Thursday, July 30, 2009

Making the scuba diving liveaboard memorable



If you really want to really scuba dive on a holiday, the liveaboard is probably the best way to get your dive-for-the-buck.

My first liveaboard was exciting and a bit daunting at the same time. I’d just received my Open Water certification and was really keen on getting out and diving on my own. I made it a bit easier by booking an all-inclusive with a London-based dive school and all I had to do was just turn up at the airport and off I went. As first trips go, it was a rapid learning curve (with some confusion and not wanting to look like a moron.

Boats range from the state of the art with amazing amenities to the most basic. Be prepared and take what you need. If you need rental gear, organise this in advance.

When you don’t know anyone on the boat, it’s nice to break the ice. Don’t hide in your room. Meet your fellow travellers and the crew. The outside deck is a lot nicer anyways. You’re going to be living in small tight surroundings with few other people. Being good neighbours and friends will make the trip more enjoyable and pleasant.

Non-diving companions? Best to leave them behind. A boat trip with a partner or a family member may sound like fun but imagine what it would like being the odd one out: being left out of all the pre-dive excitement and anticipation, not having anything to say at the post-dive huddle, quietly watching the boat companions toasting another great day of diving, hoping for a nice snorkelling opportunity and being seasick for all your efforts.

Before you book
Check immigration requirements about required visas etc.

If you are fairly new to diving or if you’re looking for your first liveaboard, mention this to the travel agent or diveshop. Many sites have certification level requirements. It’s also nice to be with people at a similar level and experience.

Review timing of your flights and sailings. Unless your trip is a package including flight, transfers and the boat, make sure you allow enough time between flight arrival and boarding the boat. A delayed flight can mean you miss the boat. Also, remember the no-flight time required between your last dive of the trip and your return flight home. Generally, the last day of the trip should be a no-dive, no fly day and it can be spent doing nothing by the poolside, sightseeing on land or getting in the last minute shopping.

If you have special dietary requirements, mention this when booking.

Make sure you have adequate dive insurance. Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a membership-based organisation that offers a comprehensive range of dive and travel insurance.

Seasickness

Unless you’ve got sea legs, be prepared and take medication with you. Some motion sickness remedies can make you drowsy so it is always a good idea to ask a doctor who knows a bit about diving.

Once the sickness hits, it will be difficult to keep down the medication so take the tablets BEFORE the journey starts.

A bigger boat is generally more stable. Trip booking sites usually have the specs for the boats. If you aren’t sure, ask the agent or tour operator.

Health and safety
• Limit your diving to what you are allowed under your level of certification (this includes depth maximum, overhead environments, mixed gas diving, decompression diving)
• Listen to the trip briefings
• Listen to the pre-dive briefings
• Stay away from out-of-bound and crew only areas
• Always abide by the instructions of the captain and the crew. Don’t jump in for a swim unless you’ve been told it’s safe
• Consume alcohol in moderation. There is strong evidence linking drinking with diving ailments
• Stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration contributes to many ills on a holiday
• Because you’re on a boat, you’ll get an opportunity to do a lot of diving. Do not feel compelled to do every single one offered. If you are feeling tired or fatigued, sit it out and nap.
• Getting a good night’s rest is very important - not all that easy if you’re a light sleeper. Anchoring, motors revving and a moving boat make sleeping difficult. This is where the afternoon surface interval comes in handy for a kip

Small things to make life more comfortable
• You never have enough towels on a liveaboard – take few of your own
• Take comfortable boat-appropriate clothing – things that are easy to get in and out of, preferably quick-to-dry
• Waterproof containers and bags will come in handy when you want to keep things dry
• Pack light and small – those cabins are not huge
• Once you’re off, you won’t have a chance to restock on anything – CHECK to make sure you have everything you’ll need for the trip
• Take a good book. Sometimes, you will just want some solitary time to yourself
• Don’t forget your spares kit – containing your basic tools, spare O-rings. Boats usually have the basics but it’s nice to be prepared and able to do your own minor maintenance

Otherwise, bon voyage!

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