SNORKEL AND SCUBA DIVING
1. Surface
swimming without wasting air
o
At the surface, you can breathe through your
snorkel instead of using the air from your tank. This saves your tank for when
you’re actually underwater.
2. Energy
conservation
o
A snorkel allows you to keep your head in the
water and swim comfortably at the surface without constantly lifting it up to
breathe. This is especially useful if you need to swim a distance to or from
the dive site.
3. Choppy
surface conditions
o
In waves, chop, or swell, a snorkel makes it
easier to breathe without swallowing water, since your regulator may not be in
your mouth yet.
4. Safety
in emergencies
o
If you run out of air and reach the surface, a
snorkel helps you breathe calmly without needing your regulator or lifting your
head repeatedly.
5. Surface
waiting time
o
Divers sometimes spend time floating at the
surface waiting for a boat pickup or for their group to gather. A snorkel makes
this more comfortable and less tiring.
That said, some technical or minimalist divers prefer not to carry one,
since it can create drag or get in the way. But for most recreational divers,
especially beginners, having a snorkel is considered an important safety and
comfort tool.
IS IT MANDATORY?
It depends 🙂
· Training
(beginner courses):
For most agencies like PADI and SSI, having a
snorkel is mandatory for entry-level courses (Open Water
Diver). The idea is to teach beginners safe surface swimming and air
conservation.
· Recreational
diving (after certification):
It is not mandatory, but strongly recommended—especially in
areas with waves, current, or when surface swims are needed. You don’t have to
wear it but carry one with you in case.
· Professional/technical
diving:
Many experienced divers stop using a snorkel because it can dangle, create
drag, or get in the way. Instead, they keep a foldable snorkel
in a pocket, only using it if necessary.
👉 So, short answer: Yes, it’s required
for training, but later it’s a choice—though still very useful for
comfort and safety.
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