Having a snorkel attached to your mask will allow you to breathe easily and conserve energy, whilst waiting on the surface to be picked up by your dive boat. This is particularly important if conditions are rough and you start to become fatigued.

By breathing through the snorkel, you will be able to swim face down enjoying a nice swim around observing the underwater environment.

 There are three main types of snorkel tubes, 

 The traditional  “J” tube shaped snorkel, another style has a self draining purge valve on the bottom, with a small device on the top, that diverts the majority of water from the breathing tube, then there is a snorkel with a float bulb on top of the breathing tube, that closes off- to stop all water from entering the breathing tube. 

 As with all equipment- proper use and maintenance, is vital for correct and safe operation.