First Boat Dive Coming Up....Newbie Question inside!

[Laurie S.]

Like others said, it depends on the boat size. I use my Akona roller bag on boats with no problem. Once empty, it has always fit underneath the bench. I don't care if it gets wet, because I simply hose it out afterwards. Been using that bag for four years with no wheel or other problems. I can't carry a mesh bag of wet gear far, so if that's required, then I use my roller bag. On the rare occasions when I go on a dive boat and not my own, I'll use my mesh bag if I can park right at the gate to the boat. Trying to balance a large camera setup and a mesh bag at the same time isn't fun.

 

[rambaldi]

Lots of good tips. On thing I like on a boat is a waterproof windbreaker.

On a recent trip I found something even better. A very thin Neoprene loose jumper type garment. It is really warm and if needed you can throw it on straight over your wetsuit.

 

[The Chairman]

Anonther solution at Ikea they sell thes blue bags for next to nothing. Use two of those.

TWO??? Elena and I just found them and one can easily fit all the gear I would ever need. That they were 59 cents was freakin' awesome! However, I never use a bag. I walk on with my BC on my back, my mask in a fin pocket and my fins and reg in one hand. I rarely wear a wet suit and my dive boots are already on.

For your first boat dive though, there are a few other things you should know:

1. Assemble your gear before the boat leaves the dock! You'll verify that you have everything you need that way.
2. Boat hard, water soft. People tend to get clumsy when they are all kitted up. As you approach the stern try to hit the water and not the boat.
3. Breathe your reg while watching your SPG on the bench. Do it again just before you splash. Rly.
4. If you are not drift diving, then dive into the current first. That's usually where the boat is pointing when anchored.
5. Pack less, not more. The best divers have very few danglies.
6. Carry a Safety Sausage and a reel. Learn how to use them.
7. Bring a buddy. Make sure you cover your limits (Air, depth & time) and signals before you splash.

There's more and I'm sure our users will post them here.

 

[Benign-Chaos]

Thank you everyone! This has been a very educational thread. Unfortunately weather prevented me from getting my boat dive in while in FL. But maybe in January! I hope to head down to Key Largo.

 

[The Chairman]

I hope to head down to Key Largo.

I'll be lurking for you! Contact mselenaous if you want or need any help deciding on who to dive with. She's great at matching your expectations to the right dive op. You can PM her here or go to Dive With Elena Private Instruction, Dive Guide, adventure planning.