Dive Boat Procedures - With or Without Fins

[DiveGolfSki]

At the end of a dive, I've noticed most dive charters require diver's to remove their fins prior to ascending a dive ladder. However, some NorthEast dive operators on technical dives require fins to be on (obviously with a different ladder). I'm curious as to what most people's experience have been and what's the easiest exit?

 

[Hank49]

At the end of a dive, I've noticed most dive charters require diver's to remove their fins prior to ascending a dive ladder. However, some NorthEast dive operators on technical dives require fins to be on (obviously with a different ladder). I'm curious as to what most people's experience have been and what's the easiest exit?

It's pretty hard to climb a ladder with fins on and if there is someone directly below you, they could be in danger if you slip and fall on top of them. But in rough water with a current it's not wise to take off your fins until all your gear is off and you have at least one foot and and hand on the ladder. If you get washed away from the ladder with no fins and a strong current it's hard getting back.
What makes me nervous is when people climb the ladder with tank still attached and someone is waiting just below them. If the tank slips out it could seriously injure someone.

 

[Puck]

On three different boats in the Bahamas, 2 asked that you leave the fins on, 1 asked that you remove them. No current in any instance. It probably has a lot to do with the ladder being used and past experience of that dive op.

Never wait below another diver during your eixt. Wait until they have cleared the area and the boat crew/op gives you the ok to board.

 

[jonnythan]

I won't get back in a boat without my fins on my feet. In very calm conditions on a lake or something, I might.

 

[Scottri]

Most of the boats I have been on require the fins to be off and handed up to the DM on the swim step.

 

[mossym]

same here..hang onto ladder, hand up fins..

 

[Jason B]

Depends on the boat and the type ladder. Seen both. With a proper ladder, climbing with fins is not difficult at all.

Jason

 

[scubaguy655]

I personally prefer dive boats with "christmas tree" type ladders that you use with fins on. This is especially true in rough seas or current where you are constantly having to time your exit to the position of the ladder/boat.

 

[String]

Depends on the ladder and sea conditions. If its really rough you want all your kit including fins on in case you fall off the thing. You dont want to be holding onto a bouncing boat and ladder to undo fns, hope you get them onboard without dropping them, climbing a ladder, falling then having no means to swim back to one.

If its calm then no problem taking fins off. Most dive boats ive seen with ladders have open sided ladders which can be easily climbed with fins on.

 

[Ishie]

What's a "Christmas Tree ladder?"

Both dives boats I've been on, there was... I guess a swim step? You wait until it goes under the water, pull yourself up on it, sometimes with a crew assisting, and then while you're on your hands and knees (errr...), a crew member pulls off your fins.

The ladders I've seen have been off private boats, and I can't imagine trying to get up them with fins on. I suppose in that sort of situation though, if there's current or something that makes you think you may have trouble, you could clip yourself in, couldn't you?