Diving from liveaboards, part II

Diving from the boat - Starting the trip with a shakedown dive in easy conditions helps to get everyone accustomed to the boat and the entry and exit procedures.

Entries are usually straightforward but try to avoid having to shuffle across an open deck in fins unless there is a deck hand to assist. I usually fit my fins next to the exit point. A well-thought-out boat will have an exit point in a different location to that of the boarding ladder but if not, take special care when jumping in so that you don't fall onto the ladder or a surfacing diver.

Most large boats have a ladder to climb to get you onto the deck or onto a platform at the stern. Some may even have a mechanical lift. Climbing ladders for the first time may seem daunting but it’s not too difficult. Once you are close to the boat the skipper must put the engines in neutral to stop the propellers from spinning. At this point the boat is at the mercy of the wind and waves and, as such, it may roll. As soon as the propeller stops spinning get onto the ladder without delay. Don't reach too high, take one rung at a time and keep your hands clear of moving parts such as hinges. Keep your mask on, regulator in your mouth and plenty of air in your BCD until you are secure on deck.

Many boats have deck hands to help you with your kit, which is especially useful when you exit the water because you may be a little unsteady on your feet after spending the last hour neutrally buoyant. Some will even put your gear together for you, but check your own gear thoroughly before every dive. I have known gear come adrift from stowage racks and crash to the deck and then get stowed away again as if nothing had happened.

Many liveaboards conduct their diving from a tender or rigid inflatable boat. Actually diving from a RIB will be covered in depth in another issue, but let’s just focus on getting into one from the back of a liveaboard. Waves and surge can cause the main vessel and the dive tender to go up and down a fair bit, and it is easy to twist your ankle or worse as you step down, especially as you will usually have all your kit on, apart from your fins and mask. A crew member – or two – will generally get into the tender to assist you as you step down. Don’t be macho, grab their hands/arms and watch your step! n