortable with the location of the gear and use to purging, etc. as Simbrooks mentioned.

In real life, some people are comfortable keeping their masks on and some like them off. Once again, for training purposes, its makes sense to enforce keeping a mask on. Until a diver gains some experience with their equipment, proper entries, etc there is a greater chance of them loosing their mask accidently and possibly causing panic, along with another trip to the store for a replacement mask. Of course people can make their own choices after they complete their training.

BTW, I usually surface swim (long surface swims) with my mask on and don't have any fogging up issues. Spit does the trick and not being out of breath and overheating. The fact that you asked some of the questions you did makes me question your decision to help out with any class. Commonsense should have provided you with the answers to your questions.

 

[pants!]

Did you, yanno, ask the instructor?

 

[Marek K]

First off, there was this snorkel to regulator to snorkel to regulator exchange thing? What is that all about?

According to the PADI Open Water Diver Manual, that's one of the PADI skill requirements for Confined Water Dive Two: "Exchange snorkel for regulator and regulator for snorkel repeatedly while at the surface without lifting the face from the water."

I suppose the purpose is to make students confortable with exchanging one for the other while underwater, a skill that's not really a natural act. Whether you dive with a snorkel or not (I don't), PADI trains with snorkel... just the way it is.

Also, the instructor wanted everyone to keep their masks and snorkel or regulator on/in at all times...Why? I don't know anyone that sits at the surface with their mask on...it fogs up!

A lot of folks have pointed out that once a mask is on, it stays most fog-free as long as it stays on... I tend to agree. But that shouldn't be taught as doctrine.[/QUOTE]

Also, the instructor actually talked through his snorkel! :rofl: I could barely keep a straight face! Is this really the way PADI is taught, or was it just this instructor?

Now, that was weird.

Question for you... "Dive Control Specialist" (DiveCon) is a uniquely SSI concept. Is that whom you're doing this with? Why are you dealing with NAUI and PADI classes, unless you're just auditing with them? Now understand I'm not heading in the instructor direction, but I would have assumed they would have explained how the skills are taught through their respective agencies, and what flexibility the instructor has... I also would have asked the instructor, if something looked weird to me...

--Marek

 

[BrianS]

When we did our Open Water dives in the ocean, we found 2 masks at the bottom. When we came up and the instructor held up two pairs of prescription masks, he said "this is why you keep your masks on".

 

[mogwai]

Wait till the first time a wave breaks over you floating just off a reef. Blow out hard to clear your snorkle, then the sneaky bugger that is the sea hits you with another swell that fill your snorkel again, no air to blow out but pretty handy regulator thingy to stick in your whatsit. Works i found

 

[c-monkey]

I have never witnessed an instructor talking through a snorkel. How unique, bizarre and completely unrelated to PADI in any way.

 

[M.D.]

I usually keep my mask on at all times, as it has perscription lenses. I can't see very well without them.