93 replies to this topic

[annasea]

Sadly, I didn't do any boat dives as part of my certification, but I will be doing at least two later this month. (I'm most excited! ) My buoyancy coach is arranging the first trip but as for the others...

What questions should one ask when booking a spot on a dive boat?

How safe are possessions on a boat? (Are you comfortable leaving cash for tips behind?)

How much space is each diver allotted on a boat? (Are there limits as to how big your dive bag can be?)

Are most dive boats affiliated with a dive shop that one can rent gear from?

Do most boats have a descent/ascent line?

What else should a beginner know?

[Walter]

What questions should one ask when booking a spot on a dive boat?

Ask about the rules of the boat, especially any that might be unusual.

How safe are possessions on a boat? (Are you comfortable leaving cash for tips behind?)

Usually pretty safe, but I wouldn't leave anything very valuable on board. (yes, I am)

How much space is each diver allotted on a boat? (Are there limits as to how big your dive bag can be?)

Usually, you have the space directly under your seat as wide as two tanks. On some boats, you'll have slightly more, others, slightly less.

Are most dive boats affiliated with a dive shop that one can rent gear from?

Most, but not all.

Do most boats have a descent/ascent line?

Most have them, they may or may not rig them. Some dives, they aren't practical. They are a crutch you should strive to get beyond.

What else should a beginner know?

Don't spit in the mask bucket, don't put your mask in the camera bucket.

Edited by Walter, 03 October 2006 - 11:55 AM.

[Dennis]

What Walter said. Have a great time, it will be fun.

[ScubaHawk]

Walter did an excelent job with the specific questions, and I'm sure plenty of people will chime in with the general one - I'll keep it rolling:

What else should a beginner know?

especially on the smaller boats space is at a premium - have your gear bag packed in a logical order before you head to the boat. (Don't put your fins on top of everything else etc ...) and don't wait till the last second to start getting ready. You learn these things the hard way over time.

Oh yeah, that reminds me - never pee in another diver's wet suit.

[gcbryan]

Some things depend on what area of the country/world you are diving in. Some boats will be live so no descent lines, some boats have plenty of space, some just what is under the seat. Many boats aren't associated with a dive shop/some provide tanks, some not, etc.

Just take as little aboard as possible, cash should be safe within reason when left in your dry bag. Listen to the briefing, be the first or the last off the boat and it will be easier. After the first boat dive you will be an expert. There's nothing to it really. It's more about being organized.

Edited by gcbryan, 03 October 2006 - 01:00 PM.

[Walter]

After the first boat dive you will be an expert.

Well.........maybe not an expert......I still wonder what I'll find when I dive off a new (to me) boat.

Edited by Walter, 03 October 2006 - 01:06 PM.

[annasea]

... Have a great time, it will be fun.

Thank you, Dennis, I intend to!

... plenty of people will chime in with the general one ...

Please do! Any tips, tricks, hints, etc. are most appreciated! I know next-to-nothing so any advice is helpful.

[Walter]

Puke off the leeward side.

If you're feeling ill, don't go in the head.

Don't put your mask or your weight belt on the seat.

Make sure your tank is secured (usually with bungie) any time you aren't holding on to it.

Take the bungie off before you put on your regulator.

[Cephalopod]

Walter did an excelent job with the specific questions, and I'm sure plenty of people will chime in with the general one - I'll keep it rolling:

What else should a beginner know?

especially on the smaller boats space is at a premium - have your gear bag packed in a logical order before you head to the boat. (Don't put your fins on top of everything else etc ...) and don't wait till the last second to start getting ready. You learn these things the hard way over time.

Oh yeah, that reminds me - never pee in another diver's wet suit.

Why not?

Cephalopod

[PerroneFord]

Being rather new to boat diving myself, I'd like to offer some thoughts from a newbie TO a newbie.

1. Get a good nights rest and hydrate well.

2. Don't expect the boat to have water or snacks. Bring your own

3. There is no such thing as a dry spot. You will get wet, your stuff will get wet. If you have something, ANYTHING, that does not like getting saltwater in it or on it, leave it home.

4. Do NOT be in a hurry. When you do a spring dive and you forget something, you can go back and get it. That's not gonna happen on the boat.

5. Take seasickness medicine. Fortunately, I don't really have an issue with this, but many do.

[ScubaHawk]

Walter did an excelent job with the specific questions, and I'm sure plenty of people will chime in with the general one - I'll keep it rolling:

What else should a beginner know?

especially on the smaller boats space is at a premium - have your gear bag packed in a logical order before you head to the boat. (Don't put your fins on top of everything else etc ...) and don't wait till the last second to start getting ready. You learn these things the hard way over time.

Oh yeah, that reminds me - never pee in another diver's wet suit.

Why not?

Cephalopod

I'm not really sure - but he sure took it off quick and seemed really upset.

[PerroneFord]

I'm not really sure - but he sure took it off quick and seemed really upset.

Guess he didn't love you as much as you thought...

[ScubaHawk]

I'm not really sure - but he sure took it off quick and seemed really upset.

Guess he didn't love you as much as you thought...

and didn't have near the sense of humor I guessed.

[finGrabber]

I would add that if you do have stuff to keep dry, use a dry bag and stuff it under your seat. It's a great place to keep clothes, towels, your purse, etc from getting ruined plus they have clear and colored dry bags. It's a really great diving investment

[madlobster]

How much space is each diver allotted on a boat? (Are there limits as to how big your dive bag can be?)


May I suggest a mesh bag for this as room for a bag will be limited for sure.