Hi all, just thought i'd chip in my tuppence worth.
This thread does seem to be descending into handbags at dawn, but then thats hardly unusual.
I dont wish to end up in the same sitution as Lizardfish here but I do belive there is a place within diving for snorkels, and it aint on the boat, in your box/garage or whatever your preference.
As correctly pointed out, if worn permanently attatched to the mask it can be mistakenly grabbed by a diver going for their BC inflator, however the mistake soon becomes apparent.
It can also generally get in the way and be a pain in the arse.
The enanglement issue due long hose deployment is moot if you prefer not to use a hogarthian wrap configuration.
(I dont claim to be DIR obviously)
The "stowed safely to be used when required" seems the more intelligent option.
Two weeks ago I dove wastwater, twins and wing, slung stage (trox), 50m depth, no surface swim - no snorkel.
Fair enough.
Two days ago I dove the blue hole at the south side of Paximadi island just north of Crete. Rib dive with 9 other divers of all levels of experience.
The procedure was clearly laid out by the dive marshal. Roll off boat, meet at shotline, descend in buddy pairs.
Me and my buddy elected to be the last pair down to provide a bit of support to the guides, but were first off the boat because were such ace divers and dead quick at kitting up
Ergo, about 10 mins floating about in choppy seas before descending. I used my snorkel and was glad of it.
Upon descent, I removed it from my modified mask attatchment and stowed it ready for use next time.
No probs there surely?
This is the reality of diving. Were not always in caves, the english channel or doing deep subs in the irish sea.
Sometimes we have a nice 50minute dive around 25m
We dive in a variety of conditions and environments, we should all tailor our approach accordingly.
Niether do we always have the option of diving with a team of identically kitted divers.
Some of the divers in the party wernt very experienced, they were using hire kit etc.
As a diver who considers himself relatively experinced (stress relatively), I think we should retain an element of flexibilty and be able to adapt to the circumstances. This way we can support novice divers to safely become experienced divers, without alienating or belittleing them.
Anyhoo, I wont be ditching my tube and i'd urge you all to rethink the idea of comletely disregarding this valuable item of kit from any future dive planning. Dom has got himself a nice fold up jobbie (im sure youve seen the link), no one even need know youve got one!
And if it makes you happy, you could wear it clipped off in a pocket
Regards, Stu.