Scuba Diving Tips: 5 Basic Boat Diving Etiquette

You've taken all of your necessary scuba class and passed with flying colors; you've booked your vacation with plenty of scuba events planned; and now you're about to go on your first dive. But before you hop on that boat, understand there is more to know about scuba diving than just what you learn in class. Instead, there is a few unwritten rules you'll want to be aware of to assure that you and the group you dive with have a good time. Here are some scuba diving tips before you hit the open water. 

Be Familiar With Your Times

If you are diving in a time zone that is different than your own, be sure to have your watch set to the right time. Even after you do this, make sure you still show up earlier than the time requested, as it'll allow you time to get your equipment ready and assure that you have all of your qualifications prepared. Understand that you are probably not just diving on your own, so if you are late, that is rude for other individuals who are on the same trip. Furthermore, in order to keep on the tight schedule that most dive boats run, they will probably leave you behind if you are late. This will assure that everyone gets the amount of time they paid for before the boat has to bring them back and pick up the next load of divers. The first rule to diving is to not be late, it's as simple as that. 

The Captain Is In Charge

Understanding that you are a guest on the captain's boat will save you a lot of trouble once you are on board. Before you leave the dock, the captain will want to give you instructions that outline information for your dive, as well as what to do while on board. Make sure you listen to these instructions, as the captain wont have time to go over them again once you have set out towards the dive spot. Think about it as being a guest in a home, and you are at the captain's home. So make sure you don't do anything to disrespect them while visiting. 

Be Ready At Before You Get To Your Dive Site

During your boat trip out to the dive site, use this time to put together your equipment and handle any issues that may come up. If you are taking in the views of the waves while you go towards your dive spot, you may shorten the amount of time that you get to actually dive, which can be frustrating to those around you. 

Respect Others That You Are Diving With

Often times, the people that you dive with are people that you could be seeing for quite some time. If you are on vacation, you could be in the same dive group as these people, or even be staying at the same accommodations as them. With that in mind, be respectful and kind to those that you dive with. In other words, be courteous when talking about your diving experience and do not brag if you believe yours was better than theirs. And most importantly, one of the biggest rules of the water, don't use the toilet while people are still in the water. After all, where do you think all of that stuff goes when you flush? 

Tip Your Captain

Your captain is performing a service, much like if you get your haircut or go out to a restaurant and are served by a waiter. Therefore, if they do a great job, be sure to tip them an appropriate amount once you have made it back to shore. A bonus to this is that if you ever dive with the captain again, he will be sure to remember you and take you to secret dive spots that he may not be willing to take other divers. 

None of these scuba diving tips are too much to ask or understand. Instead, they will make the entire dive much more enjoyable for you and those that you are with. So now go get your gear ready, and head out to an experience you'll never forget with other great people!