How do you know how much air is left?
Each Scorkl has its own pressure gauge fitted which tells you how much air is left in the Scorkl at any time
Last updated: June 09, 2017 00:10
Do I have to use the hand pump?
No. Each Scorkl comes with a free scuba tank refill adapter which means you can refill directly from a scuba tank in seconds
This refill adapter can be fitted to a mechanical compressor as well
Last updated: June 09, 2017 00:10
Do I need a scuba certification to buy or use a Scorkl?
No a scuba certification is not required to purchase and/or use the Scorkl. However, see “Is it Safe?” questions below for further discussion on this topic
Last updated: June 14, 2017 06:43
Is it safe? Part A
The Scorkl is safe, easy and for everyone. If you are an untrained diver however there are restrictions on use and risks to be aware of. See “Is it safe? Part B” below for further discussion
Last updated: June 08, 2017 23:42
Is is safe? Part B
Misuse of the Scorkl can be dangerous. Whilst decompression sickness isn’t much of a risk because of the depth and time restrictions of such a small cylinder, pulmonary damage (chest expansion injuries) is nevertheless a risk if a user holds their breath during ascent or ascends too quickly
Non-scuba trained users should not use the Scorkl below 3m depth or more than five times in one day. Staying above 3m dramatically reduces this risk of pulmonary damage (although does not eliminate it entirely). Each purchaser will be provided with an information kit informing them of this (and other) risks and strategies to avoid them, even within the 3m limit (for example, not holding one’s breath and/or exhaling during ascent, not ascending too quickly)
Scuba-trained users will be able to use the Scorkl below 3m at their discretion but they too will be warned of the same risks
Last updated: June 09, 2017 00:10
How does the dive experience compare to scuba?
Scorkling is a much more natural diving experience, similar to snorkeling and freediving, than traditional scuba because you don’t have a heavy tank hanging off your back or BCD strapped around your chest
Buoyancy issues are much diminished for the reasons above but that is also partly because Scorkling lends itself more to shallower, active dives, rather than the long slow drifts at depth of scuba
Last updated: June 09, 2017 00:10
How long can you spend underwater?
At 1atm and 3,000psi the Scorkl holds the equivalent of roughly 60 breaths (assuming breath size of 1.6L). An inhale/exhale cycle of 10/min (1 every 6 seconds) allows for ~6min underwater at 1atm. A slower cycle of 6/min (1 every 10 seconds) allows for ~10min underwater. These cycle times are slower than average but very achievable by an experienced and relaxed diver looking to minimise air consumption
Spearfishing enthusiasts as well as freedivers will be able to use the Scorkl intermittently (i.e. a breath only when called for) during a whole dive trip that may last for 1hr+
Last updated: June 09, 2017 00:16
How deep can you go?
The Scorkl can operate to 20m but is only intended as shallow diving equipment. We recommend not using below 10m. Non-scuba trained users should not use the Scorkl below 3m (see safety questions)
Last updated: June 09, 2017 00:10
Can you take it on a plane?
Yes. Being able to take the Scorkl away travelling is actually one of the best features of it! It’s perfectly fine to take on a plane, you just can’t fill it (pressurize it) prior to checking your luggage in. If a valve inspection is required, simply unscrew the regulator from the bottle. This is easy to do since it is only finger tight
Last updated: June 09, 2017 00:16
How long does it take to refill with the scuba tank refill adapter?
It only takes about 30 seconds to refill from a scuba tank using the scuba tank refill adapter
Last updated: June 12, 2017 05:24
How long does it take to pump up?
At 3,000psi the Scorkl holds about 60 breaths at 1atm. It takes around ten pumps per breath to fill the Scorkl (600 pumps). It gets harder to pump as the pressure in the tank increases but it is manageable for an adult
A steady pumping rhythm of 50/min (<1/sec) fills the tank in 12min. Most people will want to rest intermittently though which also allows the pump to cool down
Each Scorkl also comes with a free scuba tank refill adapter which enables you to fill the Scorkl from a scuba tank in seconds
Last updated: June 09, 2017 00:10
What about air quality?
The Scorkl can be filled either directly from a scuba tank or from our high-pressure hand pump. If filled from a scuba tank the air can be assured to be of good quality because of industry supplier standards. These standards are concerned mainly with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oil and water levels. Since the hand pump doesn’t have as many working parts as a mechanical compressor, and is muscle-powered rather than petrol powered, the risk of contamination from latent carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is dramatically reduced. This is the same for oil contaminants. Notwithstanding this, each Scorkl pump comes fitted with an air filter which is comprised of the same materials, and performs the same function, as a filter fitted to a mechanical air compressor.
Last updated: June 12, 2017 05:24
Do I have to use the Scorkl hand pump or can I use my own?
No you cannot use your own, you will have to use the Scorkl pump.
Normal pumps (e.g. a bike pump) can only pump up to around 200psi whereas the Scorkl hand pump can pump up to 3,000psi. See section ““5. How it Works”” of the campaign to find out how the pump can pump to such high pressures
The Scorkl pump also comes fitted with an air filter which ensures the air is suitable for breathing
Last updated: June 12, 2017 19:47
What is the operating pressure?
The operating pressure of the Scorkl is 3,000psi
Last updated: June 12, 2017 05:24
What is the volume of the cylinder?
The Scorkl cylinder is 450mL by water volume
Last updated: June 12, 2017 05:24
What is the air capacity?
At the working pressure of 3,000psi the Scorkl contains 3 cubit feet of air (85L)
Last updated: June 12, 2017 05:24
Do I need a scuba certification to buy or use a Scorkl?
