Out of all of the diving guidelines and pointers, understanding behave on a dive boat is likely one of the most necessary issues you’ll be able to study. And for good motive, as a result of a few of the greatest dive websites on the earth are solely reachable by boat. However diving from a ship comes with no instruction handbook. You form of must determine it out as you go.
Nonetheless.
You don’t wish to be the annoying diver on a ship that everybody avoids as should you had been a prickly sea urchin or an overexcited dolphin.
So listed here are 15 unstated guidelines of boat diving etiquette try to be conscious of.
1. Overpack
Slogging round your over-bulging backpack is just not solely a problem but in addition pointless. In the event you’re an over packer, restrict your self to what you’ll be able to slot in one small bag. In any other case, you solely danger leaving and forgetting issues behind. Plus, dive boats are solely so huge, so be thoughtful and preserve your stuff neatly collectively. Â
The identical goes on your dive bag. Whereas your dive package might sound non-negotiable, take into account the diving circumstances. Do you actually need all your gear and equipment for each diving state of affairs?
2. Ignore the dive briefing
Occurring a scuba diving boat journey is enjoyable and thrilling – however it’s not a joyride. No matter your diving stage or how nicely you realize a dive website, it’s good to take note of the dive briefing so that you just’re conscious of the dive plan.
Your dive information will share necessary details about the diving circumstances (i.e., entry and exit, currents, marine life, hand alerts, security procedures, and so on.). Dive briefings are additionally while you get to know your dive buddies, so don’t be a know-it-all and, for everybody’s security, hearken to the dive briefing.
3. Arrive late
Whether or not you’re being picked up on the lodge or must make your method to the boat dock, please, don’t be late. If something, arrive early so you may have time to do the paperwork and, if essential, get your rental gear sorted out.
You don’t wish to be the one holding up the boat. It’s impolite and thoughtless. Leaving late means both shorter dives to make up for the misplaced time or returning later within the night. Each situations are unhealthy.
4. Don’t take duty on your gear
Some international locations are recognized for providing valet diving companies the place the dive centre’s workers will carry, arrange and wash your dive gear.
Whereas all this pampering sounds good, on the finish of the day, it’s your duty as a diver to examine your gear earlier than you dive. Simply say you’ll do it. Okay?
5. Use the flawed rinse bucket
Each boat could have a barely completely different rinse bucket system. Typically, there’ll be a bucket for wetsuits, BCDs and fins and one other bucket for regulators, cameras, masks, and so on.
Don’t combine them up, particularly if (for heaven’s sake) you’ve peed in your wetsuit. Hey, all of us do it, however be a superb sport and rinse your wetsuit within the sea first.
6. Get in the best way
If it’s not your flip to dive and also you wish to bounce within the water for a swim, by all means, go for it! However should you do, make certain the dive platform is obvious so that you don’t get in the best way of different divers kitting up for his or her dive.
7. Ignore the seasickness etiquette
Let’s face actuality: getting seasick on a dive boat is a ceremony of passage for a lot of divers. Whereas some recover from it, others study stop it.
However anyone could be hit by a sudden burst of nausea, and if it’s good to vomit, there’s undoubtedly a great way and a nasty method to do it.
Do
- Decide a quiet spot on the boat. This isn’t Broadway, and also you gained’t get an award on your efficiency.
- Take purpose. Wind and currents can throw all of it again in your, or one other divers’, face. Yuck!
Don’t
- Don’t throw up in the bathroom. It’s not only for the splatters and scent. Boat bogs are temperamental issues and may simply clog up. Â
- Don’t throw up contained in the boat. There’s no want for that.
8. Throw garbage overboard
This one is one is a giant one. Wherever you dive, do it with integrity. You’re in a privileged place to see distant dive websites and their distinctive marine life; don’t spoil them along with your litter. Natural meals, like meals scraps, could be an exception relying on location, however by no means ever throw plastic into the ocean.
To cease garbage even from by chance falling or blowing into the water, get rid of it instantly within the bin onboard. Be taught extra about how one can be a sustainable diver.Â
9. Disrespect crew-only areas
Going for walkies within the crew areas is a huge no-no. Just like the engine room, kitchen and the wheelhouse. In the event you ask properly, you’ll most likely be given a tour of the boat, however in any other case, don’t go snooping round.
10. Â Get dry areas moist
Bigger dive boats usually have an indoor, dry space. So don’t get advised off for going inside with a dripping wetsuit or perhaps a damp swimming costume. In the event you neglect one thing in there, like your towel, don’t simply go in and fetch it. Ask any individual (dry) to get it for you as a substitute.
11. Be blind to different cultures
On a dive boat, you’ll usually rub shoulders with divers from completely different international locations and walks of life. It’s necessary to be respectful of different cultural norms. So pleasant slaps on the shoulder, altering in public or blasting your music over the cellphone are to not everybody’s gusto. Sorry.
12. Quantity ones solely
Bogs onboard dive boats have delicate programs. They’re not constructed to the identical customary as your bathroom at dwelling and a easy piece of bathroom paper can block the entire system. Larger objects, like tampons, or solids (see level quantity 7) stand no likelihood of getting flushed.
Dive boats additionally often have just one bathroom, in order good boat manners and etiquette dictate, preserve it clear and purposeful.
13. Smoke within the flawed areas
Scuba diving and smoking don’t go collectively.
However.
Relying on the boat’s measurement and guidelines, chances are you’ll be allowed to smoke in a designated smoking space.
14. Tip, tip tipping
Rightly or wrongly, the US tipping tradition is spreading to lots of international locations. However until you’re within the US or North America, tipping is usually not anticipated.
However should you need to tip your dive information, a superb rule of thumb is to present 10-15% of what you paid on your dive journey.
15. Ignore the principles of the boat
Each boat, captain and its crew have their manner of doing issues. Take heed to the crew’s directions, and in the event that they ask you to maneuver or do one thing, for the consolation and security of everybody, simply do it. Easy.
Each boat additionally has its personal manner of securing and storing weights, tanks and dive gear. Take note of the system onboard and take a look at to slot in.
What drives YOU loopy on a dive boat? What’s essentially the most obnoxious factor you’ve seen a diver do? Tell us!
In regards to the Writer
Elena Vivaldo is a PADI teacher turned freelance search engine optimization copywriter and content material author. She makes use of her 20+ years of diving expertise to write down tales, guides, and evaluations for international web sites, together with World Nomads and Waterlust. She additionally contributes to blogs of dive facilities and scuba gear producers worldwide. Take a look at her work on her web site, and observe her on LinkedIn, Fb, and Instagram.
