Aspects Of Etiquette Pt 2

There is a right way of doing things when you’re on a dive-boat – and then there’s the other way that draws sideways looks. SIMON PRIDMORE aims to keep us on the straight and narrow

- Simon Pridmore

THIS THREE-PART SERIES covers a variety of scuba-diving situations in which certain forms of etiquette exist. Not everyone will agree with my recommendations, and I am sure the more experienced among you will have your own particular opinions and bugbears. But that’s all part of the fun. This month we look at boat-diving.

ON THE DIVE-BOAT

All dive-boats and operations have different procedures, and when you’re diving with them the etiquette is to follow these. Listen and be flexible.

If you dive with the operation often and want to do your own thing, there may be room for negotiation. If it won’t compromise and it matters to you, vote with your feet and go elsewhere.

On day-boats, space is often very limited so pack with care, using a gearbag or small plastic crate that fits neatly under benches.

Pack your scuba-gear in reverse order of use: that is, the things you need to get out first should be at the top. Stow your gear neatly out of the way and keep everything together both before and after the dive.

Bring everything you need but only what you need. Keep your phone and cash in a dry-bag in the dry area but keep your spares box with your scuba gear rather than in your dry-bag, as there is every chance that you’ll be in your suit when your O-ring blows.

Keep out of designated dry areas if you’re wet, even if you have a damp towel around you.

On any boat, never leave a cylinder standing unsupported. They are heavy metal objects, and a falling cylinder can crush a toe, destroy a regulator second stage, crack a mask or demolish a dive computer as well as causing irrevocable damage to the cylinder-valve.