Boat Diving Tips
Boat diving with a DPV can be an extremely fun experience. Diving with your DPV in the open water allows you to see and explore more. However, brining a large, heavy DPV on a boat can be tricky. Getting the DPV in and out of the water can also be tricky, so following some basic principles and tips can greatly help you enjoy the experience more.
· DPVs can take up a lot of space on the deck of a dive boat, so it’s essential that you check with the boat operator to make sure there is enough space for your DPV.
· Stowing your DPV correctly on the dive boat is essential. You don’t want your expensive DPV bouncing around while underway and you don’t want it to hurt someone else. Check with the boat captain about where the best place is to stow your DPV. Some boats have predetermined places, and others do not. If you’re stowing your DPV on deck, make sure it is tied down and secured. Stowing a DPV in the boat’s V-berth is also a good place, but it also must be tied down and secured in place.
· Once at the dive site, you need to safely get your DPV in the water. You also want to make sure it’s connected to the boat so that it doesn’t drift away or sink. Using a tether line that can be clipped to the boat is best. Clip one end of the line to the boat and the other end to your DPV. Lower your DPV into the water. Make sure the DPV doesn’t float too close to the boat; you don’t want it banging against the side of the boat. A good place to clip off the DPV is at the aft corners of the rear deck. Keep it away from the swim ladder and anchor line.
· Once you’re in the water and ready to start your dive with your DPV, make sure you are clear of the tether line, the swim ladder, anchor line, and anyone else close by. Also make sure your dive gear is secure and not dangling near the prop of your DPV. When diving, observe proper ascent and descent rates.
· When you return to the dive boat, clip your DPV to the tether line. Make sure the line and DPV remain some distance from the dive boat, dive ladder, and anchor line.
· To get your DPV back into the boat, you’ll have to use the tether line. You may also have to get someone on the dive platform to help get it safely out of the water and up into the boat. Make sure you have help because you don’t want to drop or bang your DPV into the boat.
· Once the DPV is back on the boat, secure it in the same manner you did on the way to the dive site.
· Do not open your DPV on a dive boat if possible. You don’t want to saltwater or moisture into the battery or engine compartment.