Tips from the boat master

[pelan-pelan]

Have been reading a number of threads and really good information for divers.

But what about the guys up top? A foul up by the boat is bad news. There seems to be little emphasis in training about what divers should do to enable the guys on the boat to do the best job possible.

So boat masters (and divers) - please can we have some tips. What shows up best when divers surface a distance from the boat? What are the best signals? What should divers do/not do . . on the boat . . . striding/rolling off the boat . . . getting back on the boat.

I'm a diver so not the best person - but my comment is that really fancy heavy gear like a Mares Hub is grossly unfair on the crew when they are expected to heave it up onto a boat. And its unfair on the diver (me) left in the water while they're trying to cope with it.

 

[1RUSTYRIG]

I'm a diver so not the best person - but my comment is that really fancy heavy gear like a Mares Hub is grossly unfair on the crew when they are expected to heave it up onto a boat. And its unfair on the diver (me) left in the water while they're trying to cope with it.

That's ridiculous...by the same token you should also admonish fat divers too since they usually carry more weight in their belt.

And really...What is the weight difference? 5lbs? Maybe we shouldn't dive steel tanks off boats either since they are heavier too. A boat crewmen's job description includes lifting heavy items from the water line to the deck.

 

[Tamas]

Anti HUB troll!!!!!!!

 

[1RUSTYRIG]

Anti HUB troll!!!!!!!

:rofl:

Reminds me of the Chewies gum salesman in the move Clerks

 

[friscuba]

Have been reading a number of threads and really good information for divers.

But what about the guys up top? A foul up by the boat is bad news. There seems to be little emphasis in training about what divers should do to enable the guys on the boat to do the best job possible.

So boat masters (and divers) - please can we have some tips. What shows up best when divers surface a distance from the boat? What are the best signals? What should divers do/not do . . on the boat . . . striding/rolling off the boat . . . getting back on the boat.

I'm a diver so not the best person - but my comment is that really fancy heavy gear like a Mares Hub is grossly unfair on the crew when they are expected to heave it up onto a boat. And its unfair on the diver (me) left in the water while they're trying to cope with it.

Here's what's fair as far as any integrated weight system, not just the Hub - If you can't climb up the ladder with it on, do the deck hand a favor and ask if you should pass up the weights first. I know people who've thrown their backs out pulling loaded integrated systems out of the water over the gunnel.

For those who are thinking this is a lot to ask, load your gear up, lay it down, stand on a 6-10 inch high step (most decks are roughly this far above water level) bend over at the waist (can't bend knees that much or you'd not be able to reach over the gunwale) and pick it up. If this is easy, then put it in a tub full of water, making sure once again to be standing several inches above water level, make sure the BC has a quart or two of water in it, all the pockets are full of water and the weights (if soft weights) completely soaked, and then try it again. It's easy to drag a couple extra gallons of water up with a BC, that's extra weight and an extra 10-20 pounds makes all the difference in the world for the person lifiting it out of the water.

As far as signals go, just use the typical OK or trouble signs taught by all agencies. The big two handed overhead OK or one hand to the top of the head OK are easily seen at a distance in good conditions. Use it once you hit the surface, every time you hit the surface away from the boat.

One of my pet peeves is that divers who lose bouyancy control and accidently hit the surface rarely take any time to signal... they typically can't figure out that they have too much air in the BC and struggle to get back down without lifting their heads, signalling OK and then dumping their air and doing a feet first descent. Doesn't happen often, but it does happen enough to be of a concern. Generally we see a tank on the surface with feet flailing for 8-10 seconds or more, that tells us little about the diver. A simple OK would be nice so we don't have to debate whether a rescue is needed.

As far as getting off or back on the boat goes... listen to the briefing. The crew will tell you what they want you to do. Many divers, generally the more "experienced" ones, do pretty much the opposite of what is requested. Every boat and boat crew is different and they all have their own system to make things go smoothly.

Hope this is some of what you are looking for.

 

[The Natural]

I have found that a good trick is to hang a line off the side of the boat if the seas are rough a little rough, or if your like us and don't have a ladder. First hand up your weight belt, next take off your gear and clip it to the line, climb out, and pull the gear up with the help of a friend.

 

[Bill51]

My comment is PAY ATTENTION. The dive’s not over until you’re safely on the boat with all your gear. Too many divers drift around behind, next to, or in front of the boat talking with their dive buddies about the dive while the captain may be trying to stay on station with them and the divers on board may be waiting for the boat to start moving so they can stop baking in the sun. Surface and get on the boat unless it’s anchored and you know it’s not going anywhere for a while. On drift dives, keep close to your buddy and the other divers so the boat can make one stop to pick up as many divers as possible at once. I’ve had a group of 6 divers surface together and by the time I got the boat maneuvered to pick them up they’ve drifted into several clusters that require multiple pickup stops.

Maintain situational awareness of the other divers in the water and stay far enough away from the boat that the captain or crew can see you until you’re ready to board. Divers hanging out in the water next to the side of the boat talking may not be seen by the crew who is looking for the rest of the divers, so not only is it discourteous but it can also be dangerous if the captain starts the boat thinking he has to go looking for you.

Pay attention to the crew when you’re boarding the boat so they can best help you and stop talking to your dive buddy about the dive for a minute. Don’t make the crew be a traffic cop and keep moving until you’re clear of the ladder and well on the boat. The same holds when lining up for the ladder because the crew may not notice the next diver has moved in too soon and is directly under the diver that may still fall off the ladder.

Rant off (for now)

 

[pelan-pelan]

Thanks to those who have been on the boat. It's confirmed some things - and I have taken note of something I should have thought more about - stay a reasonable distance from the boat when waiting to get on board (or hang on to rope, depending on conditions) and think about if the captain and crew can easily see you.

And good point made - divers please give clear OK signals to the boat crew - and say something if they don't acknowledge it. Next time - when you're not OK, and you don't signal OK, you want them on their toes.

Any more comments from the boat crews? Stowing gear, eating, loo etiquette and what about babies and toddlers on the boat?

Or will I be accused of being a toddler troll if I comment negatively on 2 year olds, no lifejacket, running riot on a dive boat.

 

[dmmike]

Pelan-pelan,
I think your last comment of your post needs more discussion. One of my pet-pevs is when there are non-divers on the boat. Case in point: on my last dive trip a father brought his son ( approx. 10~12 years old) and allowed the kid to run wild. This kid d*m near distroyed several thoundsand dollars of u/w camera equipment. I know that boats need to make money and get a couple bucks for non-diver but ......... Plus non-divers always seem to get in the way . Am I over re-acting or do others see a problem with non-divers on a dive boat.

 

[Damselfish]

I don't think non-divers on a boat are necessarily a problem. There's a big difference between an uncontrolled child, and someone's non-diving adult companion (when there's room and who have the sense/awareness to go sit up on the bow or something when they could be in the way.) Of course, there are 12 year olds better behaved than some adults.