What Skills Make An Expert Diver? 3/6

Water ENTRIES - This is part 3 of a 6 part series of articles on mastering the skills to become an expert diver. The earlier parts of the series are still available on SEAduction.com.

This is part 3 of a 6 part series of articles on mastering the skills to become an expert diver.  The earlier parts of the series are still available on SEAduction.com.

Forward Roll Entry (1-2-3 wow)

This is the place where you are most likely to look foolish and it happens to the best of us. Instructors and divemasters aren’t immune to entry errors. These usually result from rushing through the water entry process. I know you are in a hurry; after all there are other people behind you on the boat. But, when you feel inclined to rush, remember this simple slogan: Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. It is always better to take a few extra seconds to avoid entering the water twice on the same dive.

The first rule for a smooth entry is to do an equipment check before you stand up to move to the swim platform. Put all of your equipment except for your fins on your body. Ensure that you have no dangling hoses or other equipment. While watching your SPG, take two full deep breaths off your octopus and then two full deep breaths off your primary regulator. If your SPG drops a visible amount (more than 3 or 4 PSI on digital gauges), your air is not turned on or not turned on fully. Now shoot a couple of squirts of air into your BCD and then manipulate the deflate button just to be sure it is working.

The second rule of proper entries is: Follow the instructions given in the dive briefing. You did listen to the dive briefing, didn’t you? Different boats have different entry procedures. Some may have a seat where you can sit to put on your fins; others may require you to put them on while standing. Regardless of the procedure, never walk on the deck of a dive boat with your fins on for more than one or two steps as required by the boat’s procedure. Most divers manage donning their fins while seated very easily. Standing can be a bit more difficult unless you remember to use the figure-four position. Use the boat’s railing, transom or whatever other solid structure is available; place your left side against the solid object, hold on securely with your left hand. Now bring your left ankle to your right knee. You should have one fin in your right hand and in this figure four position it should be quite simple to slip the fin onto your foot and pull the strap over your heel in one fluid motion. Quick release buckles should be secure before you reach this point of the entry process. Now repeat the process holding on with the right hand and placing the fin on the right foot with your left hand.

Depending on the boat, you may need to do different types of entries. The two most common are the backroll (from small boats) and the giant stride (boats with platforms or docks). Surf entries are also common in some parts of the world, but those special entries need an article of their own for proper coverage. Regardless of the entry used there are some universal rules:

1. Never enter until the captain or divemaster tells you to go.


2. Hold your mask and regulator so that you do not lose them when you hit the water.


3. Make sure there is no dangling gear to catch on the boat or platform


4. Enter the water with some air in your BCD.


5. If you wear a traditional weight belt, you should hold the buckle with your right hand to avoid losing it and be ready to dump the weight in case you have an issue.


6. Always look for obstructions and other divers in the water just before you enter

Giant Stride Entry

Giant strides are the most common form of entry and also the easiest to complete. Follow the rules above and the take a large step forward while leaning forward and looking out at the horizon. You must resist the urge to hop, skip or bounce. This is a common problem but it is incorrect. In the best-case scenario when you do the giant hop you look pretty stupid. In the worst case, your tank hits the platform before being forced up and into the back of your head. Never look down at the water because it can cause your mask lens to break.

Back Roll Entry

The back roll is a bit harder but easily accomplished with a little practice. First, position yourself as close to the edge of the boat or platform as you can possibly get. If possible, the tank should be hanging over the side. Now follow the same rules listed above and then remember to tuck into a tight ball as you roll backwards while looking back at the boat. If you extend your legs, they can catch on the gunwales or other objects in the boat, leaving you dangling upside down and half in the water. With either entry, you should take the following steps as soon as you enter the water:

1. Move away from the entry area so the next diver can get ready to enter.


2. Check to insure you are slightly positive.


3. Do a quick check of your gear.


4. Signal the boat you are OK.


5. Wait for your buddy. If there is a current, you should hold onto the boats trail or tag line so you do not have to fight it.

Now you are ready to commence your dive – we will cover exits at the end of our dive.