Not all of us have our own private boat from which to dive. Sooner or later you are going to find yourself in a
diving location that requires a boat trip to the
dive site. Most resort diving that you will do most likely will involve a
commercial diving operation to shuttle you out to the best diving locations.(Such as the
Vandenberg in
Key West) After you have checked in and shown your proof of certification card and logbook you will probably be directed to the diving locker or gear issue room to gather any equipment you may need. If you are a seasoned diver, I hope you have your own personal equipment and only need to rent tanks and or weights. If you were trained properly you learned the importance of owning your own equipment. Oh, don't forget to bring sunscreen along, a hat and sunglasses are great too. The sun is even stronger out on the
water. Protect yourself from it.
Most full service dive centers will have already loaded tanks for the divers on the boat so you will most likely be directed to the boat to begin equipment setup prior to the boat departing. Experienced dive operations will have the crews pay extra attention during the setup phase. Many errors can be observed and a sense of diver "know how" can be attained during this time. You can always tell divers who haven't been diving in sometime by the way they "forget" how to setup the gear. Good crews will offer professional assistance and hopefully engage in polite conversation regarding the last time you dove, how many dives, any issues they need to be aware of. Some divers check in as if they were just diving with
Jacque Cousteau himself, yet the truth be known they haven't even been in the ocean before.
Bring your equipment on board in a dive bag. Work from the dive bag and keep items beneath the benches or seating area. Watch out for fellow divers equipment. Weight belts go on the floor. NOT the BENCH PLEASE. If Mr. Gravity takes over and the weights fall they will always land on the dive masters foot. Guaranteed. Not a good way to begin (or end) your dive. Photography gear should be placed on a camera table if available. Keep a dry bag or container to keep those important items dry.
Prior to departure or enroute to the dive site you should receive a required boat and coast guard safety briefing. Regardless of how many different boats you have been diving on, PAY ATTENTION! Every boat and every dive operation is a little different. The information they pass on is not only informative about the dive but may prevent injury or death in the event of an emergency. Yes, your on vacation but do everyone a favor and listen up. If you don't have a dive
buddy, the crew will assign one of the other single divers on the boat. Get to know him or her.
Don't be shy. Talk to each other about your diving experience and review hand signals and what to do if problems arise, i.e., lost buddy, check each others equipment out. Make sure someone has a dive watch or time keeping device. I have seen numerous divers show up to dive and not have a watch, computer or other device to keep track of bottom time. This should be a no brainer. Sometime prior to arriving at the dive location the crew will usually tell you to start getting ready.
Time to get your wetsuit on (if thermal protection is necessary) gather your mask,fin,
snorkel and prep everything. No Fog, strap adjustments and so forth.
Sit down in front of your equipment (assuming they have tank racks, remember each operation and boat is different)strap in and get ready to move to the dive exit when instructed by the crew. Wait for a crew member to escort you to and from your seat. Boats rock, people loose balance, weebles do fall down. Usually on the dive master.
Prior to entry, your mask should be properly in place with the regulator in your mouth. Another Final air check.
If you listen to the crew brief the dive then you know which way to go, what to look for, any hazards that may or may not be involved and what time to return to the boat. Make every attempt to return on time. Captains tend to get a little nervous when divers are not back on time. It's not because lunch is waiting back at the dock either. If you begin to feel
motion sickness at anytime, get into the fresh air. Stay out of the cabin if there is one, away from any diesel fumes. Fix your eyes on the horizon or some stationary object. If you have no choice but to let it go, then get downwind or at least over the rail. Don't wait till the last minute when you can't make it. Do not go down below to the head. Worst thing you could ever do. You will get sick there and the Dive Master has to clean it up. Once the dive is over and you are back at the dock, don't forget to tip the crew. That is how most of them manage to make a living. If there were issues see the shop manager and politely let them know of your problems or concerns. Remember play hard, enjoy the dive and follow the rules. Dive Safe!
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