1st ocean boat dives-What safety gear

[mpd525]

Me and the wife are taking a vacaton to the keys in feburary. We've got all our gear, except for signaling type stuff. So it raises the question what all do i need to get. I know at least a couple of whistles, and a couple of safety sausages, do we need to get any strobes or an aquaflare. I'm gonna carry an old CD to use as a signaling mirror. So what do you old pro reccomend.

Also can you give me some insight on boat diving etiquette, and some need to know stuff for our trip.

[Matt P]

I don't recommend the old CD. It'll flake off all over your gear & won't last meore than a couple of dives. I strongly recommend just spending a couple of bucks on a mirror. You also may want to consider a Dive Alert

Have fun!

[Navy OnStar]

A true signaling mirror will cost $6.00 and it's more compact than a CD. Easy to find on the web.

Star Flash Signal Mirror

[mwhities]

Signal Mirror, Accessories: Signaling, Trident, Signal Mirror

[fireflock]

For a keys trip, I would probably carry a tall SMB, a strobe, and a mirror.

Boat etiquette depends to some extent on where you are, but in general just be on time, keep your stuff in your space (ie. don't spread it all over the deck), listen to the crew and follow their requests, don't cut it line (if there is one) when re-boarding, don't clog the head, and tip the crew if you think they deserve it.

The crew will tell you how/where they want you to enter and how they want you to re-board (fins on/fins off).

You might find this article to be useful:
http://www.silentworldkeylargo.com/ETIQUETTE.pdf

Enjoy the trip!

[Defman]

Scuba Diving mag had a review on this stuff a couple of issues ago, here's a link to it..

http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/acce...d_found_at_sea

[rox@ucf11]

I would at least get a saftey suasage and a whistle most dive ops require a saftey suasage anyways at least in my expirience ( I dont have a mirror should I?)

[BuzzF117]

I will be putting this on my BCD DAN Divers Alert Network : Product Catalog : DAN Tag

[Puffer Fish]

I would make sure I had an smb that can be inflated underwater (and a way to store it). And a reel...

Just in case you get pulled away from everyone by a current, you don't want to get hit by a boat.

I would also be concerned about your dive time and where, in general, everyone else is..

[hoop]

Most everyone has covered the gear aspects. I will comment on boat manners.

Get a boat bag. Nothing irritates me more than someone bringing a rolling suitcase on a boat. The thing is monstrous, and takes up tons of room. I have a Akona boat bag from ST and I love it. Has a zipper down the side so it's easier to get your stuff in and out of it will bouncing up and down!

It's also usually customary to tip the divemaster at the end of the dives... I usually tip a 10 or 20, depending on their attitude..

Have fun man! Catch up with ya when Tenkiller warms up!