What are the rinse tanks for on boats?

[davieeeee]

I know this is a very noob question but I am so used to shore diving and rinsing my own gear the way I want that I cant quite remember which rinse tank is for which pieces of equipment? I obviosuly know one is for cameras, but what about the other two? And why? Is one just fresh water? It just occured to me last night that I couldnt rememebr what they were used for and I dont want to piss anyone off during my next boat dive!!

[Tableleg]

I've never been on a boat with more than one tank for specific equipment, it's usually just one big one and the DM will usually tell you what items they use it for. For example, the boat I was on in the Caymans had the rinse tank for cameras, and computers. Nothing else was supposed to go in there. A three tank setup, one could be for cameras, the next computers, and possible the last for your reg setup? I couldn't tell ya, but I'm almost positive that the DM will.

And it's a yes to the fresh water. It would be silly to rinse off the salt water off your stuff in a big tank of salt water.

[vadiver]

The rinse buckets on the dive boats I use are mainly for cameras and to masks. I always put my gauges in them after a dive to rinse them off (I even put my can light in one of the larger buckets on occassion).

There is usually a fresh water hose on board for a quick shower--do not use the hose for gear unless they say it's OK. Usually I wait to get back to the dock/hotel to do a complete rinse job.

[No Misses]

As you stated, one bucket is for cameras. The other bucket is for masks. Most people just chuck thier mask in the bucket after coming back onboard. When in doubt just ask the DM :-)

BTW, I have seen it mentioned on this forum, and it makes sense...Bring a bottle of water to rinse your own mask. Have you ever found a big loogie in your mask at the end of a dive? You can bet that somebody who rinsed thier mask in that bucket had one :-( I have not heard any reports of people catching the creaping crud from a rinse bucket. But, you may want to ask yourself "would I let any of these people spit in my eye"? That is what you are doing when you use a communal mask bucket. I will be joining the "bring my own bottle" club next time I am on a commercial dive boat.

[Aspendiver]

the reason that masks are soaked separately from cameras is the masks' soap/antifog- it can effect the seals on the camera case....
(I think most people already know this, but posted just in case!)

[mitsuguy]

it is also a good idea if you have a camera to leave it in the water for the remainder of the trip back... but, as has been mentioned, one is for cameras, the other for masks, third - who knows, but ask, they should specify which is which anyways...

[NitroWill]

Usually in the captains briefing they will go over these things - but if he doesnt tell you, dont hesitate to ask!

[Netsloth]

I'd much rather be the guy who asks the obvious question than the jerk who knows it all and screws something up because of it.

Don't be afraid to ask.

[BuzzF117]

Rinse tanks are for cleaing the sinus mess that is in your mask.....NOT REALLY!!

[Damselfish]

If they don't tell you and you're not sure, ask. But it's usually pretty obvious by size. Usually one for cameras (I don't see a problem with dipping a computer in there.) Maybe one for masks, which I avoid - I'll use my water bottle, hose/shower if they have one, the ocean ... but not the loogie bucket. Rare to have a tank for other gear unless it's a really big boat, like a liveaboard.

It's not necessarily a good idea to leave a camera in the rinse bucket during the trip. For one thing, if everyone does that there may not be room for everyones cameras. And, having a couple cameras banging around in there while the boat is running something may happen. Rinsed then wrapped in a towel and placed on a camera table may be safer. Or held in your lap. Really depends on the situation.