common questions and guidance when boat diving:
Here is some information that we would like our divers to know before stepping onto a boat whether that be on Panama City checkout dives, fun dives in Destin or the Keys, or international trips! This information applies to ALL LEVELS OF CERTIFICATIONS as well as ANY BOAT you may be diving from. All boats are different but follow the same general outline. If you have any questions, always feel free to ask a shop employee, or the boat crew if we are not around!
Arriving at Locations on Time
On any dive trip that you may be on, it is important to schedule according to location of the marina, and time that the boat is leaving. For our active classes, we run check out dives through Panama City Dive Center. We typically offer (options will vary) a 7 am boat option, 11 am boat option, and an OPTIONAL night boat. Please arrive at the Panama City Dive Shop 1 HOUR before the boat leaves for check in then head to the Capt. Anderson's Marina directly after. If you are on the 7 am boat (that would be 6 am to the dive shop and 6:30 am at the marina). For an 11 am boat (that would be 10 am at the dive shop and 10:30 am at the marina). All in all, be on time!
Entering the Boat
To ensure that we have a safe trip, the boat divemaster and captain have to make sure that the boat is prepared and ready before it is loaded with individuals. With that being said, respect the boat crew and only load the boat when you are told to do so. Generally, on check off dives in Panama City, Adventure Sports Instructors will set up gear in the middle of the boat, and students will set up on the outsides.
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Assembling Dive Gear
This process can be timely, and we want to meet all needs before we need to get in the water. Part of showing up 30 minutes before the boat leaves is so you can set up your first tank. As you enter the boat, start setting up your dive gear on one tank. Duration to the dive site is different on every boat, therefore, you want to be sure that it is ready to go with gear bags under the gear bench. Another important part to the safety of yourself and other divers is ensuring that your tank is secured to the side of the boat at ALL TIMES during your duration.
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Pay Attention to Dive Briefings!
On all charters, there are safety precautions that the boat dive crew and captain are required to tell you. The first briefing will include where safety equipment is located, emergency procedures, and dive rules that we must follow while on their boat for the day (entering and exiting the water, boat lines, bottom time, safety stops, and more). Always listen to the Divemaster and Captain as they have our best interest at heart!
On Open Water certification dives through Adventure Sports Auburn, you will be assigned to your instructor, and they will also give you another follow up dive briefing that includes how the specific dive is going to go.
There will be a final briefing after the dive master ties the boat into whichever wreck we are diving and this will include (visibility, water temperature, wildlife, which lines to maintain contact with etc.) Please always feel free to ask questions to instructors or boat crew as needed! No matter how many times you have heard this dive briefing, this could be the first time for others and side conversations during the briefing may cause distractions and cost another diver an injury. Dive briefings apply to all levels of certification on any dive boat.
Organization
Boat sizes range depending on the place and how many divers have signed up. On Panama City weekend, the boats are typically crowded, meaning you will lose things that are not secured or put in a proper bag. Keeping gear together provides safety for everyone and makes it accessible for repetitive dives. All wet bags will be stored entirely under the benches, and dry bag compartments can be located downstairs or in the lift up benches in the center of the boat. Keep your gear in one spot and bring limited items (sometimes there is not much space)!
When the Boat Slows Down...
Generally, the boat slowing down means you are about to enter the water! After you do your buddy checks, your Adventure Sports instructor will let you know when you guys are going to hop in. Be prepared, it is a lot of people, a lot of gear and usually hot, so we want to make sure everyone is getting in the water in a timely fashion! Best way to get out of the ciaos is to jump off the boat!
Entering and Exiting the Water
Before entering and exiting the water, be prepared for current and ALWAYS maintain contact to the LINES. Using lines to get from point A to point B will ensure that you are safe and our of the way for other divers entering. Enter AND exit the water according to your dive briefing (the dive master will tell you prior to the dive). When your dive is completed on PCB boats, there will be two drop down ladders at the back of the boat. Current can be rough, so to ensure safety, brace yourself on the ladder and remove fins accordingly. DO NOT GET RIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER DIVER WHEN EXITING (the tank will always win). Important to remember to always keep your mask on your face, and your regulator in your mouth until you are safely back on the boat.
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Always Tip your Boat Crew!
They work hard for us and we want to reflect that. Divemasters and deckhands work for tips. Their hard work is not for the money, it is because they love sharing their own love for the sport and they want everything to be enjoyable for the customers. Support for your captain and crew can be shown in many different ways, whether that be diving again with the dive center, thanking them after dives, leaving good reviews, and tipping. Tip based on how you feel the customer service was; an average tip would be $20 PER tank. 20% is a suggestion, therefore, if you feel that something could be better, chat with anybody on deck or ASI employees after the charter.
After Completion of Dives
When you have safely come up onto the boat after your last dive, be sure to take your gear off and begin the process of breaking down your system. The earlier you break everything down, the more enjoyable your ride will be on the way back. Meet with your instructor to learn how to log your dives, and to discuss some highlights of your dive experience!
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
HAVE FUN!!! Take pictures!!! Enjoy this experience and chat with all of the professionals for more info or to hear about their experiences or furthering education. We are always happy to share!