It’s normal to feel a little unsure of yourself at times – particularly if you’re new to scuba diving. After all, there is a lot to remember! If you’re not a new diver but have mostly done shore dives, you’ll find these tips useful too.
Use a Bag Specially Designed for Dive Gear
Instead of using an old backpack or duffel bag, keep your gear in a dive bag tagged with your name, address, and telephone number. Choose a unique bag, or mark your bag in a way that makes it easy to recognize in an instant. This will help you keep tabs on your gear while on board the dive boat and throughout your travels. Be sure to bring a drybag with you too; a towel, cash for tips, a jacket, keys, and other items can be kept inside. You’ll be glad they’re dry when it’s time to use them.
Check and Assemble Your Gear before Departure
Once the boat leaves the dock, there’s no coming back for anyone or anything. So arrive early and double check to be certain that you have everything you need. Doing this well before departure time provides you with the opportunity to obtain any items that might be missing. If you’re using gear supplied by the charter company, try it on before the boat leaves to be sure you have the right size. Check to be sure that you get the right amount of weights, too.
If possible, assemble your gear while you’re still at the dock so you have less to do once you arrive at the dive site; it’s also easier to connect things properly when the boat is not moving. Now is also a good time to apply sunscreen. Keep it handy so you can reapply it as needed.
Secure Your Tank and Stow Gear under Your Seat if Possible
Most dive boats offer a limited amount of space for each passenger. Instead of holding your bag or putting it down in an area where others may need to walk, stow it under your seat. Be sure to secure your tank to ensure that no accidents happen.
Listen to the Dive Briefing
It is vital that you listen carefully to the dive briefing, even if you have been to the site before, read reviews about it, seen photos of it, or talked to others who have been there. Conditions can change. Also, it’s important to be on the same page as the rest of the divers you’re with.
When Getting Back on the Boat, Stay Clear of the Ladder
One of the worst mistakes new boat divers make is hanging out right under the ladder while waiting to climb aboard after diving. If the diver ahead of you slips and falls, he or she could land right on top of you, causing serious injuries. Stay back until it is your turn to climb up the ladder.
Use the Right Rinse Buckets
After diving, you’ll be able to rinse various items in rinse buckets. Depending on the boat, there may be one just for cameras, one just for masks, and more for everything else. If you’re not sure which rinse bucket to use, ask instead of guessing. Rinsing your fins and wetsuit in a bucket meant for cameras or masks can lead to conflict – and that’s something no one wants.
Last but not least, remember to tip the crew and the divemaster if you were happy with the services they provided to you. If you know you’ll be diving with the same crew and divemaster for several days in a row, tip them generously on the last day.