Boat Diving

By Debbie Buck

Here are some of the basic features of any dive boat:



Why do scuba divers boat dive?
It allows them to explore dive sites that are otherwise inaccessible.


Wreck diving is an exciting option made possible by boat diving!

Features to look for when selecting a boat:
What is important to you for boat diving, may not be important to someone else. Usually there are MANY different boats to choose from in given area, so ask questions to help you decide which boat is right for you. Here are some features to consider when choosing a boat:

Ask are the following available on the dive boat?
* Shelter from elements (ie sun/rain)
* On board bathroom (called a head!)
* Fresh water and snacks
* Freshwater hose/shower
* Safety and first aid equipment
* Mask and camera bucket



Other features of the boat:
* Length: larger boats ride better in rough seas
* Speed: the faster you get to a dive site, the less travel time you have!
* Capacity: Boats with too many divers can be less enjoyable (cattle boats!), however some 6-packs, require you to fill the boat before they sail.
* Type of entry and exits on that specific boat
* Is the vessel Coast Guard inspected (this is essential!)
* Customer parking, is it convenient and close to the boat?




Boat schedule and diving types:
* What are the typical departure times?
* Is a dive guide provided? Most boat diving in Florida is done 'self guided'.
* Charter type: Liveaboard (boats that go out for several days, and don’t return to shore), Day Charters (these boats leave and return to dock at sets times per day), and Personal Boats, that usually don’t have a fixed dive schedule.
* Type of diving that YOU want to do: eg spearfishing, photography, videography, tech diving, wreck diving, or just sightseeing.

In addition for scuba divers:
The reputation of a boat is VERY important; you also want the best value for your money, and an experienced captain and crew.


Preparing for your scuba diving trip:
* Get all your scuba dive equipment ready in plenty of time
* Additional items for (ocean) boat diving to consider are extra weights, a snorkel and SMB's and other signaling devices (very very important).
* Mark all your scuba gear so that it is easily recognized.
* Check that all your scuba gear works, DON’T bring new, untested gear on a boat dive for the first time.
* Double check that you have everything, make a list and check it off as you pack up.
* Save a dive kits always come in handy!
* Ensure you have your computer and/or tables.
* Motion sickness tablets are also very handy!

A note on motion sickness medications:
* Use only NON drowsy medications.
* Medicate early, usually 12 hours and again 1 hour before boat departure.
* Stay away from exhaust fumes, stay out in the open air, near the center of the boat, do NOT go to the head if you feel sick!
* Avoid greasy food before hand!


At the dock, make sure you pay your dues, sign all the required forms, and load all your gear onto the boat. Follow the directions of crew and the captain.



Traveling on the boat
Procedures will vary from boat to boat, but there is some basic boat etiquette:
* You must have a dive buddy. If you do not, you will be paired up with someone based on your abilities and experience.
* The Captain is the boss!!
* Follow all procedures set out by the captain and the crew.
* Space is very limited, keep your equipment organized and in your space.
* Keep your scuba tanks bungeed in.
* Listen to the dive briefings, the captain/crew will explain the layout of the dive sites, how to dive them and expected conditions (sea state and temperature).
* Gear up only when instructed to by captain/crew.
* Should you become sea sick, it is best to get sick over the side of the boat (on the windward side), not in the head, or on the main deck!


Diving from the boat:




* Follow all procedures given in dive briefing!
* Do NOT enter the water until given an Ok by captain or crew.
* When it is your time to go, be ready to go, or move out of the way.
* The divemaster normally double checks that your air is on.
* Hold onto your mask and regulator when entering the water.


Types of entries:
* Giant stride (most common on most boats in Florida).
* Seated entry/backroll.



After hitting the water, give an ok back to the crew, before commencing your dive.

On the dive:
* Monitor your air supply closely, most boats and tank owners ask that you return with at least 500psi.
* Remember to follow the time limitations set out by the boat on your dive(s), and obviously your air and no-deco limits.
* Please keep your buoyancy and trim in check at all times. Keep all dangles stowed and do NOT touch coral reefs for any reason. Coral reefs are EXTREMELY fragile. Graffiti and vandalism in any underwater environment will NOT be tolerated. Respect the wildlife.

Basic types of diving off boats:
* Drift diving: the most common type of diving in South Florida eg in West Palm Beach and Pompano areas. You and your buddy simply drift with the current, carrying your float flag, and the boat follows behind you.
* Anchor diving: Very common in the Keys. You plan your dive out from and back to the boat.
* Wreck diving: Divers generally dive down and back up the same line.

Orientation and Navigation
* Learn to navigate with a compass before you set off on your boat dive, this is an essential skill.
* You should know where the boat is at all times, this is not difficult in clear tropical water.
* Bear in mind that current and similar looking reef formations can be disorientating.
* In turbid water, or at night, you often can’t see more than a few feet.
* Surfacing to determine location is impractical and potentially unsafe.
* Use your compass, and orient yourself properly prior to the dive.

Currents:

* On drift dives buddy pairs/teams simply swim with the current, towing a float flag and the boat follows them. Upon surfacing, the boat is there waiting for divers!
* On non-drift dives: Swim into the current at the beginning of the dive, and ride the current back at the end of the dive.
* Swimming into the current can be physically difficult, so you want to do it earlier on in the dive, before you get tired and low on air.
* Be aware that currents vary with depth; there are different currents on the surface and at the bottom. Keep close to your dive buddy!

Boat re-entry
* It is essential that when you surface you give the boat the 'OK' sign, since the divemaster will be watching for potential trouble. If you have a problem, wave for help.
* Boat crew/captain will have explained the method to re-enter the boat, for example some boats require that you exit with your fins on, others have the divers hand them up, before they climb the ladder.
* Re- entry is usually by a ladder which leads to the platform, and back to the main deck.
* Wait your turn, and stay clear of the platform, exiting divers and the ladder until it is your turn
* Hand up any spare gear such as float flags, cameras and spear guns to crew first.



* Keep your mask on and your regulator in your month until you’re a back on the boat.
* In rough water, time your exit to the ladder and platform when the boat is at the low point.
* Do not hesitate move as quickly as possible to prevent injury.

Emergency Procedures on dive boats:
Most reputable boat captains and crew are trained in first aid/CPR and have a well stocked first aid kit on board. They will manage any emergency on board, call for appropriate help, and arrange transportation back to the dock.

Emergency procedures in the water:
If you loose the boat: remain calm, inflate your BC, stay close to your buddy and immediately inflate your safety sausage/SMB and use any other signaling devices you have.

Finishing the dive:
* After re-entry into the boat, set up your tank and gear for the next dive, and the bungee in your tanks.
* Plan your next dive, using your tables or computer.
* HYDRATE yourself adequately. This is VERY important.
* Light snacks are good to keep energy levels up.
* Stow all loose dive gear.

After the days diving, sit back and relax the journey back to shore.
Take advantage of the time to log your dives, or make new friends.



Don’t forget to tip the crew, most crew are not paid by the boat, 10-15% tip is standard.
Back onshore, unload all the dive gear….the more hands the faster everyone gets on the way home.

Here at Dayo Scuba we offer a Boat Diving Specialty, which is a great way to check out different dive boats. Some of the common ones we visit are the Starfish Enterprise, Little Deeper Charters, the Mermaid and the Manta.