First open water protocol?

[PirateDiver XD]

I plan on taking my first dive trip this winter, and was wondering about the proper way to go about it. Should I inform them that this will be my first open water experience when I make the reservations? I do not want to be a burden to a more experienced diver. Generally, are there accomodations to new divers so as to maximize the enjoyment of all those onboard? Any advice is greatly appreciated

 

[Dive-aholic]

Where are you going? What kind of trip? Liveaboard, land-based? Do you have a dive buddy that's going with you? Are you already certified, or will you be before the trip?

Lots of questions, but really no way to answer your question without these answers first.

 

[DiverKKC]

First, get certified.

This is actually a pretty good question. I had the same when I did my first OW after my certification in the Gulf of Mexico.

Yes, definitely tell them that you are a new diver when you make the reservation. Some charters may hook you up with a dive master, even if you have a buddy. Or, they may avoid dive sites that could be a bit much for you (current, depth, etc.) At the very least, they'll keep an extra eye on you.

I didn't have a dive buddy on my first dive. I just booked a slot on a charter, told them I was new and coming alone, and drove down to Florida (and came face-to-face with a 350-400 lb. goliath grouper). I hooked up with another non-paired diver as a buddy. Some divers don't like doing this, and I understand why. But, if you want to be an active diver, you might have to, buddies schedules don't always coincide.

A few other things your class might not cover about charters;

-if the water may be choppy...start taking Dramamine (or similar), the night before, and be well hydrated. Believe me, heaving over the rail is not much fun.
-don't board the vessel until the crew OK's it, they'll let you know when they're ready.
-actually LISTEN to the pre-dive briefing...they do this for a reason.
-stow your gear tightly under where you're seated, the crew will appreciate and it will prevent others from tripping or damaging your equipment.
-when exiting the water, approach the ladder from beneath, grab it firmly with one extended (locked-out) arm (very important in choppy water), take off your fins with the other hand, sling them over your arm, THEN ascend the ladder. I can't tell you how many divers I've seen either try to walk up the ladder with fins (bad idea), or take them off before grasping the ladder and then be unable to reach it, especially when there's current.

Anyway, these are the things I realized on my first boat dive. I hope it helps.

 

[Bubble Junky]

I plan on taking my first dive trip this winter, and was wondering about the proper way to go about it. Should I inform them that this will be my first open water experience when I make the reservations? I do not want to be a burden to a more experienced diver. Generally, are there accomodations to new divers so as to maximize the enjoyment of all those onboard? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Are you certified ?
But yes, tell them you are a new diver and they will try to accomodate you, and not throw you in out of your depth, so to speak.

A few other things your class might not cover about charters;

-if the water may be choppy...start taking Dramamine (or similar), the night before, and be well hydrated. Believe me, heaving over the rail is not much fun.

Not everyone gets sea-sick, find out if you do first before you start taking medication.

-when exiting the water, approach the ladder from beneath, grab it firmly with one extended (locked-out) arm (very important in choppy water), take off your fins with the other hand, sling them over your arm, THEN ascend the ladder. I can't tell you how many divers I've seen either try to walk up the ladder with fins (bad idea), or take them off before grasping the ladder and then be unable to reach it, especially when there's current.

Don't approach the ladder form beneath - esp if it's choppy. A boat ladder coming down on top of your head with the swell will hurt - LOTS !! Surface first a little away from the ladder, if it's choppy it's better to use a drift line - grab the line, take off fins, pull yourself in on the line, pass the fins up, grab the ladder put both feet on the bottom rung and then straighten legs asap, then climb on up.

 

[Bob]

Assuming you'll be boat diving, I teach all of my students to never take their mask off or regulator out of their mouth after surfacing, and especially while climbing the boat ladder. That way if you slip and fall back into the water, you're breathing and seeing clearly. Also, when waiting for the ladder, stay well clear, so if the ascending diver falls, he won't fall on you. BTW, never take your fins off until you have the ladder in hand. Most of all, relax and enjoy your dives. Always dive within your skill level and you'll be fine. almtree: Bob

 

[Bubble Junky]

BTW, never take your fins off until you have the ladder in hand.

It depends on the type of ladder, conditions, boat etc. I've seen someone get their arm broken trying to hold onto a ladder whilst the boat was lurching up and down in a swell. If it's very choppy, I get the boat crew to have a drift line attached to the back of the boat, and get divers to hold this and remove fins. If it's nice and calm though, grab that ladder !!
It's not a good idea to take fins off without maintaining some contact with the boat - whether holding the ladder or a drift line.

- sorry !

 

[Buoyant1]

Check if they put a DM in the water also, if so then make sure he knows these are your first OW dives after cert, most of them are pretty good about keeping an eye out for you.

Or if you want to make sure you don't get paired up with the insta-buddy from hell, ask for a guided dive...it costs a tad more, but it's worth it.

 

[WVDiver]

You can hire a guide and he/she will show you around. We did this on our first ocean dive. It worked out well for us.

 

[ChefLamont]

I would definitely let them know. They will keep an eye out for you and make sure you dont get in over your head.....uhh so to speak. hahaha


I really appreciate you courteous and thoughtful consideration of this. I have been on boats too many times where there are brand new divers on the boat that just have their chests puffed out sportin the "we're divers now" attitude. Typically, their crap is everywhere, they are barely in control, and they are all over everbody else's stuff. The crew spends a majority of time trying to keep up with these folks while the rest of us just try to avoid them.

The fact that you are asking the question and giving it consideration means you are at least half way there, and thanks for that.

my $1/50

 

[Bob]

It depends on the type of ladder, conditions, boat etc. I've seen someone get their arm broken trying to hold onto a ladder whilst the boat was lurching up and down in a swell. If it's very choppy, I get the boat crew to have a drift line attached to the back of the boat, and get divers to hold this and remove fins. If it's nice and calm though, grab that ladder !!
It's not a good idea to take fins off without maintaining some contact with the boat - whether holding the ladder or a drift line.

- sorry !

Here in Florida, it's considered correct etiquette to hang on the tagline until it's your turn to board, swim over to the ladder, take you fins off, hand them up to the DM and climb aboard. The only exception would be if the boat had a Christmas tree ladder and in that case you wouldn't remove your fins. The diver would wait his turn, swim over and walk up. almtree: Bob