Do you use a snorkel when scuba diving?

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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!

Answer 5

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!

Answer 6

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.

Answer 7

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.

Answer 8

No I hate it on my head so I do carry one in my bc pocket if the call for one should arise.

Answer 9

No, it gets in the way and really offers no advantages.