Top 10 things I learned on my first dive trip

[pickens_46929]

Welcome to ScubaBoard roblogic!

Wonderful post and a good reminder.

Also would add... "Remember, the worst day out diving is still better than being at work! It's all about having fun and enjoying life."

 

[StSomewhere]

2. Make sure you've got a full tank when you're setting up. 2700psi may seem like plenty on the boat, but you'll be wanting that extra 300 at the end of your dive.

I agree.

An AL80 only holds 77.4 cu ft at 3000 psi. That's about 70 cu ft from an "80" if they short you 10%. Check the pressure when you pick up your tanks, if you are diving nitrox you can do it at the same time you are analyzing the gas in the tanks. You paid for an AL80 fill, they should fill the tanks. Esp. a dive boat operation.

 

[Louie]

1) Turn up ON TIME. Sounds like the ultimate in common sense but you'd be surprised.

2) Don't be a bump on a log. There's always that someone who thinks s/he isn't getting her/his money's worth if he doesn't treat the crew like slaves (move my gear, change my tank, stir my tea). Don't be that person and be self sufficient.

 

[verybaddiver]

"8. You will meet cool people - talk to the divers around you."

Are you PADI trained by any chance?

 

[roblogic]

1) Turn up ON TIME. Sounds like the ultimate in common sense but you'd be surprised.

I was told that 30 minutes prior to the boat leaving the dock is a good time to shoot for. Is this the general rule of thumb? We were shuttled by the dive op on this trip, so we didn't have to worry so much.

2) Don't be a bump on a log. There's always that someone who thinks s/he isn't getting her/his money's worth if he doesn't treat the crew like slaves (move my gear, change my tank, stir my tea). Don't be that person and be self sufficient.

That sucks. We were trained to be totally self sufficient. On one dive, we went out with some OW students, and the instructors set up all of the students' gear for them. Seemed kinda strange to me, as our SSI instructor had stressed proper equipment setup from day one. We figured it was a PADI thing?

 

[roblogic]

"8. You will meet cool people - talk to the divers around you."

Are you PADI trained by any chance?

No, SSI. Why do you ask?

 

[Louie]

I was told that 30 minutes prior to the boat leaving the dock is a good time to shoot for. Is this the general rule of thumb? We were shuttled by the dive op on this trip, so we didn't have to worry so much.



That sucks. We were trained to be totally self sufficient. On one dive, we went out with some OW students, and the instructors set up all of the students' gear for them. Seemed kinda strange to me, as our SSI instructor had stressed proper equipment setup from day one. We figured it was a PADI thing?

I don't think there is a time rule set in stone but the important thing is to turn up with ample time to sort out any required paperwork, pick up equipment, get to boat or to transport etc.

Strange that OW students would have the instructor babysitting them. There's no way you will learn equipment setup if you have someone doing it for you. You are absolutely right on complete self-sufficiency - very important. Also, what really bothers me are those who rely on their buddies to set up their gear (sadly, it's mostly women who play the flimsy and ignorant card to their male partners).

It's great you're taking these things seriously from the start. If everyone did that, the boat would be a much safer and nicer place.

 

[Damselfish]

I was told that 30 minutes prior to the boat leaving the dock is a good time to shoot for. Is this the general rule of thumb? We were shuttled by the dive op on this trip, so we didn't have to worry so much.

Some ops will make a suggestion how early to get there. If you're someplace diving multiple days with the same operation, you'll need more time the first day (paperwork, figuring out their routine, getting yourself sorted out and perhaps checking out your gear before the boat leaves the dock, etc. After the first day you will typically need less time.

 

[RonDawg]

I would also add, "Don't be the moron that doesn't listen to the dive briefing and can't find the site". Good list though! I like the one about the fish/reef molestor. There is always one! Ugh!

A parallel to that would be: "Don't be the guy talking to your buddy, talking on your cell phone, or otherwise goofing off during the dive briefing, only to later ask questions that were already addressed in the dive briefing!"

As far as "marine life molesters", unfortunately in my experience the WORST offenders have been those who should have known better: instructors and DM's.

 

[StSomewhere]

"8. You will meet cool people - talk to the divers around you."

Are you PADI trained by any chance?

That's actually one of the better bits of advice I got from my PADI OW class.