Things I do and some tips I've observed:
Put my boots on at the car and leave my shoes there.
If I want to be the first one in, grab a tank near the back. On a long ride this isn't necessarily the best idea if it's a full boat as you're sucking diesel fumes all the way out unless there's seating up front. Otherwise grab a tank near the front but be prepared to wait your turn since it's hard to squeeze by other divers gearing up. If this whole trip is newbies, none of this will matter due to the comedy of errors likely to ensue.
Most people carry their wetsuit on and put it on close to the dive location. You'll usually have enough time while the crew secures the boat to the mooring and does the location briefing.
Since my Ranger is weight/integrated and I carry my own weight, I generally carry it over my shoulder onto the boat with everything else in a small mesh bag. Cuts down on the clutter.
Wet the straps with water from the dock shower or rinse tank and secure it around a tank. Do this at the dock when the boat isn't pitching. Open the valve and make sure you've got a full tank. Then I usually shut the valve and re-open it when I'm donning my gear. But be sure to remember to re-open it, have your buddy check it for you. And the DM should check it also. The protocol is that ones with the rubber caps over them are full. If you change tanks for the second dive, leave the cap off so the crew and other divers know it's been used.
Another tip: Don't put your mask or computer anywhere someone can drop a tank or weights onto it. I generally hang mine on the tank valve, but someone can knock it overboard there. If the boat is moving between dives, I put it back in my bag. I've seen two fly off(not mine)while underway. Between my buddy and myself, one of us usually has an extra mask & fin strap, a second mask, and cable ties - useful if your inflator hose, mouthpiece etc. comes loose. I also carry one of those swiss army type multitools, it's saved more than one dive.
And if you're doing a giant stride entry off the swimstep, it's useful to look out not down. And make sure you step far enough out. Although the DM will probably help you with a little push.
Depending on the type of ladder/boat/captain's preference, you'll either re-board with your fins on, take them off and hand them up, and possibly do the same with your weights. It will probably be covered in the briefing but if not ask. I sometimes hand up my BC too(bad knees), but I'm comfortable swimming in the water. Some boats will require you to keep your mask on and regulator in your mouth till you're out of the water(in case you fall back in) so ask about that also.
If there's any kind of wave action, watch the ladder. I've seen more new divers either get hit or almost get hit than any other accident. Time it and step onto the ladder when it's down in a trough and ride it up to get back on board. Don't ever get under the ladder or under another diver on the ladder, if they drop their weights or fall off you could get hurt.
If you can't clear the water on the first pass, just hold on and ride it down and back up again. Don't jump off. Generally speaking unless it's flat calm, it's not a good idea to hold onto the ladder to remove your fins/weights etc. Do any of that hanging on the trailing line first. If you remove your fins while waiting your turn to board, it's a good idea to put your arm through the straps so they don't float away.
my .02
