First Boat Dive - suggestions for prep?

[Xarifa]

I have completed 9 shore dives, and have a chance to do a boat dive next weekend. (the only boat dive I did was w/my resort course, so it really doesn't count). I assume I'll use a gear bag (in lieu of my tub). I dive in a dry suit, so should I wear my undergarments on the boat? Do I need to wear tennis shoes (boat shoes)? I'm wondering what other questions to even ask. Any advice, or things to watch out for, or prepare for?

 

[Uncle Pug]

Well if it is Bandito Charters or Sound Wave you will probably be wearing your drysuit on the boat. But if it is a situation where you can just wear your undergarment then you might want to consider taking along slip on shoes. Boat shoes shouldn't be required on any charter boats around here.

Also the charters don't like tubs so taking the bag is your best bet. I would take my rig already set up onto the boat along with an extra tank.

Be sure that your air is turned on and your BC and regulator are operational before stepping off of the boat. You should already know how to do a giant stride entry but remember to hold a hand over the reg in your mouth and your mask so you don't lose either. Your BC doesn't need to be fully inflated unless you are overweighted. You are not overweighted are you?

I would suggest that if you have other concerns or questions that you call the Charter and ask them directly. Besides getting answers from the horses mouth that will put them on notice to take extra care of you.

 

[Xarifa]

Wow--I really didn't consider being in my suit from the get-go. I'm glad I asked. Other articles I read indicated divers setting up their gear on the way out, so now I'll know to be ready. (it is Bandito, and yes that's a good idea, I will call them). It must not be that far from dock to dive site? So I assume I don't need to take dry clothes on board either?

Thanks so much for the reply--I love the board, and I hate to come across as asking stupid or obvious questions.

 

[BigJetDriver]

Thanks so much for the reply--I love the board, and I hate to come across as asking stupid or obvious questions.

There really are no stupid questions, if the intent is honest. You got your answer from UP, one of the best sources possible. Keep asking, and learning.

Cheers!

 

[matt_unique]

I have completed 9 shore dives, and have a chance to do a boat dive next weekend. (the only boat dive I did was w/my resort course, so it really doesn't count). I assume I'll use a gear bag (in lieu of my tub). I dive in a dry suit, so should I wear my undergarments on the boat? Do I need to wear tennis shoes (boat shoes)? I'm wondering what other questions to even ask. Any advice, or things to watch out for, or prepare for?

Boat diving is 100 times better than shore diving so I'm sure you'll be hooked! Space is always a premium on a boat so take what you need but pack as light as possible. It will be easier for you in terms of loading/unloading as well. Definitely take your bag and not the tub. My bag has wheels so that is easier than the tub anyway. I may be cool out there, certainly cooler than on land so dress appropriately. I would not wear my thermals before I arrive on the boat. I would sweat in mine unless it's the middle of the winter. I have pants that allow me to zip the legs off so I wear these and unzip the legs and get into the thermals on the boat. Afterward I can zip them back on to keep warm. You can also wear a swimsuit underneath sweat pants/wind breaker so you do not need to use the bathroom (if the boat even has one) to change into your thermals. You don't need to worry about special shoes. Just wear something comfortable that will keep your feet warm. Grab shoes that are less likely to slip on wet surfaces.

Do you know your tolerance for sea sickness? I am not a fan of using any sort of meds combined with diving but if you are prone to sickness I would explore the possibility of using something to help with that. Research this with the medical experts. If you get sick you are instantly super dehydrated. I would cancel a deeper dive if I got sick on the surface because you will be way more likely to be narced at shallower depths and of course the other dangers with dehydration we know (more likely to get bent, etc.) If you think you will be OK and are not prone to sea sickness there are some extremely important tips to being on a boat. Make sure you look out across the horizon or land if you are in sight of land. This will help stabilize your stomach/minimize dizziness and chance of sea sickness. Many people make the mistake of looking straight down as they are suiting up/assembling gear for extended periods of time with the boat moving. This can quickly lead to sea sickness for anyone. If you have to look down to do something stop every few seconds to look out to the horizon/land to stabilize your senses. Also eat a stable breakfast and be well hydrated. Don't eat sausage and a giant omlette for breakfast

Most importantly do a mental or even written checklist before you leave the house to make sure you have everything you need. I do this before every dive trip. I start at my feet and work my way up in terms of gear I need. Are you bringing your own tanks or will the boat supply those? If bringing your own tanks make sure you know you have good fills, are grabbing the right tanks, etc. I would bring your own lead even if they provide it so you do not have to deal with building an uncomfortable belt. Make sure you have that all set.

