Many questions, including "What is a liveaboard"

[GetNarc'd]

To sum up, what is a liveaboard? How does a diver find their way aboard one of these? And, what level of skill is required for one?

Thanks to anyone willing to answer

Edit for unecessary chatter

 

[Cave Diver]

A liveaboard is basically just what it sounds like. It's a dive boat you live on for days/weeks at a time (think diving vacation). There are a variety of operators out there to choose from, depending on the location you want to dive. Skill level required depends on the operation, but they normal cater to a variety of divers.

Cost of them varies, not sure of any that have a "work exchange" program, but if so, I'm sure they would require you to be at least an instructor.

 

[H2Andy]

a "liveaboard" means a diving boat that goes out on extended dive trips, usually
3 to 7 days in duration, but can be longer. the divers "live" "aboard" the boat during the duration of the trip, and dive, dive, dive.

not sure on the business details

 

[del_mo]

One thing I've learned is with the better known names, you almost have to hook up with a dive shop that has reserved the boat. As individuals, trying to hook up with a boat seems to be next to impossible, especially if you have very specific dates in mind.

 

[JDelage]

Do live boards offer single cabins, or do you generally have to share one?

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Generally it's two to a cabin, being a single usually costs extra but that's going to depend on the dive operator.

Here are a few operators:
Nekton
Aggressor
Peter Hughes
Blackbeards
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[Shasta_man]

What the others said.

I would differentiate between boats that concentrate on the diving and those that cruise with some diving thrown in. With the concentrate on diving boats, you have a greater than average chance to have a more experienced group with more interest just on the diving. Definite 4 dives a day, sometimes with a night dive too people. This has its advantages, but it's not an ironclad guarantee. This type of boat isn't for everyone. Personally, it's the only way to go. I concentrate on diving and nearly get my fill (never enough) then I can go off on the rest of the trips activities. Then if anything screws up the diving, you can always bump the other activities to get in the diving! Not for everyone.

There are differences between the boats as to how the handle the dive schedule. Some take the group out and dive at Time X. Miss the boat and you miss the dive. Others open the pool and you dive when you want. Others have basic dive times but you join when you want.

That said, the time on the boat is your own.

You also have more choice than the list of choices offered above. Decide where you want to go and check out what's available.

 

[Walter]

Some have dorms. Don't count on a double room. As for skill level, I was certified on the Impossible Dream (sank the following week).

 

[fdog]

To sum up, what is a liveaboard?

Same boat: dive off of during day, sleep on it at night.

How does a diver find their way aboard one of these?

With money. Usually by the bucketfull.

And, what level of skill is required for one?

Zero. There's classes on board.

All the best, James

 

[bennedc]

I just did a liveaboard on Blackbeard's. Check out my trip report. I'm still working on the pics.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=146236