7 Steps to Dive Boat Etiquette by Travis Marshall Sport Diver Magazine Dive Boat Etiquette Devon Stephens Enlarge Photo Scuba diving comes with its own sets of rules and potential faux pas, and nowhere are these more likely to crop up than on the dive boat, where everybody is jostling for space and eager to get as much bottom time out of their trip as possible. Don’t be the dive-boat doofus: Follow these seven rules for dive-boat etiquette, and you’ll always be welcomed back on board. 1. Show Up On Time (Early) If it’s your first trip with a dive operation — especially if you need to get fitted for rental gear — arrive at least 15 minutes early so you don’t feel rushed or hold up the other divers. 2. Stow Your Stuff Deck space is limited on board, so once you’ve setup your gear, make sureto stow your dive bag outof the way, and put your mask, fins and wetsuit in the appropriate spot, usually beneath the bench where your gear sits. 3. Listen Up Stop and listen to the captain and crew when they deliver their briefing. Every dive trip includes several: One explaining basic boat rules, one before each dive, and a closing announce- ment on the way backto shore explaining where to go and what to do with your gear after the boat docks. 4. Wait Your Turn The specific proceduresfor getting on and off the boat are outlined in the dive briefings, but it’s never a good idea to make a mad dash for the swim platform. Let the people at the back of the boat go first and wait until the crew gives you the all clear before hopping in the water. 5. Follow The Dive Plan No matter how much experience you have, you should always follow your divemaster’s plan. The DM is responsible for the whole group, and if you decide to break profile or wander off, it can affect the dive for everyone else. 6. Don’t Crowd The Ladder As with getting off the boat, take your time and wait your turn at the ladder to get back on board. That means waiting until the person in front of you is on the deck before swimming to the lad- der — if you start to climb up before the diver above you is clear, and he or she happens to fall backward, you could end up with a nasty head injury. 7. Show Your Appreciation Captains, divemasters and crew do more than hang out on the boat and guide your dives. They start work hours before you showup — pumping and loading tanks, rinsing and fixing gear — all to make sure you have a great day underwater. Tipping $10 to $20 ona two-tank trip is a much-appreciated gesture. And chances are the next time you’ll get personal attention, like invitations to suggest the day’s dive sites, or the opportunity to be “first in, last out” of the water.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 16:16:27 +0000
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