Great reef and wreck diving is just a short boat ride from the shore along the West Coast of California and Washington, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast Coast of the US, down through the Florida Keys. So from time to time we all need a few reminders to make these trips safe and enjoyable for everyone on board.
Be on time to the dock or dive shop. No one likes waiting for slowpokes, and most boats won't wait.
Bring your dive gear in a mesh bag or other dive bag and keep all your gear together.
Keep your C-Card handy if you haven't already shown it at the shop.
Bring a small bag with a towel, water, shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and any clothes you will need on the boat ride and any interim shore excursions.
Check your gear over before leaving home or the hotel. Dive boat hands are not repair technicians.
Stow your dive gear under the bench in front of your tanks, or where directed by the crew. Keep weight belts on the floor out of pathways.
Set up your BC and regulator while at the dock if possible. It's easier to work with a heavy tank when you're not rocking around.
Put on your wetsuit and weightbelt when directed by the crew, keeping your mask and fins handy. Stay seated until it's your turn to get in, then put on your BC and tank or ask the crew for help in getting it to the back of the boat. Don't try to walk around the boat with a tank and fins on.
Watch where you sit and walk, be sure you're not trampling someone's gear.
Keep camera equipment on the camera table or in the designated rinse bucket only. Do not put your clothes bag, sunscreen, or any dive gear on the camera table. These underwater photographers have lots invested in this equipment and don't want your stuff on top of it.
Be aware as you move around the boat, sparing yourself and others from injury. Hang onto the railings or sides and top when moving about.
Ask for help from the divemasters if you need it - that's what they are there for. Check in and out with them before and after each dive. Pay attention to the dive briefing and other instructions from the captain and crew.
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