The Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Face Mask
Features of a Mask Used for Underwater Sports
Aug 9, 2009
The face mask is like a glove that fits over the eyes and nose, with a clear pane of glass in front. The mask fits snugly against the face with a skirt of rubber of silicon that mounds onto the contours of the face making a seal to prevent water entering.
The Snorkelling or Scuba Diving Face Mask
The face mask should have a finger pocket in the rubber or silicon skirt around the nose so the ears can be equalised when the snorkeller descends.
The small goggles used for swimming training in the pool are not recommended for snorkelling or scuba diving. They just cover the eyes leaving the nose uncovered. They can also create pressure on the eyes if scuba diving.
Most face masks have a single pane of glass, though some masks have side panes that provide extra wide-angle vision.
Choosing a Snorkelling or Scuba Face Mask
The choice of face mask is up to the individual, but the following are items to consider:
- The face mask must be comfortable. A solid strap that goes behind the head is needed to hold the mask in place. The strap should be adjustable and set up such that the mask is reasonably tight on the face, but not too tight that it chafes the skin.
- The face mask must give a waterproof seal around the face. This can be checked by placing the mask on the face (without the strap) and inhaling slightly through the nose. The mask should stick on the face by the suction.
- The lens should be made of a safety glass. Plastic lenses can tend to fog up more than glass.
Short Sighted Snorkelling or Scuba Diving
Being short sighted shouldn’t prevent an individual from missing the joys of snorkelling or scuba diving. Fortunately there are ways around the problem.
- Prescription mask. These can be purchased through most scuba diving shops but can be an expensive option if not snorkelling or scuba diving regularly.
- Contact lenses. There is always the risk of losing a contact lens. However, with the modern disposable contact lenses, this should be too much of a problem; especially for snorkelling.
- Prescription lens glued onto the mask. Again, this is an expensive option if not regularly snorkelling or scuba diving.
For further information on solving the problems of short sighted snorkelling or scuba diving, refer to Suite101 article: Short Sighted Scuba Diving.
Caring for a Snorkelling or Scuba Face Mask
A face mask is a vital piece of scuba diving and snorkelling equipment, so should be well cared for.
If possible, the mask should be stored and transported in the solid box in which it was sold. This will prevent it being damaged if dropped, or knocked, or having something like a heavy scuba tank or gear bag dropped on it.
After use, the face mask should be rinsed in fresh water to remove any mucous and salt water.
The mask should be stored in a safe place, away from excessive heat or cold that can affect the rubber or silicon. It should also be stored away form insects that can acquire a liking to the silicon.
When taking the mask out of storage for a trip back underwater, give the mask a quick check over to inspect the strap and the skirt for any signs of wear, perishing or insect nibble marks. It’s better to check it before leaving home than to get to the snorkelling or scuba dive entry point and find the strap breaks.
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