Purge Valve

Term from Snorkeling Instruction industry explained for recruiters

A purge valve is an essential safety feature in snorkeling and diving equipment that allows water to be easily cleared from masks or snorkels. Think of it like a one-way drain that lets water out but doesn't let it back in. When teaching snorkeling, instructors need to be very familiar with purge valves because they're a basic safety feature that every student needs to understand. It's sometimes also called a "water purge system" or "clearing valve" in equipment descriptions.

Examples in Resumes

Trained over 200 beginner snorkelers in proper use of Purge Valve clearing techniques

Conducted equipment safety checks including Purge Valve maintenance for rental gear

Created beginner-friendly guides explaining Purge Valve and Water Purge System operation

Typical job title: "Snorkeling Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Snorkel Guide Dive Instructor Water Sports Instructor Swimming Instructor Aquatics Safety Instructor

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you design a training program for new instructors about teaching purge valve usage?

Expected Answer: A senior instructor should discuss creating step-by-step teaching methods, common student difficulties, safety protocols, and how to adapt teaching styles for different learning types.

Q: What's your approach to maintaining rental equipment purge valves?

Expected Answer: Should explain regular inspection schedules, cleaning procedures, when to replace parts, and how to document maintenance for safety and liability purposes.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you teach students who are struggling with purge valve usage?

Expected Answer: Should describe different teaching techniques, common problems students face, and methods to build confidence in shallow water before deep water practice.

Q: What safety checks do you perform on purge valves before each class?

Expected Answer: Should outline specific inspection points, demonstration of proper function, and what problems to look for that would make equipment unsuitable for use.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Explain how a purge valve works to a new student.

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain in simple terms how the valve lets water out but not in, and demonstrate proper clearing technique.

Q: What are the basic maintenance steps for purge valves?

Expected Answer: Should know basic cleaning procedures, how to check if it's working properly, and when to alert senior staff about problems.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-1 years)

  • Basic equipment knowledge
  • Simple maintenance procedures
  • Basic teaching techniques
  • Standard safety protocols

Mid (1-3 years)

  • Advanced teaching methods
  • Equipment troubleshooting
  • Group instruction techniques
  • Emergency response procedures

Senior (3+ years)

  • Training program development
  • Equipment maintenance program management
  • Staff supervision and training
  • Risk management protocols

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No formal diving or snorkeling certification
  • Unfamiliar with basic safety procedures
  • Cannot demonstrate proper equipment maintenance
  • Poor communication skills with students