Do you use a snorkel when scuba diving?

+3 votes
asked Feb 24, 2017 in Scuba Diving by ricom (175 points)
I know it is what you are trained to do in PADI courses, but I've seen more and more divers without snorkels on boat dives recently.

9 Answers

+4 votes
answered Apr 19, 2017 by Pablo (1,108 points)
I keep my snorkel on my mask always. It is a very small (if any) drag through the water and does not cause any discomfort. In low visibility I attach a light to it with a rubber band so everyone knows which diver is me. It helps my buddy pick me out. If in shallow water, if I am close to the surface, I'll switch to snorkel and save air, until I need to submerge. In collecting lion fish, I'll use my snorkel to guide the fish into the collection container. I use a back mounted bladder type BC which tends to float me facedown in the water. For this reason I will use my snorkel while waiting to descend, and while waiting my turn at the ladder. I'll use a snorkel on every dive at some point.
+3 votes
answered Feb 24, 2017 by revgramza (1,095 points)
PADI trains for snorkels and PADI requires snorkels.  If you are getting checked off on you next PADI certification, do not skip the snorkel.

You are correct most experienced divers do not use a snorkel.  It is just one more item to drag through the water, and potentially damage coral, etc.  However, keep the snorkel in your boat bag and put it one if you haves wind and waves.  If waves are high and winds are strong, you may spend much more time on the surface waiting for the boat to pick you up.  If you’re waiting very long you’ll be thankful to breath through your snorkel while you cling to your signal sausage.
+3 votes
answered Apr 4, 2017 by Jillian Myers (708 points)
Yes, of course. We have been diving olong remote islands and have had dive masters get lost, weather changes and changes in the direction of the current. Very thankful to have my snorkel with me when on rough surfaces and low on air because of bad dive masters.
+2 votes
answered Feb 25, 2017 by A_WakeSkate (70 points)
I do not use a snorkel while diving unless I am expecting to spend a little time on the surface or to swim on the surface.

I do keep one in my bag and bring it on the boat every time. I keep 2 bags. One with snorkel/free dive gear and the other with the rest of the dive gear. That way if I'm only going snorkeling or free diving I can just grab my bag and GO!
+2 votes
answered May 15, 2017 by Lietzke00 (713 points)
I've found my snorkel a bit inconvenient at times during dives, but I've never gone diving without it. Anytime I'm at the surface, I switch to my snorkel so I can save cylinder air for the dive. And besides, I never know when I might end up with a long surface swim back to the boat or a dock... it's happened!
+1 vote
answered Mar 17, 2017 by George1224 (5,147 points)
i carry a pocket snorkel when sidemount diving and I use one if I think I will spend a long time waiting on the surface. Dont want to waste cylinder air in choppy conditions.
+1 vote
answered Mar 20, 2017 by SCUBATomWetzel (55 points)
I have always used a snorkel.  I have done many rescues/assists because of wind chop.

Some, trained not to, carry snorkel folded in pocket.   It is there if needed.

I've trained my students to use.

I am multi certified SCUBA Instructor

Los Angeles County, NAUI, PADI, SEIZED, CMAS.
0 votes
answered May 17, 2017 by hurfish (3,024 points)
No I hate it on my head so I do carry one in my bc pocket if the call for one should arise.
0 votes
answered Jun 28, 2018 by Scubachuck (1,093 points)
No, it gets in the way and really offers no advantages.
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