back to index ofchapters1. How is the sea different from the land and how does snorkelling helpus appreciate this difference?
Ans. On land, cows eat grass and humans eat cows. In the sea, the grassis microscopic and is eaten by microscopic animals called zooplankton. Thezooplankton are then eaten by smaller fish that in turn are eaten by biggerfish. At the top of the food chain are the predators, which often cannotdistinguish between a snorkeller and the food they are trying to captureso our place in the food chain changes.
The seascape differs from the landscape. On land, we can build fences,cut down trees and build roads. We can control the land and influence thelives of the land animals and plants that we share it with. When you snorkelunder the sea, you quickly learn that the seascape is largely unalteredby humans; its shape and topography so far have been left unchanged.
Snorkelling shows us nature in its untouched state, something that isdifficult to find on the land because we have altered it so much.
2. Why was Halley's bell considered such a great advance in underwaterexploration?
Ans. It allowed divers to stay underwater for long periods of time.
3. Give three points to consider when selecting snorkelling equipment.
Ans. Mouthpiece of soft silicon, mask safety glass, snug fit, snorkelbore to accommodate your lung capacity.
4. What is the difference between open healed and full booted fins?
Ans. Open healed fins require a bootee, full booted fins can be worndirectly on the feet but should not be too tight or they will give you cramps.
5. What are some of the activities you will learn while snorkelling?
Ans. Duck diving, finning, floating, equalising, clearing your mask/snorkel.
6. How can you stop a new mask from fogging up?
Ans. Brush it with toothpaste.
7. What is a low-volume mask and why is it useful?
Ans. A smaller sized mask around the eyes so that it is easier to clear.
8. In selecting a snorkel for a child, what should you consider?
Ans. The bore diameter.
9. Why is silicone considered a better choice than rubber in mask construction?
Ans. Silicon is less prone to corrode.
10. Name two advantages of a wetsuit.
Ans. Protection from the cold and floatation (buoyancy).
a. Which type of wetsuit is suited for tropical areas?
Ans. Short sleeved spring suits.
b. Which type of wetsuit is suitable for colder areas?
Ans. Steamer suits/full wet suit with hood and bootees.
11. What is a purge valve?
Ans. A value which allows you to clear your mask with air.
12. What are compensators in a mask used for?
Ans. Allow you to clear your ears.
13. How does a wetsuit work to keep you warm?
Ans. Tiny nitrogen air bubbles create a layer of warm water between therubber and the skin.
14. Name any three accessories a snorkeller can carry underwater.
Ans. Weightbelt, gloves knife.
15. Why should equipment be washed in fresh water and dried before puttingit away?
Ans. To clean off the corrosive salt and stop mildew and bacteria fromperishing the rubber.
16. Why is talc used for the long-term storage of snorkelling equipment?
Ans. Stops bacterial and mildew from growing.
17. Why do we snorkel with a buddy for safety?
Ans. If we get into trouble someone can help.
18. Why is it a good idea to mark your snorkelling equipment?
Ans. Lots of snorkelling gear looks alike.
19. What does the term scuba mean?
Ans. Self contained underwater breathing apparatus
20. Who invented the regulator and why was this an advantage to divers?
Ans. Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagon. Helps divers breathe compressedair from a bottle underwater.
1. Research the term hyperventilation and explain why it is dangerous.
Suggestion:
See the Wet Paper Publication, Marine Studies for Senior Students , page260.
2. Find out what a buoyancy compensator is and write a paragraph on whyit is useful.
Suggestion:
See the Wet Paper Publication, Marine Studies for Senior Students , page215.
3. Find out how you can get cramps while snorkelling.
Suggestion:
Ask someone who has got cramps. Talk to a snorkelling instructor.
4. Find out the name of your local dive shop and whether they run snorkellingcourses and have a snorkelling or diving club. You may like to join.
5. Invite an underwater naturalist to come and talk to your class andshow some underwater photos.
6. Watch the television guide for old movies on a Saturday or Sundayinvolving diving for underwater treasure. Invite a group of your friendsover to watch them one afternoon.
7. Make up a simple table to show obvious differences between the landand the sea. Use old colour magazine photos to illustrate your answer.
1. predators
2. chain
3. pressure
4. descended
5. underwater
6. barnacles
7. white-tipped reef shark
8. equalise
9. pinching
10. silicone
11. J-shape
12. neoprene
13. neutral buoyancy
14. buoyant
15. talcum powder
16. perishing