Is there SCUBA ettiquette I need to know about?

[NCSCUBADOOBA]

Hi everyone! Enough moaning about my ear troubles. I wanted to ask if there is any sort of SCUBA ettiquette I need to know about. I'll hopefully be doing my first dives a certified diver next weekend/week. I'm sure this will prompt all sorts of responses... throw 'em my way! What are big NoNos on the boat,taking photographs, entry, exit? etc...
Thanks!
Angelaeyebrow

 

[Dave in PA]

OK, I'll start with two key pieces of what I think is good advice:

1) if you are new and/or nervous about a dive, tell the divemaster on the boat up front. Let your buddy know, too. Talk about it. Don't keep it inside and let the anxiety build up too much.

2) don't take up too much room. Most dive areas are relatively small, use YOUR space wisely and don't overflow.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

I'll try and give it a shot. Basically the best thing to do (in my opinion) is to be extra nice and courteous to everyone. It always seems to go a long way for me.

-Keep your stuff picked up on the boat.
-Don't overflow into other people's gear areas.
-Have a clue.
-Never, ever be 'that guy' (or girl).
-Don't run over other people to get 'that shot'.
-Don't allow taking pictures to distract you from your buddy. You can give the best buddy diver a camera and he'll suck at being a buddy if he's not careful.
-Watch for divers below when entering.
-Don't hold up progress getting in or out, but don't rush and forget stuff.

 

[dbg40]

I'll give it a shot. You're gonna make mistakes. period. Just be humble, and let others know that you are new to the whole mess, and take direction as it comes. Most divers will be kind, if there not, ignore them, and stay away. You will meet many good friends, and dive buddies. Just relax, and learn as you go. Most of all, have fun!

 

[augustg]

I agree. I think that just having some humility and keeping in mind that you are there to have fun will go a long way.

As others have mentioned, just be honest with your DM and buddy about your experience level and you will find that they are probably more than happy to make your experience as great as possible.

 

[scububa]

This is what I had in mind. Be honest and objective. No need to apolgize about anything. Alot of us remember we were right there not too long ago.

I agree. I think that just having some humility and keeping in mind that you are there to have fun will go a long way.

As others have mentioned, just be honest with your DM and buddy about your experience level and you will find that they are probably more than happy to make your experience as great as possible.

 

[bcaderunr]

As I've gotten more experienced (and I'm not THAT far along yet) I've learned to take my time, think it through, and not worry too much about how anyone else is perceiving me. Just stay focused on setting up your gear, remember what you need to do next and once you're comfortably settled in, observe others so that you might learn a new trick or two. "Stop, breathe, think, act" works just as well above the surface as down under. It's a great sport, never stop learning and enjoying it!

 

[PaulChristenson]

Hi everyone! Enough moaning about my ear troubles. I wanted to ask if there is any sort of SCUBA ettiquette I need to know about. I'll hopefully be doing my first dives a certified diver next weekend/week. I'm sure this will prompt all sorts of responses... throw 'em my way! What are big NoNos on the boat,taking photographs, entry, exit? etc...
Thanks!
Angelaeyebrow

Excellent tipping of the DM...will overcome any problems...

 

[Fun Diver]

A great tip I had for my first boat dives, was to watch the other divers who seemed to know what they were doing and follow their lead.. so for the timing to setup gear, getting dressed, etc. Listen carefully to briefings, observe & learn, and ask questions when in doubt.

 

[highlandfarmwv]

My first open water dive (and night dive) was in February. I thought all was going well, until I bumnped into one of the guys. I pushed myself away, and pulled out his regulator. As I was frantically trying to apologize by making "hands over face" motions, my dive light was shining right into his father's face, who was trying to motion for me to get my light out of his eyes. I felt like a real idiot--but they were very forgiving.