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Scuba Basics: The Ins and Outs of Diving- Entry Methods

Scuba Basics: The Ins and Outs of Diving- Entry Methods

Written by Noreen
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Published on May 7, 2010

After you exit the bubble that is your scuba training, you’re faced with a whole world of different types of diving. You’re next dive trip could have you diving from a liveaboard, a small RIB dive boat or shore diving from a sandy beach or even an inland lake. Since chances are, you’ve only learned the basic scuba entry and exit methods since your training, you’re sure to be faced with some unfamiliar ways to get in the water to start a dive and exit the water after one at some point or another. To anyone used to always doing the giant stride entry into the water, suddenly having to do a backward roll off a small shaky boat can be a little intimidating. But this is due to the unfamiliarity and lack of experience. Good news is, they’re all fairly simple once you’ve tried it.

Here’s a closer look at some Entry and Exit methods to brush up your scuba skills for diving both from the shore and boats-

BOAT DIVING ENTRY METHODS

The Giant Stride Entry

Most commonly used while diving off a dive boat with a platform, but can also be used to step off a pier or jetty where the water is deep enough, this method can is best used only if the platform is steady.

  • Kit up and don all your scuba gear on in the boat itself
  • Put air in your BC to avoid making a negative descent
  • Stand on the edge of the dive platform with the balls of your fins on the edge.
  • Then holding your mask and regulator with the palm of your hand and fingers holding your mask in place, take a big step off the platform putting one leg forward.
  • Once in the water bring your legs together to return to the surface, recheck your gear and signal the boat that you’re OK

TIP: Look up at the horizon when you step, to help maintain that upright position before you take that step and avoid jumping or hoping as the aim is to get as far away from the boat/platform as possible.

Backward Roll Entry

This is another common entry method and is preferred when diving from a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)or small unsteady boat. The water needs to be deep for this method of entry just like in the giant stride entry.

  • Put all your scuba equipment on in the boat itself
  • Sit at the edge of the gunwale of the boat facing inwards with your tank facing the water
  • Make sure no one or nothing is behind you in the water
  • Then with your legs together bent at the knees, chin tucked in and one hand holding the mask and regulator in place, lean back and let gravity do the rest
  • With the weight of the tank and gravity doing it’s thing you’ll be pulled into a full somersault and hit the water

Controlled Seated Entry
The controlled seated entry method is best used where the water is too shallow for a giant stride off the boat or where your boat/platform is low to the surface of the water or the platform is unsteady. A good entry method for disabled or older divers.

  • Start by kitting up on the boat itself
  • Sit at the edge of the boat/platform and using your hands on each side of you, lift yourself up and outward with your hands and lower yourself into the water.
  • Care should be taken while pushing yourself off the boat that you clear both yourself and your tank from hitting the side of the dive boat or platform.

SHORE DIVING ENTRY METHODS

Beach Entry/ Surf Entry

Walking into the water may sound like an easy method of entry, but wading through the surf backward while wearing heavy scuba diving equipment is no easy feat. Depending on the condition and your waddling skills, you may keep your fins on or in your hand. Another great option for shore divers is the Amphibian FlipFins from Omega Aquatics to eliminate the problem of walking in fins while entering the water.

  • Hold your fins securely with one hand. (For surf entry keep them on, along with your regulator in your mouth and mask on).
  • Walk slowly backwards into the water. Make sure that your tank is facing the water as you enter the water to prevent yourself from falling face-first.
  • Inflate your BC.
  • Use your buddy’s assistance and support to put your fins on in the water.
  • As soon as you are deep enough, gently submerge and move off into deeper waters.

Rocky Surface Entry

This is on of the toughest entries and can be quite nerve wracking for some, however, its not very uncommon especially for those diving in and around the UK. It’s very important to note the conditions before such a dive as rough rocks with high swells are a recipe for disaster if not while entry then potentially during exit as well.

  • Avoid carrying any extra scuba accessories such as cameras or torches, so that you can keep your hands free to steady yourself. If you require such gear make sure you can attach it securely to your BC or it can be stowed away in pockets.
  • Wear hard sole boots rather than soft booties for a better grip on the rocks and protection for your feet.
  • Find a stable rock closest to the water where it’s deep enough for entry and sit or lean against it while securing your fins and mask.
  • Sit down and edge your body towards the entry point slowly, in a seated position, until your legs are in the water.
  • Time your entry with a swell (if any) so that you hit the water at the top of the wave and allow it to carry you out.
  • Once in, fin hard to move away from the rocks.

CLICK HERE to see the Continuation of Exit Methods for both Boat and Shore Diving