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DIVE BOAT ETIQUETTE
Travel Smarter
To many people, one of the most rewarding aspects of diving is the
communities it brings together. You may find yourself on a dive boat
halfway around the world with people you might never have met
were it not for your shared enthusiasm for breathing underwater.
In such situations you might discover that
conventions can vary widely based on where
you are, who you’re with and what type of boat
you’re on. When this happens, remember that
you can always return to a few basic guidelines
that will help you share the deck with anyone, no
matter where your travels take you.
Don’t talk during the briefing. Learn
what you need to know while also
demonstrating courtesy to your divemaster
and fellow divers.
Mind your gear. Keep your equipment neat
and in designated areas, and avoid putting
heavy objects on elevated surfaces.
Respect the designated dry area. Don’t walk through it
while wet or place wet gear there.
Ask before you click. Not everyone likes showing up on
social media.
Keep your photo equipment tidy. Your dive gear isn’t the only
equipment that takes up in-demand space.
Review hand signals with everyone in your group. Not all divers
are trained by the same agency or speak the same language.
Don’t brag. Diving isn’t a competition, and there are lots of
reasons other divers might use more breathing gas than you.
Manage your time. Show up on time, and
pack/unpack efficiently. (Practice at home if
you need to.)
Know your skill level. If you’re having trouble
perfecting any of your skills, tell a divemaster
or guide.
Use the correct rinse bucket. No one wants to
rinse his/her regulator with your wetsuit.
Be supportive. If another diver seems anxious,
ask how he is doing, and remind him it’s always
OK to call off a dive.
Be respectful and helpful. If another diver is
struggling with something on deck, don’t ignore
it, but always ask before you help out.
One of the great benefits of honing your dive boat etiquette is
that there is considerable overlap between courteous and safe.
Sometimes the most basic things are the most overlooked.
Engage smarter: Visit for more information on dive
etiquette and many other topics.
PHOTO CREDIT
DAN® has recently enhanced and expanded its eLearning platform to include
all DAN first-aid courses. The platform, which can be used with all desktop and
mobile devices, complements the practical portions of each course by allowing
students to review crucial first-aid training material on their own schedules.
“We’re excited to provide this option to our students and instructors,” DAN
Chief Operating Officer Panchabi Vaithiyanathan said. “Not only does it permit
more flexibility, it also frees up more time for hands-on instruction during the
interactive portion of the courses.”
The online learning platform, which DAN will share with allied training
agencies, facilitates the circulation of DAN course materials to broader audiences.
It also has the potential to promote development of new courses.
DAN’s mission is and has always been about safety, and in expanding its reach,
the organization hopes that more people will acquire important first-aid training.
eLEARNING
Education Spotlight
STEPHEN FRINK