1Invest in a boat dive bag. Most traveling scuba divers have a dive bag they pack and check onto the airplane and a smaller boat bag (often made of mesh) they use for hauling gear on and off the dive boat. Whatever you put your stuff in is likely to get wet so plan accordingly.

2Understand the busy season and when the seasons are more relaxed.  In the Keys, diving is usually busier in the spring and summer months, so during those months be sure to only take things aboard you need. Space can be limited on dive boats and you may be shoulder to shoulder with other scuba divers during your time on board. Also there may very little room for things that have to stay dry so limit what you take.

3Pick your spot and stick to it. Each diver is usually positioned at a pair of scuba tanks with some room for storage nearby, usually under the sitting area.  Keep to your space and don’t spread stuff out all over the boat; respect the space of your fellow scuba divers. You’ll set up your scuba equipment on your scuba tank and return to the same spot after the dive. The crew will let you know the procedure for getting a full tank for the next dive if you’re doing another dive.

4Pay attention to the briefings. Most boat dives include a dive site orientation before the dive begins. If you’re setting up your scuba gear  or talking to your buddy during the briefing, you’re likely to miss important details that will make your dive more enjoyable.  At Captain Hook’s, if you miss some of the dive briefing, we put a divemaster in the water with you free of charge so all you have to do is follow the divemaster, if you want.

5Ask for help if you need it. The boat crew members walk a fine line between respecting experienced divers and helping out new ones. Sometimes it’s hard for them to tell the difference so if you have a question or need a hand, please ask, we will be more than happy to help.  As a part of our regular service we help or perform the changeover between dives.  If you would like to it yourself, please just let us know.

6Carefully follow entry and exit instructions. They may be drastically different between destinations, even from dive to dive. Be sure to note any change in conditions when you surface. If the dive platform on the back of the boat is rising and falling in the waves, time your entry and exit for when the water is closest to the platform.

7Know your boat. Remember its name and notice what it looks like underwater. There aren’t many things more embarrassing than ending a successful scuba dive by boarding the wrong boat. You gotta get back in the water and your real boat has to come fetch you. In front of everybody. They usually laugh. It’s not fun.

8Tipping is customary in the Keys and helps the dive professionals in a low-wage, high-rent area.  If you have had good service your tip should be accordingly.  I wouldn’t tip if I received poor service.