The Snorkel Test: Scuba Diving’s Unofficial Tradition
When a diver completes their Divemaster training and steps into the professional ranks, most people might expect a framed certificate or a handshake. In the dive industry, though, there’s a very different tradition: the infamous snorkel test. A drink poured through a snorkel, downed in one go, cheered on by a team of proud instructors and excited divers.
Welcome to the snorkel test.
So, Is It a Real Test?
Not at all. Nobody’s grading you. Nobody’s checking your buoyancy. And you won’t need to demonstrate mask-off hovering. The snorkel test is pure celebration. It’s about laughter, silly games, and that moment of glorious fun when you discover just how much liquid a snorkel can hold. It’s not a secret that most divers can drink like a fish, but the real focus is on celebrating the hard work and dedication it takes to earn that first pro certification.
For many new Divemasters, the snorkel test is the first time they feel the weight of the achievement sink in. It’s the signal that they’ve crossed the line from recreational diver to dive professional, surrounded by the same community that supported them along the way.
Where Did It Come From?
Good question. The official origin is lost to history. Some claim it’s been passed down through generations of instructors. Others say it’s ancient merfolk law, a rite of passage for those who’ve earned their fins. Whatever the truth, it’s now a global tradition in the dive industry, and something divers worldwide love being a part of.
Ask around, and you’ll hear snorkel test stories from Thailand to Mexico, from the Red Sea to certainly here in Nusa Lembongan. No matter the setting, the theme is the same: a light-hearted way to honour a serious milestone.
The Blue Corner Dive Version
Every dive shop has its own take, but at Blue Corner Dive we’re spoiled with a beachside bar, a pool table, and a swimming pool right in the middle of it all. That means snorkel tests here often end with the new Divemasters leaping into the pool fully clothed, sometimes dragging their mentor in with them. Of course, the rest of the team are cheering from the sidelines. Trust us, watching a snorkel test can be just as entertaining as doing one!It’s part of what makes training at a productive dive centre so special: you’re never celebrating alone, and the atmosphere is always charged with energy and support.
Tailored Chaos
No two snorkel tests are the same. Each one is personalised to the graduate’s personality and sense of humour. That could mean silly challenges, unexpected props, or just plenty of good-natured heckling from your fellow divers. Whatever form it takes, it’s always memorable… and often hilarious.
And while it may look chaotic from the outside, for the graduate it’s unforgettable. The inside jokes, the cheers, and even the silly photos become part of a story that’s retold for years to come.
The Truth Behind the Test
So if you’ve ever heard someone mention a snorkel test and thought it sounded like some gruelling swimming exam, now you know the truth. It’s one of those quirky dive traditions that brings the community together, leaves everyone smiling, and marks the start of life as a dive professional.
Think It Could Be Your Turn?
The snorkel test is ridiculous, hilarious, and an absolute rite of passage in the dive industry. Complete your Divemaster training and you’ll earn your very own.
Inspired to do your Divemaster? Book now with Blue Corner Dive Nusa Lembongan
