EN 1972:2015

Overview

EN 1972:2015 is a European Standard developed by CEN that sets essential safety requirements and test methods for snorkels used in diving and swimming activities. The standard aims to enhance user safety by specifying design criteria, performance tests, and manufacturer information for snorkels, devices that enable users to breathe while floating face-down at the water surface. EN 1972:2015 applies to standalone snorkels, excluding integrated mask-and-snorkel combinations.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  Covers snorkels designed for swimmers and divers that allow breathing at the water surface with the face submerged. It excludes combined face masks and snorkels where the tube opens inside the mask.

• Design and Safety Requirements

  • Snorkels must avoid sharp edges or protruding parts to prevent user injury.
  • Two classes based on lung capacity:
    • Class A for larger lung capacities (max inner volume 230 ml, max length 380 mm)
    • Class B for smaller lung capacities such as children (max inner volume 150 ml, max length 350 mm).
  • Mouthpieces must be made from skin-safe materials, easily held in place, with smooth finish and no tube extension into the mouth.
  • Resistance to airflow is controlled to ±10 mbar peak respiratory pressure during inhalation and exhalation to ensure comfortable breathing.
  • Joints must withstand an axial force of 30 N for 10 seconds without disengaging, guaranteeing durability during use.

• Optional Features

  • Snorkel keeping devices (clips or holders) must enable an adjustable position, allowing users to reposition the snorkel without removing the face mask.
  • Shut-off valves designed to prevent water entry must only activate when submerged and re-open easily on the first exhalation.

• Testing Methods

  • Visual inspection for defects, markings, and compliance with safety instructions.
  • Dimensional measurement or water filling to confirm compliance with inner volume and length limits.
  • Airflow resistance testing using a breathing simulator replicating typical swimmer breathing patterns.
  • Joint strength testing under controlled load conditions.
  • Practical performance tests conducted by experienced snorkel users, including comfort, security, breathing ease, and valve functionality during at least two dives to one-meter depth.

• Marking and Manufacturer Information
  Each snorkel must be marked with manufacturer identification, EN 1972 number, class designation, and type designation. Manufacturers must supply usage instructions, warnings about snorkel classes, and maintenance/storage guidance.

Applications

EN 1972:2015 is critical for manufacturers, importers, and retailers of snorkels intended for recreational and professional snorkeling and shallow diving. By complying with this standard, products ensure user safety by minimizing risks such as:

• Breathing difficulties caused by excessive air resistance or dead space.
• Injury from poorly designed mouthpieces or protruding parts.
• Functional failure of joints or optional safety valves during use.
• Misuse due to lack of clear manufacturer instructions or improper dimensions for user lung capacity.

This standard supports product quality assurance, boosts consumer confidence, and aids regulatory approval across European markets.

Related Standards

• EN 250 – Diving Equipment: Open-circuit Self-Contained Compressed Air Diving Apparatus (relevant for comprehensive diving gear safety).
• EN ISO 22810 – Water-resistant Watches (relevant for water sport equipment).
• EN 14143 – Swimming Goggles (complementary equipment for underwater activities).
• ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems (guidance for manufacturers to maintain production quality).

Summary

EN 1972:2015 defines stringent safety and performance requirements for snorkels used by swimmers and divers to ensure safe, reliable breathing during surface water activities. Adherence to this standard guarantees ergonomic design, robust construction, and functional safety validated through comprehensive testing protocols. Proper marking and manufacturer guidance help educate consumers, prevent misuse, and promote safe snorkeling experiences. This standard is indispensable for manufacturers and suppliers targeting the European recreational diving and water sports equipment market.