The Proper Etiquette On Crowded Dive Boats
Did you know that more than three million people in the United States participate in scuba diving each year? Of course, if you’ve ever tried to wrangle enough space for yourself and your equipment aboard a dive boat, this statistic may not surprise you. After all, there’s nothing quite like vying with other divers and crew for a sliver of space in a sea of people. Fortunately, with a little proper dive boat etiquette, you can make the trip much more pleasant for yourself and fellow divers. Read on to learn more about how to sail (and dive) the high seas without offending fellow passengers.
Don’t Be Late
Maybe the Mad Hatter got away with it, but when you’re diving you can’t. Never show up late. And for that matter, don’t even show up “on time.” Instead, make the necessary arrangements to get there early. You’ll need the extra time. Why? You’ve got to find your spot on the boat and set up your equipment. By coming early and starting out organized, you’ll feel more relaxed and ready to dive.
The same goes for returning on time from your scheduled dive. So, pay attention to the divemaster and set your watch accordingly. Returning late to a rendezvous point stresses out the boat crew and demonstrates that you have no regard for others.
Don’t let it happen.
Get Organized
Ever seen a diver with disorganized equipment strewn from here to kingdom come? There’s nothing more annoying or stressful than having to deal with other people’s equipment encroaching in your area. After all, the problem remains not enough room in the first place. But how do you stay organized despite impossible space constraints? Assemble your gear as soon as you board the boat. Remember that last part about showing up early?
Instead of socializing first, when your feet hit the deck, assemble what you’ll need. Always remember to:
- organize your gear
- claim your tank
- attach your mask to the BC
- place your weights in the BC
- stow your empty bag under your seat
- place your wetsuit and fins on top if it’s too hot to squeeze into them at the beginning of your trip
When you follow these steps, your gear will remain organized. And, then, you’ll have time to gab with other divers and the crew.
Don’t Forget to Tip
At the end of your trip, be sure to thank and tip the crew. They’ve worked hard to ensure you and their other passengers have remained safe and enjoyed their experience. So, make sure you let them know how grateful you are. What’s more, dive boat crews and dive masters aren’t in it for the money. They need to put food on the table. Tipping helps them make a living and stay in business.
Dive Boat Know-How
On your next excursion, make the most of your dive boat experience by observing the common courtesies above. Your crew and fellow divers will thank you. Interested in more useful tips to enhance your scuba diving experience? At Scuba Guru, we’re committed to providing you with the best education and scuba services available. Contact us today with your scuba diving questions and needs.
