Leave the beach. Find the best below.
Learn how to prepare, enter, exit and dive confidently from different types of boats while exploring Diani’s offshore coral reefs.
The journey is part of the adventure.
Many of the world’s most exciting dive sites can only be reached by boat. Each vessel has its own layout, routines, entry methods and safety procedures.
The SSI Boat Diving specialty teaches you how to prepare your equipment, move safely around a dive boat and enter or leave the water efficiently without creating unnecessary stress.
Be ready for more than one type of vessel
A small inflatable, a traditional local dive boat and a large liveaboard operate differently. Boat Diving helps you recognise the differences.
Small Boats & RIBs
Space is limited, so preparation, seating, equipment security and coordinated entries are particularly important.
Day Boats
Learn to use tank racks, entry platforms, ladders, lines and designated equipment areas without blocking the deck.
Liveaboards
Larger vessels may use tenders, dive decks, platforms, tagging systems and procedures for multiple daily dives.
Organised boat. Smoother dive.
Secure Your Equipment
Cylinders, weights and loose items must be secured so movement of the boat does not turn them into hazards.
Keep the Deck Clear
Store equipment in the assigned area and avoid blocking walkways, exits or emergency equipment.
Identify Entry & Exit Points
Know where you will enter, how you will return and whether equipment needs to be passed up first.
Listen to the Briefing
Boat-specific instructions from the skipper and dive team take priority over generic procedures.
Prepare before the countdown begins
Good boat diving starts long before you step into the water.
Listen
Follow the boat, safety and dive-site briefings.
Assemble
Set up and check your equipment while the deck is calm.
Kit Up
Prepare with your buddy without blocking other divers.
Enter
Use the entry method selected by the boat crew.
Return
Approach, exit and account for divers and equipment.
The right technique depends on the boat.
You will learn to assess the vessel, sea conditions, available space and crew instructions before choosing an entry or exit procedure.
Backward Roll
Common on smaller vessels where divers sit along the side. Equipment is secured before the diver rolls backwards together.
Giant Stride
Often used from a stable platform when there is sufficient depth and the crew confirms the entry area is clear.
Ladder & Platform Exit
Approach carefully, maintain contact and follow instructions about whether to remove fins or pass equipment to the crew.
Confident from dock to dive site
Equipment Preparation
Assemble, check and secure equipment efficiently in a limited working space.
Boat Briefings
Understand emergency equipment, procedures, signals, roll calls and crew responsibilities.
Entries & Exits
Use appropriate techniques based on the vessel, conditions and instructions from the crew.
Lines & Reference Points
Use descent, ascent, current or trail lines when they are part of the dive plan.
Surface Procedures
Remain visible, signal clearly and follow the planned pickup or return procedure.
Buddy Teamwork
Complete final checks, enter together and maintain awareness during the return to the boat.
Your Boat Diving course itinerary
The exact schedule and dive sites depend on weather, ocean conditions and student progress.
Complete Your Digital Learning
Work through the SSI Boat Diving materials in MySSI before meeting your instructor.
Boat Orientation & Briefing
Review equipment storage, emergency equipment, safe movement, entries, exits and surface procedures.
First Training Dive
Apply the boat procedures during a supervised dive on one of Diani’s suitable coral-reef sites.
Surface Interval & Review
Discuss the first dive, organise equipment and prepare correctly for the second entry.
Second Dive & Certification
Reinforce your skills during the second dive and complete the remaining course performance requirements.
Your Diani boat-diving package
Entry requirements
Who Can Join?
- Minimum age of 10 years
- Open Water Diver certification or equivalent
- Comfortable with basic scuba skills
- SSI course paperwork completed
Medical Fitness
All participants must complete the required diver medical questionnaire. Some conditions or medications may require medical clearance before diving.
Check Medical InformationBoat Diving FAQs
What type of boat will we use?
What if I get seasick?
Do I need my own scuba equipment?
Where will the two dives take place?
What should I bring?
Ready to leave the beach behind?
Contact Ocean Tribe for upcoming SSI Boat Diving course availability in Diani Beach.
