Diving Specialty: Boat Diving
Posted By Francesca Koe on 2 June 2004
Diving from a boat can offer every diver of any level something new and exciting!
When you go diving from a boat, you’ll find you get some of the best opportunities ever to see spectacular sites -- amazing reefs, kelp forests, majestic pinnacles or the deepest blue holes -- treasures you might not otherwise ever reach. Boat diving can frequently be much more enjoyable and much less effort than simply doing a shore dive. Whether you prefer new experiences, or just going deep – I highly recommend boat diving.
Coupled with the adventure of boat diving, comes the responsibility of understanding its unique procedures, challenges and risks. To avoid any hassles all you need to do is follow a few good rules of thumb, just like you would on any other dive. There are a wide variety of options when it comes to boat diving, from large weeklong live-aboards to smaller day charters to personal watercraft, like zodiacs. And it may sound corny but the key to a great boat dive off of a boat of any size is preparedness – you know just like the boy scouts – always be prepared!
You’ll want to plan your trip and dive accordingly and always consider the following:
Time of departure: if you make reservations on a typical day-charter dive boat, you’ll want to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure so you have time to find parking, time to gear up in exposure suits on land, (so you not only have less to carry on board but also more importantly so you can avoid the not so-graceful wriggle into neoprene while clumsily bumping into 20 other bodies on a very small deck!), and time to make sure you have all of the equipment you need, neatly stowed in a single, collapsible bag. If you are going to an exotic tropical destination to spend a week on a live-aboard, make sure you book your airline flights to arrive a day early so flight delays, long customs lines, or bad weather can’t foul up your trip.
Paperwork and ID: any reputable dive boat operation will need to see your C-card and have you sign a waiver/liability form. In some cases you may need to show a second form of picture ID and if you are a newer diver, having your logbook handy for the crew’s verification of your experience level is a good thing. Many dive operators will have forms you can download from a website, so do it in advance and save yourselves and the crew some valuable time.
Be streamlined and efficient: every experienced diver knows the more streamlined they are the more efficiently they dive (i.e. they conserve air and energy and get to enjoy more!) This applies to just about every aspect of diving but especially to gear and especially on dive boats. Space is a commodity on any boat and dive boats are no exception – whether a large or small vessel – everyone will have a limited amount of storage. Start by knowing where and how to stow your gear. Not sure? Then ask a crewmember they will definitely tell you! Also, it is a good habit to set-up your scuba kit – your bcd and regulator on a designated tank station – as soon as you board, before the boat leaves the dock. This is advised because it is much, much easier to adjust your gear when you are not moving or being tossed around by sea swells or winds. After you’ve set up your kit, place any unused gear underneath the seating area near your tank station – keeping any items that must remain dry separate. I recommend bringing a small dry bag or knapsack for items that shouldn’t get wet, like fleece hats and jackets for after the dive, or your wallet or any books or snacks. Keep dive weights and weight-belts on the floor to prevent them falling on anyone’s feet, including yours!
Pay attention: when the crew and/or captain begins to describe the boat’s of safety features & equipment, the location of the head and the galley or emergency procedures for the boat listen up and stay alert. Knowing where everything is and how to handle yourself and your buddies in any given situation will make you feel more relaxed, and of course make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Additionally, your safety and that of others may depend on your participation, so you really should pay attention.
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