Make sure you get what you need from the dive briefing. If not - ask for it. Don't feel embarassed to ask the DM to repeat or clarify something. You are a paying customer and you are responsible for your own safety.

Bring a good snack between dives and of course water.

Have a great time.

--Matt

 

[Uncle Pug]

Wow--I really didn't consider being in my suit from the get-go. I'm glad I asked.****It must not be that far from dock to dive site? So I assume I don't need to take dry clothes on board either?

It all depends on what sites you are going to. If you are doing Sunrise, Dalco Wall or North Wall then the boat trip will be short and you will want to wear your drysuit though not zipped up. If you are doing KVI Towers, Maury Island Barges, ect. then the trip will be longer and you won't be wearing your drysuit but should be wearing your UG.

(If you are slow at getting geared up be sure to start early so you don't hold everyone else up. Are you diving with a buddy or are you going on the charter by yourself?)

As for dry clothes... if your suit is prone to leaking you might what to take some dry clothes to change into after the dives. There is a v-berth on Sampan where you can put your dry stuff. The seating area inside as well as the head are wet... you can wear your drysuit/wetsuit in there even between dives.

 

[jokeborn]

While I agree with not mixing meds with diving, seasickness meds seem to be the norm here in FL. I did a boat dive (my first) yesterday, and everyone had one sort or another. You may have to try different types (not on the same dive) to find the one that works for you. I got lucky and got it first try, but my friend didn't, and spent the majority of the trip curled in the fetal position with a can.

 

[wacdiver]

I've done mostly boat dives (FLA keys) and can add a few things the others may have accidently over looked.
1 make sure ALL your gear is somehow labled (I put my initials inside or on every piece of gear I have just in case it gets mixed up with someone else's it is easy to determine who's gear is who's)

2 Pack a save a dive kit just in case ..extra mask/fin straps, O rings, snorkel keeper, ect, BUT I also include certain meds in my save a dive Asprin/Advil, Dramamine or other sea sick meds, ear dry or other ear med to get rid of that nasty swishy feeling you sometimes get after a dive, and any other meds you feel may be useful. And as others have said snaks, water or sports drink.

3 make sure you bring $$ on the boat. Most people who never did a boat dive do not realize that is is customary to TIP the crew of the boat (I was guilty my first time out) Most crews on dive boats work mostly for tips (like waiters/waitress) So if you enjoyed your dive and the crew took good care of you take care of them in return. When I go to Key West on my annual dive vac I go to the same operation and the crew Always remembers me and takes Extra special care to make sure I have everything/anything I need. So how much is enough? Tip like you would a waiter in a nice resturant 15%-20% of the cost of the dive dependant upon service of course.
Hope this helped.
enjoy the dive

 

[DementialFaith]

A medicine called the Marezine(that the right word?) is the only medication available right now that is both a preventative AND a cure, go check w/ ur local pharmacy. If you can't find any, buy other preventative and take them the night before.

Please tip the crew, they get payed very little for doing a lot, and many of them stuck to it mainly for dedication and passion.

Avoid smoking, it sets a bad example to student divers and forces people around you to bear with it.

If the boat has bunks, arrive early and choose one that's closer the th bow; try to arrive 60-30 min before the "official" check in time. It makes it easy on the crew, gives you time if you can't find the boat, and can even give your entire boat a chance to leave early.

I personally bring a water bottle with me onto the deck so I can stay hydrated during gear up, when you have 30 people gearing up on a deck no much bigger than my dorm room, it's a hustle to grap a quick drink.

 

[Jim Baldwin]

I have completed 9 shore dives, and have a chance to do a boat dive next weekend. (the only boat dive I did was w/my resort course, so it really doesn't count). I assume I'll use a gear bag (in lieu of my tub). I dive in a dry suit, so should I wear my undergarments on the boat? Do I need to wear tennis shoes (boat shoes)? I'm wondering what other questions to even ask. Any advice, or things to watch out for, or prepare for?

As the others have said space will be tight. Have your gear organized. Assembly all your stuff at the dock before you depart. It's tough trying to keep your balance and get everything rigged up on a boat that pitching. And it also makes it very difficult to stay dry if you haven't put on your drysuit.

Yes by all means mark your equipmentand take some seasick medicine. Bonine has always done the trick for me and you can buy it over the counter at Wal Mart. I passed it out like candy on a trip I had with some new divers back in August. Stay away from the diesel fumes as they will do you in in short order.

Enjoy your dives.

Jim
Louisiana