Scuba Diving Masks and Snorkeling Masks

The mask is an underestimated piece of gear. Consider how much fun you would have with a mask alone and then alternatively, how every piece of your gear would not mean very little without it. For this reason it would be advisable to buy one with all the necessary features, no holds barred.

Features include a watertight seal with a strap to keep it in position. Plastic or low quality glass are not recommended for anything other than casual snorkelling. Test the fit by holding it to your face (ignoring the strap as the idea here is 'airtight') inhaling through the nose, if the mask sticks and doesn't let air in its comfortable fit.

While there are masks fitted with purge valves they are a risk to use while diving under one or two meters as it is not possible to clear them if the necessity arises. Mask clearing will be practiced during your basic skills open water training and you will learn how to hold the mask in such a way that exhaling through the nose will purge the inside of water. It is advised that a diver holds the mask firm while entering the water in order to prevent unnecessary water entering in the initial stages of the dive.

Advanced design masks can be fitted with glass that acts in the same way prescription spectacles do in order to assure optimal visibility. This can be of great assistance due to the fact that light refraction underwater makes everything appear 25 percent closer and just over 30 percent larger.

Full face diving masks (or Jack Browne rigs - named after their inventor) have built-in demand valves allowing for clearer underwater vision. Other advantages enable the diver to communicate with his/her peers as well as the obvious protection from pollution and temperature vacillation. A major safety feature is the masks constant air provision to the diver in case of loss of consciousness to the point of rescue.

The mask also creates an air space that needs to be equalized during the dive. This is done by simply pinching closed your nose and clearing the ear ways in order to prevent 'mask squeeze'. Note that goggles cannot be used for diving.