Boat dive - what's needed

[AevnsGrandpa]

Hi everyone,

I will be taking my first ocean boat dive later this summer in West Palm Beach and thought I ask what would be good to take with me that I might not usually have since I normally dive quarries and lakes.

I have a good primary light and a smaller secondary, a sea sausage. I have a mesh bag that I'll bring on board since it is smaller than my huge plastic bin I normally haul in.

What about stuff I want to keep dry? Do I need to go to the expense of a dry bag?

Thanks for any and all suggestions,

Jeff

 

[The Kraken]

Hat, sun block, perhaps a sweatshirt or something to keep from getting chilled while your still wet and the boat get underway.

And a good sense of humor for that moment when someone steps on your toes or a piece of your gear.

Oh yeah, and a good sense of orderniless . . . it'll help in gearing up, doffing gear and not usurping another's space.

the K

 

[ScubaKimmie]

Don't bring too much as it really makes it unpleasant for others.

 

[Dave Zimmerly]

Yes, bring a dry bag. Also, you might want to bring some motion sickness meds if you are prone to sea sickness.

And if your gonna hurl, do it down wind.

Dave (aka "Squirt")

 

[JodiBB]

Hi everyone,

What about stuff I want to keep dry? Do I need to go to the expense of a dry bag?

Thanks for any and all suggestions,

Jeff

Jeff...I went out and bought 2-1/2 gallon Ziplock bags and put my dry stuff inside those. You can squeeze the air out of them before zipping them up and they become very condensed and very packable (this is how I pack for foreign travel also....you can't believe how much you can put in 1 suitcase that way!!!!)

Also....I've never gotten seasick in my life, (*knock wood*) but I always take a Bonine the night before the trip and a 2nd Bonine the morning of before I leave....I've never been one yet to be at the back of the boat!!!!

 

[DandyDon]

The motion sickness OTC meds is a good suggestion. I take mine the night before and again at least an hour before boarding so they'll have time to get into my system and prevent it. If it starts, the meds won't help; just watch the horizon from as high up as possible. Keep sun block away from your eyes.

The boat may serve beverages, but work at hydrating, starting the day before, more before boarding. I carry a quart of water, juice, or decaf with me. Eat a light breakfast, avoid greasy foods and orange juice.

For the dives, in addition to your sausage, a Storm Whistle, cutting shears and/or small knife, long suit - thicker than you thought you'd need. Pay close attention to briefings, then follow instructions, and keep your training up front for any challenges. Very slow ascents, especially above 20 ft, even more so above 10 ft, and I like to hang on the drift line for at least a minute before boarding.

For the surface intervals, drink well, carry treats to share in a zip lock - I like Oreo cookies. Keep your gear organized and out of the way of others. The boat will furnish weights, be sue to leave them on the boat when you leave.

Wear rubber soled shoes of some sort on the boat, not barefoot or flip-flops. A cap and windbreaker to prevent wind chill is good. A small back pack to keep up with little stuff is a good idea.

 

[Guba]

All good advice. Particularly, the sea sausage, whistle, and light are good items to have. I attach a 15 foot line to my sausage so it can be deployed from safety stop depth and wind the line around a cyalume stick for "emergencies". To that I attach a spare whistle and roll it up so it can be stowed in a small pocket on my bc strap.
The idea about the large ziplocs is a good one. I've used it on everthing from backpack trips in New Mexico to diving, and it's a cheap, easy alternative to bulky, expensive drybags. On a dive boat, space is at a premium. The more tightly you can keep your gear, the better off you'll be (and the happier your boatmates will be, too).
A lightweight wrap is a good idea. You may find yourself in a wetsuit for extended periods while gathering up divers or moving to another site. Longer wraps, such as a 3/4 length jacket or even poncho, works well for me.
As others have said, listen well. And by all means, don't fall into the "macho trap". That's when you DON'T ask questions because you want to be perceived as some sort of "expert" diver (whatever that is) and you refrain from qeustioniong because of your fear about what others will think. We can all learn, and the worst mistake is not putting up your hand and asking when you're uncertain about something.
Have fun, and be sure to come back and let us know how it went. Take care!

 

[jepuskar]

I'm gonna have to say you're going to need a boat.

 

[H2Andy]

I'm gonna have to say you're going to need a boat.

also, a body of water

:14:


excellent suggestions. i would add: take only what you absolutely need.
keep your stuff to a minimum. keep it out of the way.

 

[erparamedic]

Sea-sickness meds are a REALLY good idea....but take some the night before too... it's good to get a little in your system the night before (I'm the queen of hurling.... hence "Chumbate"). Also, a dry bag is a must. The boat charters usually have snacks and drinks but check with the charter you are using. Beyond that, just you and your dive equiptment are needed.

Also, I see you are from Bloomington, IL, and used to diving quarries. I'm from Indianapolis, IN and also dive quarries. Are there any good ones around your area? When are you going to WPB? My husband and I will be there in December.