Snorkels For Scuba Diving - Pro and Cons

You may wonder what the purpose of a snorkel for Scuba Diver is, since they have a tank and a regulator.

Actually there are a few reasons why you want to wear a snorkel while Scuba diving. First of all you can use your snorkel while on the surface resting or waiting for your dive-buddy to get ready without wasting the air of your tank which you obviously want to use for breathing under water.

Second, when the surface is a bit rough and choppy breathing with a snorkel avoids that splashing waves getting into your mouth. A correct adjusted snorkel is usually high enough to get above these waves.

Third and most important, if you run low or out of air and need to swim back to your dive-boat or the shoreline a snorkel makes this task much easier. You can swim with the face in the water and also take a rest if necessary.

One negative aspect for wearing a snorkel is the fact, if you do a drift dive and turn yourself into the current to stop and wait for your dive-buddy or look at something, the snorkel gets pushed out of its position and may lead to a leaking mask if it pulls on the mask strap.

This can be avoided with using a modern folding-snorkel. They fit easily in one of your BCD - pockets and can be used when needed but do not interfere during your normal under water exploration.

Snorkels are required for all PADI dive-courses as mandatory dive-equipment during the course. However many diver never use on after their course. Considering the benefits of carrying a snorkel in your pocket -just in case-... they might think again.

Maria has been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Her interests are outdoor activities. So come visit her latest website that informs about styles and sizes to keep your kids safe and warn during wet outdoor activities.