Hello Famous58,
Since Ken hasn't chimed in yet (he is a member here) I will answer your question since I DM for Reefseekers.
Yes, you are required to board the boat the night before the trip, in this case Santa Barbara Island. Bunks are available to everyone. You can reserve a state room for an additional charge. When boarding the boat, place you tank on the side where there is a number. THAT number will be your sign in number. Place your dive bag along the side towards the bow of the boat, find yourself a bunk...after you have done that, You will be required to fill out 4 pieces of paper: you will be required to sign in on the ships manifest along with your certification #; you will then sign Reefseekers roster along with your certification #, certification level, date of last dive, and # of life time dives; you will also be asked if you are taking game, and if so, you will need your liscense and #; you will also be asked if you need a buddy; then there are two waivers that need to be signed. Be sure to have your certification card with you, we need to SEE it. Once your paperwork is completed, you can set up your BC. You will be asked to work from your dive back. This is for everyone's safety and to keep the deck clear. You will be required to attend the 'briefing' which will be done around 10:45pm. After that, you can stay up, or go to sleep. The Captain will announce in the morning as we get close to the first dive site.
Important things to remember:
1)Bring your own Tank and Weights; extra weights if you need a weight check if you are unsure of proper weighting.
2)Nitrox and Rebreathers are not allowed on Reefseeker Trips.
3)Again, REMEMBER your C-Card.
4)Santa Barbara Island is the intended destination, however, can change due to weather, swells, currents, ect.
We made our last trip to SBI. We had lots of Sea Lions play with us and some of us spotted Giant Black Sea Bass.
Any other questions you might have, contact Ken Kurtis at Reefseekers (310) 652-4990.
Hopefully, I'll see you on the boat!