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-
CLICK HERE if you missed our post on the Entry Methods for both Boat and Shore Diving
BOAT DIVING EXIT METHODS
Hard/ High Boat Exit With a Ladder
It’s almost certain that if a dive boat has high sides or a raised platform, there will be a ladder to help climb out of the water and get back into the boat. Depending on the conditions and type of ladders provided, you can exit wearing your fins or you may have to take them off to climb it.
- Don’t make your way to the ladder if anyone is already on it or still climbing up, keep a safe distance as they may fall back.
- Always watch your fingers as you hold the ladder, you don’t want them getting caught between the ladder and boat.
- If there are swell and depending on the conditions keep your mask and regulator in.
- Get a good grip on the ladder and climb up a couple of rings and pass up your weight belt first or use whatever kit removal sequence you’ve been told to follow by the dive guide).
- After you take your weights off, you may take off your fins before proceeding to get in the boat.
RIB Exit with No Ladder
To get out of a RIB or small boat or even a lower platform where no ladder is needed, you first hand over your weight belt and take off your whole BC kit while in the water. After handing these to a boat hand and keeping your fins on, you need to get a good grip with both your palms on the side ridge of the boat or platform. Then timing your push with a swell (if any), kick up with your fins as you pull yourself up, then twist and plop your behind on the ridge or platform facing the water. It’s just like sitting up on a wall or getting out of a swimming pool.
SHORE DIVING EXIT METHODS
Beach Exit
- Make your way to shallow water until you are roughly hip-level with the water.
- Deflate your BC so that your feet are firmly on the ground
- Facing the beach, remove your fins using your buddy for support.
- Walk back to shore.
Surf Exit Method
- Determine the best route for entry and exit before the dive itself.
- Move as quickly as you can and stand up as soon as you are able.
- If you are not able to stand up comfortably, shuffle up the beach, allowing the breakers to push you forward. Keep your hands in front of you to fend off obstructions.
- Avoid the highest part of the wave.
