The following is a detailed discussion on the differences between snorkeling<\/a> and scuba diving, their similarities, and which to go for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following is how different snorkeling is from scuba diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The term snorkeling is derived from the German word \u201cschnorchel\u201d meaning \u2018air intake.\u2019 The snorkel was invented by Dutch Navy Lieutenant Jan J. Wichers<\/a> in 1933, to supply fresh air into diesel-powered submarines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By 1963, snorkeling developed enough to be used by humans, with snorkels designed to fit divers\u2019 mouths to give access to oxygen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further Reading : What is Snorkeling? How it all begun<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n The term scuba is an acronym for S<\/strong>elf-C<\/strong>ontained U<\/strong>nderwater B<\/strong>reathing A<\/strong>pparatus, first used by the US military in 1939. One of the first modern models used on a diver was in 1942 when a car regulator was used to supply fresh oxygen to the user and vent out CO2<\/sub>.<\/p>\n\n\n Other than the origin and meaning, the other major difference between snorkeling and scuba diving is their equipment. Scuba and snorkeling equipment are miles apart in terms of sophistication. Scuba diving is only safe after specialized training with complex equipment whereas for snorkeling you just need a simple gear<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scuba divers need sophisticated equipment to survive underwater. Their gear consists of;<\/p>\n\n\n\n A snorkeler\u2019s gear consists of;<\/p>\n\n\n\n The list above is a testament to how important scuba diving training is before jumping into the ocean. Divers have to practice in swimming pools before they ever get the chance to go under the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first and most obvious thing we need to consider is depth. With a snorkel, you need to stay close to the surface while with a scuba kit you are free to go as deep as you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scuba divers have oxygen tanks on their backs that allow them to breathe underwater\u2014until the tank runs out. Snorkelers have to stay near the surface so that they can come out at regular intervals to breath. They can stay in the water for as long as they want, just as long as they keep emerging to breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scuba divers submerge themselves completely underwater with their eyes and nose covered by a diving mask. The divers breathe through their mouthpiece, leading to the tank on their back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their initial dive is assisted by their weight until their buoyancy levels out. That is when they propel themselves forward with their fins. Scuba divers streamline their body, keeping their arms wrapped tightly around their body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Snorkelers have their head and nose underwater with the snorkel tube above the surface, using both, their arms and legs to swim as they don\u2019t have their weight to throw them off balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The snorkel tube might flood if they decide to dive underwater. Water can be expelled by exhaling sharply or by tilting the head back shortly before resurfacing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both, scuba diving and snorkeling affect the diver in some way. While scuba diving can cause sickness, underwater vision and have a direct impact, snorkeling has a more indirect impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Snorkelers are hard to detect by jet-skiers, boats and other surface crafts and are therefore susceptible to injury. The absence of a diving suit also presents a hazard from touching poisonous corals and other venomous creatures under the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Snorkeling and Scuba Diving each have their own merits and demerits, some of which are mentioned below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scuba diving requires training and certification before free dives are allowed. Beginners are only allowed to dive up to 10 meters, which is not much different compared to snorkeling. On the other hand, snorkeling requires no training or certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSnorkeling vs Scuba Diving: Differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
History, Origin & Definition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"snorkleling\"](\"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/snorkeling.jpg\")
![\"Scuba](\"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/scuba-diving.jpg\")
Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Depth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Duration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Technique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scuba Divers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Snorkelers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Impact on Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/td> Snorkeling<\/strong><\/td> Scuba Diving<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Purpose<\/td> Recreational, spearfishing, freediving<\/td> Recreational, rescue, professional, military operations underwater filming and photography, spearfishing,<\/td><\/tr> Skill Level<\/td> Basic Swimming skills<\/td> Trained and certified scuba diver<\/td><\/tr> Essential Equipment<\/td> Mask, snorkel, fins and flotation device(beginners)<\/td> Scuba mask, dive suit, regulator, compressed gas tank, buoyancy compensator, fins<\/td><\/tr> Technique<\/td> Float on water facing down; Breathe through snorkel, hold breath when diving<\/td> Entire body submerged; Breathe directly through regulator mouthpiece or full-face mask attached to regulator<\/td><\/tr> Air (Oxygen) Supply<\/td> None, when completely submerged<\/td> Gas tank when underwater<\/td><\/tr> Water Garments<\/td> Swimsuits & Rash guards<\/td> Wetsuits and Drysuits<\/td><\/tr> Duration Underwater<\/td> As long as the top end of snorkel is above water and as long as you can hold your breath when snorkel is submerged<\/td> Until tank runs out of gas supply<\/td><\/tr> Intensity<\/td> Low-intensity activity for the whole family<\/td> High intensity for trained and fit individuals<\/td><\/tr> Dangers and Risks<\/td> Passing boats and watercraft, poisonous underwater life forms, dehydration, hyperventilation, sunburn,<\/td> Decompression sickness, oxygen toxicity, nitrogen narcosis, marine life, boats<\/td><\/tr> Cost<\/td> Budget Friendly<\/td> Expensive in terms of equipment and training<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table> Pros & Cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n