Scuba Diving Tip 101:
Don't Be Intimidated On The Dive Boat

If you are a new diver, boat diving can be nerve wracking. However, I am here to ask you, please don't be intimidated on the dive boat.

I know, easier said than done, but you can do it.

You will enjoy the experience that much more.

Let's face it, those first boat dives can be stressful. You are new to diving, new to the equipment and new to the way things work on the dive boat.

And everyone else on the boat has something like 10,000 dives. Or so it seems in your mind.

I know that's what I thought when I first started diving. I figured I was the only beginner and everyone else knew what they were doing.

I caused myself alot of undue stress. I hope I can help you avoid that same stress on your first boat dives with the following tips.

We All Start At Zero

First off, remember everyone was a beginner once. We all start out with zero dives. So that guy sitting next to you that has 3,571 dives (you know because he has loudly announced it), he once had zero.

He wasn't born an experienced diver. He has gone through the same process you have. You are just in a different point in the process. No big deal.

Don't be intimidated on the dive boat.

No Comparisons Please

'Don't compare yourself to other divers. This is your time and your journey to enjoy scuba diving.

The experience of the other divers doesn't affect you on the boat. Just concentrate on yourself and your gear. Try to relax and enjoy the ride and the anticipation of those first boat dives and new discoveries underwater.

What difference will it make to your dive if the guy sitting next to you has 10, 1,000 or 10,000 dives? None.

Don't be intimidated on the dive boat.

Read Some Boat Diving Tips Beforehand

If you read about other people's tips and experiences about boat diving, you will have a better understanding of what to expect.

This should help you have a higher confidence level before you board the boat.

Most boat dives are very similar - ie, store your gear, gear up, listen to dive briefing, etc.

While dive boats will have some different procedures (for example, one divemaster might want you to set your gear up before you leave the dock while another one wants you to do it underway), in essence they will be very similar. Just listen to the boat captain and/or divemaster for instructions on how they like things done.

Don't be intimidated on the dive boat.

For some of my tips on boat diving click here.

Chill Out And Ignore "Those" Divers

You know the type of people I am talking about - they have to constantly brag about their perceived "expertise" and achievements. The guy that went down to x number of feet for x number of minutes and still came up with 2,500 psi of air in his tank.

Blah, blah, blah.

Here's an example of one such diver:

We recently went diving in the Turks and Caicos. The dive shop sent a van around to pick up divers and bring them to the shop. One particular "memorable" man got on the van and instantly started a monologue to us about his diving and experience. We hadn't inquired, mind you, but I guess he felt we needed to know.

When we got to the dive shop he went to sign in. They didn't have his certification on file (he had sent it beforehand). He loudly announces so that everyone in the dive shop can hear him that he is xx-certified and has xx number of dives (I forget the exact details of his certification but he was impressed with it).

He proceeds to ask the divemaster checking us in if she knew what that type of certification was.

Really? You are asking a divemaster in a dive shop where they certify people to go scuba diving if she knew your certification?

Blah, blah, blah. Don't worry about those divers. Luckily, they are much more the exception than the norm.

Divers Are A Friendly, Helpful Lot

Despite the occasional diver described above, most divers are friendly, easygoing and are more than willing to help you out.

Don't hesitate to talk to other divers and ask for their opinion/help. They know where you are coming from and are usually more than willing to answer any questions and help you out if approached.

So if you are uncertain about a certain procedure, etc., open yourself up and ask a fellow diver. You will probably be pleasantly surprised.

Don't be intimidated on the dive boat.

So try and prepare a little bit for what to expect and then get on that boat, relax and enjoy yourself.

Don't be intimidated on the dive boat.

Click here for a complete list of all our pages of scuba diving tips -

including video tips

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