Entries & Exits

Skin divers and scuba divers use the same methods to enter the water. No matter which method is used, the goal of the entry is to get into the water with ease and safety.

A few precautions must be taken before the entry. First, make sure the area below is deep enough for a safe entry. Next, check to make sure all of your gear is secure. The final step before any entry is to make sure no divers are at the surface where you'll be making your entry.

The most common methods of entry are the giant stride, back roll, seated entry, and shore entry. These methods are described on this page. Your instructor may teach you additional methods that are used in your local area.

beach divers

Giant Stride Entry

The giant stride is used to enter the water from large boats, piers, pool decks, or other stable platforms. For your safety, this entry should only be used when the surface is less than 6 feet above the water's surface, and the water is at least 6 feet deep. To perform a giant stride:

  1. Stand at the edge of the platform with both fins hanging over the edge.
  2. Place the snorkel or regulator in your mouth.
  3. Place a hand over your face so it secures both your mask and snorkel.
  4. Place the other hand over your weight belt buckle. This helps prevent the water impact from opening the buckle on entry.
  5. Check the area below you for any divers in the area.
  6. While standing straight up and looking at the horizon, step forward with either foot.
  7. You will enter the water with your legs spread wide apart. Bring them together as soon as you enter the water to help propel you towards the surface.
  8. Display the OK signal as soon as you surface.

Back Roll Entry

The back roll is the entry of choice when entering from a small boat. To perform a back roll entry, use the following procedure.

  1. Sit on the edge of the boat with your back towards the water.
  2. Place all hoses and gear at or near your chest.
  3. Place the regulator or snorkel in your mouth.
  4. Place either hand over your face so it secures both your mask and snorkel.
  5. Place the other hand over back of your head to protect it from the cylinder valve.
  6. Make sure the area behind you is clear.
  7. Tuck your head down towards your chest and allow yourself to fall backwards into the water.
  8. Display the OK signal as soon as you surface.

Seated Entry

The seated side entry is most commonly used to enter from the edge of a pool. To perform a seated side entry, use the following procedure.

  1. Sit at the edge of the pool with your legs in the water.
  2. Check the area below for any divers in the area.
  3. Place the regulator or snorkel in your mouth.
  4. Place both hands next to each other at the edge of the pool.
  5. Push yourself up and away from the edge of the pool.
  6. Lower yourself into the water as soon as you face the edge of the pool.

Shore Entry

Shore diving is popular in many locations where a boat is not necessary to reach interesting dive sites. How the entry is executed depends on the conditions and characteristics of the shore, so your instructor will teach you the most appropriate entry procedures for your local conditions.

Surf is one of the most important considerations during a shore entry. If surf is present, observe the wave sets and time your entry with the smaller waves. If a wave approaches while you are in the surf zone, stand sideways with your legs spread apart to brace yourself against the surf. Never turn your back to the ocean because even a small wave can knock you over if you don't see it coming. If you are wearing scuba equipment, keep the regulator in your mouth during the entire entry. This allows you to breathe in the event you fall during the entry.

diver entering the water through the surf

Water Exits

How you exit the water depends on the boat or shore you are diving from. Most commercial dive boats are equipped with an exit ladder or platform. When exiting from a shore, you can usually walk straight out of the water, but presence of surf may require you to crawl out on your hands and knees.

The following pages describe exit procedures for boat and shore exits. These are general exit procedures, and the boat you dive from may request special exit procedures that suit their specific exit configuration. The divemaster will brief you on the exit procedure prior to the dive.

divers exiting water

Boat Exits

Most dive boats are equipped with an exit ladder, exit platform, or combination of both, and this determines the appropriate exit procedure that you should follow. Before any exit, wait to approach the exit area until the area is clear of other divers, and follow the instructions the divemaster provides.

Small boats have ladders that require you to climb up high out of the water, and these are difficult to climb while wearing heavy equipment. If you must remove your equipment prior to exiting, begin with your weight belt, and follow with your BCD. Do not remove your fins until you have a firm grip on the ladder and you are ready to exit.

Medium size boats have ladders that hang from a platform just above the water. With these exits, you should be able to exit while wearing all of your gear with the exception of your fins.

Most large boats have platforms that are lowered about a foot below the surface. When these platforms are present, swim onto the platform and wait for the divemaster to remove your fins before continuing onto the boat.

boat diver exiting the water

Shore Exits

When condition are calm, you can exit to the shore by simply removing your fins and walking out. However, when there is surf, you may need to time your exit with the smaller waves and crawl out on your hands and knees. Follow these procedures when exiting through surf.

  1. Observe the wave sets. Time your exit with the smaller waves.
  2. When you are ready to exit, place the regulator in your mouth and swim towards the shore.
  3. Begin crawling as soon as possible. Do not stop until you reach dry sand. Keep the regulator in your mouth during the entire exit to prevent sand from entering the regulator.
  4. If a wave approaches, stop and tuck your head down. Brace yourself as the wave passes overhead, and then continue crawling.
  5. Have your buddy remove your fins before standing up.
diving shore exit through surf