No a scuba certification is not required to purchase and/or use the Scorkl. However, see “Is it Safe?” questions below for further discussion on this topic Last updated: Wed, Jun 14 2017 9:43 am EDT
Is it safe? Part A
The Scorkl is safe, easy and for everyone. If you are an untrained diver however there are restrictions on use and risks to be aware of. See “Is it safe? Part B” below for further discussion Last updated: Fri, Jun 9 2017 2:42 am EDT
Is is safe? Part B
Misuse of the Scorkl can be dangerous. Whilst decompression sickness isn’t much of a risk because of the depth and time restrictions of such a small cylinder, pulmonary damage (chest expansion injuries) is nevertheless a risk if a user holds their breath during ascent or ascends too quickly Non-scuba trained users should not use the Scorkl below 3m depth or more than five times in one day. Staying above 3m dramatically reduces this risk of pulmonary damage (although does not eliminate it entirely). Each purchaser will be provided with an information kit informing them of this (and other) risks and strategies to avoid them, even within the 3m limit (for example, not holding one’s breath and/or exhaling during ascent, not ascending too quickly) Scuba-trained users will be able to use the Scorkl below 3m at their discretion but they too will be warned of the same risks Last updated: Fri, Jun 9 2017 3:10 am EDT
How does the dive experience compare to scuba?
Scorkling is a much more natural diving experience, similar to snorkeling and freediving, than traditional scuba because you don’t have a heavy tank hanging off your back or BCD strapped around your chest Buoyancy issues are much diminished for the reasons above but that is also partly because Scorkling lends itself more to shallower, active dives, rather than the long slow drifts at depth of scuba Last updated: Fri, Jun 9 2017 3:10 am EDT
How long can you spend underwater?
At 1atm and 3,000psi the Scorkl holds the equivalent of roughly 60 breaths (assuming breath size of 1.6L). An inhale/exhale cycle of 10/min (1 every 6 seconds) allows for ~6min underwater at 1atm. A slower cycle of 6/min (1 every 10 seconds) allows for ~10min underwater. These cycle times are slower than average but very achievable by an experienced and relaxed diver looking to minimise air consumption Spearfishing enthusiasts as well as freedivers will be able to use the Scorkl intermittently (i.e. a breath only when called for) during a whole dive trip that may last for 1hr+ Last updated: Fri, Jun 9 2017 3:16 am EDT
How deep can you go?
The Scorkl can operate to 20m but is only intended as shallow diving equipment. We recommend not using below 10m. Non-scuba trained users should not use the Scorkl below 3m (see safety questions) Last updated: Fri, Jun 9 2017 3:10 am EDT
How do you know how much air is left?
Each Scorkl has its own pressure gauge fitted which tells you how much air is left in the Scorkl at any time Last updated: Fri, Jun 9 2017 3:10 am EDT
Do I have to use the hand pump?
No. Each Scorkl comes with a free scuba tank refill adapter which means you can refill directly from a scuba tank in seconds This refill adapter can be fitted to a mechanical compressor as well Last updated: Fri, Jun 9 2017 3:10 am EDT
Can you take it on a plane?
Yes. Being able to take the Scorkl away travelling is actually one of the best features of it! It’s perfectly fine to take on a plane, you just can’t fill it (pressurize it) prior to checking your luggage in. If a valve inspection is required, simply unscrew the regulator from the bottle. This is easy to do since it is only finger tight Last updated: Fri, Jun 9 2017 3:16 am EDT
How long does it take to refill with the scuba tank refill adapter?
It only takes about 30 seconds to refill from a scuba tank using the scuba tank refill adapter Last updated: Mon, Jun 12 2017 8:24 am EDT
How long does it take to pump up?
At 3,000psi the Scorkl holds about 60 breaths at 1atm. It takes around ten pumps per breath to fill the Scorkl (600 pumps). It gets harder to pump as the pressure in the tank increases but it is manageable for an adult A steady pumping rhythm of 50/min (<1/sec) fills the tank in 12min. Most people will want to rest intermittently though which also allows the pump to cool down Each Scorkl also comes with a free scuba tank refill adapter which enables you to fill the Scorkl from a scuba tank in seconds Last updated: Fri, Jun 9 2017 3:10 am EDT
What about air quality?
The Scorkl can be filled either directly from a scuba tank or from our high-pressure hand pump. If filled from a scuba tank the air can be assured to be of good quality because of industry supplier standards. These standards are concerned mainly with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oil and water levels. Since the hand pump doesn’t have as many working parts as a mechanical compressor, and is muscle-powered rather than petrol powered, the risk of contamination from latent carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is dramatically reduced. This is the same for oil contaminants. Notwithstanding this, each Scorkl pump comes fitted with an air filter which is comprised of the same materials, and performs the same function, as a filter fitted to a mechanical air compressor. Last updated: Mon, Jun 12 2017 8:24 am EDT
Do I have to use the Scorkl hand pump or can I use my own?
No you cannot use your own, you will have to use the Scorkl pump. Normal pumps (e.g. a bike pump) can only pump up to around 200psi whereas the Scorkl hand pump can pump up to 3,000psi. See section ““5. How it Works”” of the campaign to find out how the pump can pump to such high pressures The Scorkl pump also comes fitted with an air filter which ensures the air is suitable for breathing Last updated: Mon, Jun 12 2017 10:47 pm EDT
What is the operating pressure?
The operating pressure of the Scorkl is 3,000psi Last updated: Mon, Jun 12 2017 8:24 am EDT
What is the volume of the cylinder?
The Scorkl cylinder is 450mL by water volume Last updated: Mon, Jun 12 2017 8:24 am EDT
What is the air capacity?
At the working pressure of 3,000psi the Scorkl contains 3 cubit feet of air (85L) Last updated: Mon, Jun 12 2017 8:24 am EDT
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