The quality of your shipmates can make or break a day of diving. Follow these five tips for day-boat etiquette to ensure you’re always welcome back on board. 

1. DON'T BE LATE

Know when the boat is scheduled to depart, and be sure to show up with enough time to fill out paperwork, get fitted for gear, and anything else you need to do before boarding.

2. KEEP THE DECK CLEAR

Once you find a spot and set up your tank, neatly stow the rest of your things. Your mask, fins, wetsuit and dive bag usually go under the bench at your seat. Underwater cameras go in the camera bucket or on the table. Ask the crew about dry storage for anything else.

3. FOLLOW PROTOCOL

Every boat has its own system for how divers get in the water. Follow your divemaster’s lead, and confirm that you’re clear to go before standing up in full gear and making your way to the swim step.

4. DIVE THE PLAN

The divemaster will make a dive briefing before each dive that includes maximum depth and time limits based on the boat’s schedule and upcoming dives. Don’t blow those limits without discussing it with the divemaster first, even if your air supply and computer say you can. 

5. RESPECT THE HEAD

Boat toilets are different than those on land. Use the head sparingly, and don’t be shy to ask the crew how to flush — they’d rather show you beforehand than clean it up later. And never go to the head if you feel seasick. Chumming over the rail is a rite of passage every diver understands.

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