Snuba
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Snuba is a portmanteau word formed from "snorkel" and "scuba". In it, the swimmer uses the fins, mask, and breathing apparatus commonly used in scuba diving, but the air tanks which are usually strapped to the back are instead laid horizontally in 5'-long canoe-like rubber pontoon rafts that remain on the water's surface. Snuba diving is a popular activity in tropical tourist locations such as Hawaii because of its relative ease and because one need not be certified to participate.
Snuba is a popular form of "introductory diving" (diving done in the presence of a professional, insured guide, and following a very short lesson, but not requiring a SCUBA certification).
Its popularity as a first timers' experience can be attributed to several factors.
1) The professional diveguide is usually physically tied to the rafts, and the rafts are connected by airhose to the customers. This keeps the diveguide's hands free, but still gives the customer the secure knowledge that he/she can't become separated from the diveguide. Note: many diveguides who use ordinary SCUBA gear will use a rope and tire-shaped dive float to achieve nearly the same results.
2) The beginner/customer is physically connected to a canoe-like rubber raft with a handle-like around its perimeter, giving a feeling of safety, and the option to hold onto the raft while staying with the group.
3) The weight of the gear carried by the beginner/customer is only slightly more than the weight of the weightbelt. Compare this to to full SCUBA gear which includes a buoyancy compensator, weights, cylinder and often more, and can weigh in excess of 60 pounds. Although the equipment is nearly weightless underwater, out of the water the weight becomes a significant factor for weak individuals.
On the negative side, in strong current, wave action or breeze, the combination of underwater hose and surface raft can pull quite hard on a diver. SNUBA is therefore best used in areas where wind, waves and current are negligible.
If the depth of a snuba dive is limited to 20 feet (6 metres), decompression sickness is not likely to be a problem. However, as the snuba diver is breathing compressed air, there is still a significant risk of injury or death due to air embolism which is a more severe hazard at shallow depths if a diver ascends as little as three feet without venting the expanding gas volume in the lungs.
