Page 65 - Boat hire for Diving

Boat diving is regarded as the most convenient form of diving. Boats are widely used for diving, and this is for good reason. Although shore diving has many benefits, many diving sites can only be reached by boat. Although shore diving will often see you ready to walk from the water and then wading into the waves. On the boat, once you are equipped, you can simply jump or roll it off, and then you are in the water. Therefore, boat hire for diving has become a perfect combination.

What type of boats for diving?

• RIBs

RIB stands for Rigid Inflatable Boat. RIBs are fast, manoeuvrable, and can reach places that large ships cannot reach, which makes them popular for liveaboard shuttles and day trips. They are powered by outboard engines and range in size from the small 4-seater version to the large and powerful 10- or 12-seater version, and even larger. The engine with the largest engine capacity can exceed a speed of 60 knots or 100 km/h/60 mph.

• Liveboards

Liveaboards are large vessels, usually 100 feet or longer, are equipped with a complete living area, a compressor for filling the tank, a space for 20 to 40 people, and a multi-day capacity. They are floating hotels that can accommodate divers for days or even weeks at a time, providing uninterrupted and relaxing visits to the most remote locations and the ultimate scuba vacation.

• Day boats

Day boats are large boats slightly smaller than liveboards made of steel or wood. They can usually hold 10 to 30 people. Accommodation on board ranges from very basic to very comfortable, including showers, pantry, toilets, etc. However, they do not provide overnight capacity. Here, you will often use the big steps to get in and out, and then use the diving ladder to climb back.

What do you need to keep in mind for boat diving beginner?

• Arriving on time

Diving boats usually operate on very tight schedules to accommodate multiple departures throughout the day. Divers should arrive at the scheduled meeting place earlier or before the meeting time to allow sufficient time to check in and fill out documents. The departure time is the time when the dive boat actually leaves the slide carrying all the divers. Most diving boats will not wait for late divers, many divers have arrived in the cabin and found it to be empty.

• Bring all the materials you need

Pack the boat suit.

A big fluffy hat can not only cover your face, but also cover your ears and the back of your neck. ...

Invest in the right sunglasses

Prepare an extra towel

A dry bag

Bring water and snacks

Seasick pills

• Patience

Some beginners want to go straight into the water and think they will know what to do immediately. You should know that this is not the case. Boat diving is something you have to learn in water. You will need time, experience and making mistakes. This may be a long process, but the more time you learn the correct procedures, the safer your diving experience will be. So, be patient with yourself and others.

• Safety

For beginners, one of the most important rules of diving at any stage is to stay with your partner. This is very important, because in some cases, you are each other's lifeline. When learning to dive, it is especially important not to deviate from the instructor or diving partner. You may be distracted by all the underwater beauties but remember that the safety of you and your team is much more important.

How much it costs to hire a boat for diving?

As for renting a boat for diving, the boat needs some certain requirements. It has to have enough space for your diving tools and your necessary things for the day. If you are diving with a couple of friends for a few days, catamaran and sailboat are the best choices for you. If it’s just for a day, a RIB will be enough. Renting a RIB for a day for diving in peak season will cost you 400 euros in average. Catamaran and sailboat both have larger sizes to fit more divers in, as a result, they cost higher as well 450 euros in average. It will of course need you too book in advance, 4-6 months earlier will be perfect for a good price. Renting a boat for diving can save you a lot of time than shore diving, and you will have enough freedom for diving when you hire your own boat with friends.