Boat Diving

**Scuba Mama** · 02-28-2007, 06:00 PM

There are some basic and simple rule to follow when boat diving. One: don't be late, no one wants to miss out of dive time. Two:boats are full of many small spaces, don't spread out. Three: Rise bucket or bins, dive boats may carry different compartments for masks and cameras, don't mix them up, if you do you may be offered the option of swimming back to shore from someone with an expense camera in the camera only rise tank. I will admit I learned about the two rise station with an offer to swim back when I confused them, school of hard knocks-classes are always open. Part of the reason I never rise my mask in the tank anymore. Don't linger at the ladder, exit boat quickly.

diverdowndh · 03-20-2007, 03:59 PM

May I put some more onto this? Don't forget that when you first got onto a boat that other, more experienced divers, had to be patient with you lingering at the ladder or putting things in the wrong place. Everyone has to start out as a newbie, and yes, the school of hard knocks is always in session. It doesn't mean that you can't remember the time when you did something wrong and try to be patient with the other newbies.
Scuba Mama presents a great point about spreading out - I have not been on too many boats that did NOT have storage under the seats. I always stow my stuff under there until time to get ready to dive and then shove anything else that I don't need right back under. It keeps the already small walkways clear and also just keeps your gear together.
Hope you don't mind my 2 cents!

**Scuba Mama** · 03-20-2007, 05:35 PM

2 cents is fine, 4 cents is a problem. Yes, keep gear stored under your seating area.

One question, that came up while training at the pool. How much do I tip? I gave the rules I had been taught. 10% of your dive trip. Example, 2 tank dive $70.00, I would tip $7.00. I will some times ask the captain what the rules are on his boat for tipping. If I find a crew member does an exceptional job I will generally tip him or her aside from the crew. I am sure there are a lot of different rules for tipping these are just general guide lines. These are the rules I follow if I am out on my own. If I am with other people, I may use the group plan.

diverdowndh · 03-20-2007, 10:10 PM

You know, I just give them anywhere from 0 (implying I wasn't happy, only happened once) to about $20. I usually give about $5 or $10, depending on the experience. On the last day I tip bigger, for no real apparent reason though. I just get sentimental I guess....ha!
I am interested in other comments about this though... I've never really asked anybody else what they tip. Good question!

**glynneco** · 03-20-2007, 11:13 PM

I ask. They are quick to tell you. I then adjust up or down depending on the service and how much they want and how rich I feel. On a lot of the boats the crew work for tips only so I tend to be generous.

socaldivindude · 11-09-2007, 04:13 PM

Just a word on tipping
The crew works there butt off (or should)
They are responsible for your safety (life)
what is that worth to you?
$20.00 is a tip (for the day)
$15.00 is acceptable
anything less is an insult to the crew
If you cant justify this amount, find a new boat
If you cant afford this amount, find a new sport
So at the end of the day, just stick a twenty in the jar

**MgicTwnger** · 11-09-2007, 08:09 PM

Since this thread has been resurrected, I'll add my two cents. I seems to me that most accidents can be advoided by following one simple rule:

DO WHAT THE CAPTAIN SAYS.

He knows how to get around his boat safely, stuff like going up ladders and stairs, through doors, to and from the dock, etc. He also sets the rules about how you gear up (fins on while you are sitting or at the rail), enter the water (giant stride or backroll), get things like cameras into and out of the water, stow your gear, and lots of things you might not even think of. When he tells you how to get up the dive ladder in a rough sea, listening to him might save you some lost teeth or broken bones.

**Kev Martin** · 11-10-2007, 09:21 AM

My pet peeves are:

When recovering to the boat keep your mask on your face and your demand valve in your mouth. If you fall backwards off the ladder then you will minimise the risk of taking in water and panicking.

If there is someone already on the ladder don't sit at the bottom waiting your turn to climb it. If the diver ahead of you falls back you are going to be the one who cushions their fall.

There, I said it. So all of you guys who dive out of Bridlington with me please take note!!!!!!

**MgicTwnger** · 11-10-2007, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kev Martin

If the diver ahead of you falls back you are going to be the one who cushions their fall.

That's the one time you want to be wearing a snorkel.

**glynneco** · 11-12-2007, 11:22 AM

You know I just hang on the line and let people go around me. The folks who are most anxious to get out of the water....let 'im. I burn as much air as I can on the hang line and then I'm happy to hold on to the trail line till the cows come home. The folks who just HAVE to get out are usually the the ones who bunch up on the ladder.

My pet peeve are the deck hogs. The divers who spread out their equipment all over the place.