Safety? Bare Feet or Dive Boots on Liveaboard Decks?

[kablooey]

After witnessing a diver slip and take a spectacular fall on a dock a few years ago, I swore to always dive with good quality dive boots with robust high-traction soles.
So, far I've kept my promise.

But now I'm starting to rethink that when it comes to liveaboards.
If bare feet are as safe on the decks of boats, specifically liveaboards, as dive boots, then I'll save some weight and bulk in my luggage by taking full-foot fins.

So, my question is, are bare feet just as safe from slips and falls on liveaboard decks as dive boots?
What are your experiences?
What are your opinions?

Thanks.

 

[Wookie]

After witnessing a diver slip and take a spectacular fall on a dock a few years ago, I swore to always dive with good quality dive boots with robust high-traction soles.
So, far I've kept my promise.

But now I'm starting to rethink that when it comes to liveaboards.
If bare feet are as safe on the decks of boats, specifically liveaboards, as dive boots, then I'll save some weight and bulk in my luggage by taking full-foot fins.

So, my question is, are bare feet just as safe from slips and falls on liveaboard decks as dive boots?
What are your experiences?
What are your opinions?

Thanks.

Depends on the deck. Is it well non-skidded? Carpeted? Slick with Awlgrip? Ask ahead.

 

[-JD-]

Maybe get a pair of Altama Maritime Assaults? (Search Results - LA Police Gear)

Or the go the common Converse/Chuck Taylor route and save some $

Wear them any time you want footwear from the the time you leave home.

 

[Wingy]

Bare feet

 

[Wookie]

Bare feet

Although I agree with you, I took the worst fall of my life recently on a charter boat (not a liveaboard) with slick awlgrip on the deck. I knew the owner of the boat and made sure that he personally knew of the results of the damage to my body and my extreme displeasure. Non-skid was applied that evening. I recovered in a couple of months.

 

[Wingy]

Hence my love of planks Wookie although I agree with your post comments above re asking questions - your fall sounds nasty and I hope no lasting damage - i do recall crewing on a modern glass racing sloop and finding the "ice skating" region on deck where a half arsed job had been done. Not something paying customers should be having to negotiate on a LOB especially when you have night watchmen like me roaming around at night.

 

[NothingClever]

The LOBs and boat trips I do discourage shoes on the deck but that obviously doesn't eliminate the slipping hazard on their slick decks. What I've started doing is taking along a pair of water shoes that I use only on the boat and I point out the clean soles to the crew so they're not concerned about dirt/grit/pebbles scratching the deck.

 

[scubadada]

Only 7 liveaboards, bare feet except when wearing booties during diving. Have never had a fall or close call

 

[broncobowsher]

Bare feet are better than flip flops. I've had issues of maybe running a little too fast and the heel sliding off the flip flop.
I just picked up some Merrell water mocks for my next warm water travels. So far in the local lake they are pretty good.
View attachment 604514

 

[AdivingBel]

I wear a pair of topsiders (that I already own) that I pack in my bag and have cleaned the soles. I've taken a couple of pratfalls on LOBs in bare feet and this has solved my problems. All IMHO, YMMV.