Header

Contents

Boat Diving Specialty Overview

Certification

Equipment

Tidal Currents

Boat Terminology

Characteristics of Boat Diving

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Boarding & Disembarking

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Dive Preparation

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Entry Preparation

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Entry (1)

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Entry (2)

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Entry (3)

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Entry (4)

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Descent

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Underwater Activities

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Ascent

Boat Diving Procedures
■ Exit

Drift Diving
■ Entry Preparation

Drift Diving
■ Entry

Drift Diving
■ Descent

Drift Diving
■ Underwater Activities

Drift Diving
■ Ascent

Drift Diving
■ Exit

Drift Diving
■ Preventing Seasickness

Boat Terminology

During boat-diving briefings, the crew and dive leader may use the terms below. Knowing these words helps you follow instructions quickly and move safely on board.

Boat Diagram
Boat Lines Diagram

① Bow
The front of the boat. It often has the most motion while underway.

② Stern
The back of the boat. It often has less motion while underway.

③ Starboard
The right side of the boat when facing the bow (front).

④ Port
The left side of the boat when facing the bow (front).

⑤ Ladder
The ladder used to board the boat from the water. Some ladders are removable.

⑥ Propeller
Keep clear. Never approach the propeller area, especially when the engine is running.

⑦ Deck
The flat walking surface of the boat. Decks can be slippery when wet—watch your footing.

⑧ Cabin
An enclosed area/room on the boat. Larger boats may include showers and restrooms.

⑨ Anchor
The anchor holds the boat in place by gripping the seabed (sand, rock, or rubble).

⑩ Anchor Line
The line/rope connecting the anchor to the boat.

⑪ Bollard / Cleat
A fitting used to secure lines. Anchor and mooring lines may be tied off here.

⑫ Descent Line
A line used as a visual and physical reference for descending and ascending. A weight is attached at the end.

⑬ Current Line
A line you can hold while waiting to descend. It reduces effort and helps prevent drifting in current.

⑭ Tag Line
A line that runs from the boat to the descent line. After entry, you can use it to reach the descent line in current.

⑮ Gear Line
A line used to pass equipment (such as cameras) between the boat and divers when appropriate.



Windlass (1) Windlass (2)

⑯ Windlass
A mechanical device used to raise and lower the anchor and anchor line.




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