Why a snorkel?

[Peter Guy]

Bigtim asked

why would a diver with a air tank want a snorkel when diving.

The lawyer answer is you don't want (and can't use) a snorkel when you are diving. The Maximum Operating Depth of a snorkel is only a few inches so you only want to use a snorkel when you are on the surface (if then).

So why use a snorkel? Because when diving with a two hose regulator, the reg will free flow if you swim out on your back so you need a snorkel to permit you to swim out on your stomach/face.

IF you use a single hose reg, I'm one of those who believe there is generally NO reason for having/using a snorkel. Swimming on your back is much easier than swimming on your stomach/face especially in a place like Puget Sound where there is nothing to look at from the surface AND you wear heavy duty exposure gear. By having your tank underwater, you let the water help you out from a displacement aspect.

 

[Thalassamania]

And let's not forget mouth to snorkel breathing whilst transporting a victim. Fastest and best way.

 

[rstofer]

And let's not forget mouth to snorkel breathing whilst transporting a victim. Fastest and best way.

Which absolutely won't work with a 'dry' or 'semi-dry' snorkel nor any snorkel with a purge valve. I suspect that is the reason the technique is no longer taught. It only works with simple J snorkels and these are not in vogue.

Another example of the difference between change and improvement.

Richard

 

[lowviz]

Which absolutely won't work with a 'dry' or 'semi-dry' snorkel nor any snorkel with a purge valve. I suspect that is the reason the technique is no longer taught. It only works with simple J snorkels and these are not in vogue.

Another example of the difference between change and improvement.

Richard

I've just heard that they're working on a top-secret simple J that folds in half and can be stuffed in a drysuit pocket.

 

[String]

Got a properly stupid question why would a diver with a air tank want a snorkel when diving.

They wouldn't. They have absolutely no useful purpose what so ever when diving. Most divers dont have one for that reason. May as well take a chocolate teapot down with you for all the use it is.

 

[rstofer]

I've just heard that they're working on a top-secret simple J that folds in half and can be stuffed in a drysuit pocket.

You know, I think they declassified that! I actually have one (a Riffe) and I certainly can't be trusted... I am still working out the pocket issues with my BP/W so I haven't actually tried it.

I know, how hard can it be? I bought the Dive Rite pocket but I have to figure out how to attach the drop strap to the BP/W waist strap with is above the DUI weight harness. So, the drop strap needs to be behind the harness and that buckle on the drop strap is the reason I haven't actually resolved the issue. I plan to get down to Monterey in the near future and I'll have a chance to figure it out. Sure, I'll have it resolved before I go but I won't put on my wetsuit without a really good reason.

If the pocket will work, I'll consider a roll-up snorkel. I may decide against it just because I like having a snorkel immediately available. We'll see...

Richard

 

[rstofer]

They wouldn't. They have absolutely no useful purpose what so ever when diving. Most divers dont have one for that reason. May as well take a chocolate teapot down with you for all the use it is.

So what do you require of your students?

Richard

 

[Thalassamania]

Which absolutely won't work with a 'dry' or 'semi-dry' snorkel nor any snorkel with a purge valve. I suspect that is the reason the technique is no longer taught. It only works with simple J snorkels and these are not in vogue.

Another example of the difference between change and improvement.

Richard

That's one of the reasons that I use a J-snorkel without any attached crap. BTW: Oceanic still offers a good snorkel:

BLAST
A Simple, straight forward, no-nonsense snorkel reminiscent of days gone by. Easily folds for storage.

 

[lowviz]

They wouldn't. They have absolutely no useful purpose what so ever when diving. Most divers dont have one for that reason. May as well take a chocolate teapot down with you for all the use it is.

Maybe a bit too absolute. I would agree that most PSD's consider them totally useless, but this is the "New Divers" forum. A snorkel gives you a third choice (topside) in rough seas, drain your backgas, struggle, or look like a newbie. I don't mind looking like a newbie now and then, some I've met are actually quite cool. IMHO -personal choice if you want to carry one, or an SMB for that matter, or a mirror, or a dye pack, etc.

 

[Thalassamania]

The snorkel question also point to the schizophrenia of the training agencies. On one hand they insist that divers be so equipped, yet they expose divers to the danger of embolism by having them go under the surf with a regulator and having them do entries with a regulator in their mouth. When asked why, the candid response is that the student don't learn how to use snorkels and thus are at less risk when using a regulator.

Well ... if they didn't try to complete training in 18 hours or less ...