The patented SnorkelPlus® BCH is manufactured using high quality materials and proven components to meet the requirements of European Standard EN1809:2014+A1:2016 Diving Equipment – Buoyancy Compensators and to meet the carrying system requirements of European Standard EN250:2014 - Respiratory Equipment – Open-Circuit Self-Contained Compressed Air Diving Apparatus.
Equipped to carry two steel or aluminium scuba cylinders, each of the same size and each of up to 5 litres (30 cuft) capacity, in front left side mount and front right side mount. Two x 3 litres (19 cuft) "dumpy" style cylinders are recommended for SnorkelPlus® diving. Equipped with two x 5 litres (30 cuft) cylinders the BCH may also be used for open water scuba by divers certified in sidemount to a depth not exceeding 30m (98 ft).
The BCH is available in two sizes, S/M and M/L to fit all. Having selected the correct size the BCH is highly adjustable to provide smaller / medium and medium / larger divers with a custom fit.
Existing certified scuba instructors are qualified to teach SnorkelPlus® subject to the completion of a short free online orientation course and undertaking some experience dives. Instructor orientation and equipment familiarization can be completed in half a day.
There are two RSTC/ CMAS compliant SnorkelPlus® courses for beginners, Beach to a depth of 5m (16 ft) and Reef to 9m (29 ft). Each course comprises Knowledge and In Water Practical. Students can complete each knowledge section free online in about half an hour. The In Water Practical dives are undertaken at participating Resorts and Dive Centers under a certified instructor and are charged for by these businesses at their own local prices. Each student course can be completed in a single day. SnorkelPlus® is ideal for guided dives and full day excursions for divers once certified.
www.snorkelplus.com web platform caters for training and diver seach, instructor management and records, student registration and certification, diver management and records, and online Dive Logs.
DEMA market research indicates there are between 3 and 4 times more recreational snorkelers than recreational scuba divers. SnorkelPlus® will appeal to new and existing snorkelers and to casual snorkelers on vacation. Also to existing scuba divers who enjoy snorkeling. And it may encourage more snorkelers to take up open water scuba. The activity is much lighter and far less physically demanding than conventional scuba. It provides an option for would be divers who would ordinarily be disqualified from scuba for physical reasons to participate, and for older certified divers to extend their professional or recreational diving careers.
Appeal is worldwide but likely to be focussed in warm and temperate water locations suited to snorkeling where little or no protection against thermal exposure is required.
Potentially SnorkelPlus® has commercial applications relating to boat hull inspection, anode replacement, mooring placement and maintenance etc. and, being very compact and utilising dual air sources, as an item of safety / rescue equipment.