How to Exit Deep Water When Scuba Diving

Diving from a boat or shoreline shelf means climbing from deep water. Use this technique to avoid that sinking feeling.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Scuba Gear

1. End the dive with air left in your tank (always a good idea) and swim to the boat platform or shoreline shelf.
2. Face the edge, keeping the regulator in your mouth (yes, continue to breathe, too).
3. Inflate your buoyancy compensator (BC).
4. Release the weight-belt buckle and keep a hold on the strap end. The buckle and weight should swing clear behind you.
5. Gather the belt ends in one hand and fold the weight with the other, until you have a manageable package to lift onto the shelf.
6. Remove the scuba unit by alternately sliding shoulders from the BC.
7. Exchange the regulator for your snorkel.
8. Release the scuba unit, which should float buoyantly on the surface.
9. Place both hands crisscrossed on the shelf's edge, right hand over left.
10. Kick mightily and propel yourself out of the water with your fins.
11. Twist around to the left as you rise and land sitting between your hands, facing the water.
12. Remove your fins, then reach down and draw out the scuba unit by the tank valve. Be careful not to strike it on the edge.
13. Assist your buddy.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remove your fins last. If you need to swim suddenly (because you were knocked loose or someone requires assistance), you'll benefit from the power of fins.
• If you must climb a ladder, remove each fin and thread the loop strap onto your arm.
• If diving from a boat, throw a rope and plastic-coated hook over the edge before entering the water. Attach your weight belt to the hook before exiting and save yourself the trouble of lifting it on deck. The same technique can be used on a shoreline with the same entry and exit point - if it won't harm any marine life.
• Do not attempt this exit if the exit edge is much more than a foot above the water. Keep in mind you must lift your weight belt that far.