Though it is getting toward the end of boat diving here in Michigan the topic of what divers should be doing when invited to go on a buddy’s boat for a dive. It appeared that many divers did not know or practice the finer points of Diver Etiquette. So I did a bit of searching and Q&A on a few of my buddy boat owners and came up with this. It was also posted in the MUD club newsletter.
Diver Etiquette: How Not to Be “That Guy” On a dive boat
Hey! You’ve been invited to go on a boat dive with your friends! But there are a few rules you need to follow in order to get invited back. Keep in mind, boats aren’t cheap to buy, maintain, or haul around to different lakes and ports. Your host is spending his or her time and money to take you out, so don’t act like some buffoon at a frat party.
Here are a couple of rules to ensure you’ll receive future invites.
1) *Don’t be a NO_SHOW & * Don’t be late – Last minute cancellations suck because someone else could have gone! Also, nothing is more tiresome than sitting waiting on that one person who didn’t plan ahead. Have some respect for your friends and get there earlier rather than just in time. It’s not fashionable to be tardy!
2) Food: Don’t be the guy that brings one bag of pretzel rods for a full day of boating. Consider bringing sandwiches, chopped fruit, peanuts, chips, or whatever. Be gracious when someone does offer you their food, and don’t take it for granted.
3) Drinks – Always bring twice what you can drink and don’t assume there will be room in someone else’s cooler. Boating is a communal affair and you may have to share some of your rosé with others, because there will inevitably be one person who comes empty-handed.
4) Guests – Inviting tag-alongs without notice is a big no-no. Always check with your host/hostess before dragging along a sidekick.
5) Littering – Orange rinds, peanut shells, and such are no big deal but be mindful of your trash. Litter can be destructive and disgusting on the boat or in the water. Drop nothing overboard.
6) Smoking – Don’t
7) Be Prepared – This includes sunscreen, sunglasses, chap stick, towel, hat and jacket. It can get cold when under way and when the sun goes down.
8) The Captain – OK here’s the deal: The captain oversees the boat. If he/she says it’s time to go, it’s time to go. If they ask you to move, sit down, or shut up, do it. As fun and relaxing as boating is, it is the captain’s job to ensure the safety of all the people on their boat and they are liable for you. Also, the captain chooses the music—end of discussion.
9) Safety – If you feel a “Hold my beer and watch this” moment coming up, just Don’t!. In other words, don’t be dumb.
10) Passenger Etiquette – Respect the boat! Don’t step on seats—only hard surfaces if possible. Wear soft soled slip resistance footwear for wet, slippery decks and minimize any scuffing or marking the boat. Don’t try to “help” unless the captain asks you to. Spray sunscreen before getting on the boat.
11) Organize your gear – Dive boats range in different sizes and the layout will be different for each. One common trait is that space is always limited. Bring any gear you have in a soft bag that can fold up and ONLY what is required for the specific planned dive.
12) Equipment stations – Especially If you are diving from a rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) or a rigid-hulled inflatable boat, (RHIB), you will likely set up your gear before boarding. Ask the Capt. how he/she want’s your gear stored. Keep all your gear within the limits of your space and out of the way. Note that sharp pointy things on inflatable boats are hazardous.
13) Briefings / Dive Plan: Make sure that YOU know the location of safety gear on board including life jackets. Ask how you need to enter and exit the water. Some boats might have you pass up all your gear or have equipment line with hooks off the boat sides.
14) After the dive – Secure your gear as soon as you can and try to stay out of the way of everyone.
15) Disembarking – Make sure you grab everything you brought with you. Ask the Captain if they need help securing the boat and unloading. Many hands make lighter work for all.
16) DON’T FORGET TO CHIP IN FOR GAS – Sometimes not necessary BUT ALWAYS appreciated!