PADI Open Water Diver course in UK, 200m swim unaided or 300m snorkel?

Question

Hi there, please can someone tell me if I can opt for the 300m snorkel instead of the swim test? I am aiming to go on a diving course in few weeks, but swimming unaided (without goggles and mask) is not my best skill...

Answer 1

The PADI standard is worldwide.  Your instructor should give you the option to do either, but!  Talk to them first.  Ask them, so your guaranteed to get the right answer.  

Answer 2

What's the point of that, the whole idea of PADI is to scuba, never heard of the snorkel option. Is this an advanced course?

Answer 3

Ah you mean underwater on one breathe, no i dont think so. Practice in a swimming pool, you'll be fine, if you really cant make it, then you'll really have to assess if it would be a good idea to scuba dive at all.