Why boat etiquette matters Dive boats are fun, social, and busy. Lots of people, lots of gear, and a tight plan. Good etiquette keeps everyone safe and relaxed. It also helps the crew run the day on time. On Koh Tao, most trips are half-day or full-day runs with two or three dives. If we all follow the same simple rules, the boat feels calm, the dives start on time, and the reef gets the respect it deserves. Arrive prepared (and a little early) Boat time is real time. Arrive 10–15 minutes early so you can check in, grab your gear, and set up without rush. Use the bathroom at the pier if you can. Do you get seasickness? Eat a light snack and hydrate before boarding. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take your meds early. It’s better to prevent than to treat midway through the first dive. Listen to the briefing (really listen) The briefing is your roadmap for the dive and the day. It covers the site, plan, hazards, currents, depth limits, turn pressures, entry/exit methods, signals and roll call. Phones down during the briefing. If you miss a detail, ask right away. It’s never annoying to ask a safety question. It is annoying if you miss the recall signal because you were chatting. Keep your station tidy You’ll have a bench spot and a crate or basket. Keep all your gear there—no loose masks, no fins in the walkway, no cameras on random seats. Secure your cylinder with the boat’s strap or bungee. Lay the tank down when not in use. Close zips and lids so nothing rolls on deck. A tidy boat is a safe boat, and it saves time during turnarounds. Label your gear Put your name or a tag on your BCD, fins, mask box, and camera bin. If you use Nitrox, label the tank with your name, the mix, and the MOD as briefed by your guide. Double check your computer is set to the right gas and units. Mixing up gear is easy on a busy deck; labels prevent awkward moments. Share space and be ready on cue Boats run in waves. Your group sets up, dives, then the next group moves in. When it’s your turn, kit up promptly. When you’re done, clear the bench so others can work. If the guide says “Group A on the platform,” that’s your green light. If it’s not your turn, relax, hydrate, and stay clear of the work area. Mask, reg, and the entry Whether it’s a giant stride or a back roll, the rules are the same: mask on your face, regulator in your mouth, hand on mask and reg, and check below before you enter. Wait for the crew’s signal. Enter one at a time with spacing. After you splash, move away from the ladder or platform so the next diver can go. Give the “OK” at the surface, sort yourself out, then follow your guide. Exits and ladders On your return, keep clear of ladders until the crew calls you in. Never hang on the ladder while another diver is climbing. If the crew asks you to pass up weights or cameras first, do that. Remove fins only where told. Clip your SPG and octopus before you approach the ladder so nothing snags. Once on deck, step aside, sit, and remove your kit safely on the bench. Then secure your tank. No explanation necessary, but rinsing your wetsuit out after the dive makes for a much more pleasant experience for all 😉 Roll call and head counts On day boats, we do roll call after each dive and before moving the boat. Answer with your full name, loud and clear. Don’t say “yep.” Don’t answer for a buddy unless the crew asks. Head counts and roll call are serious. They make sure everyone is back aboard before we move. Respect wet and dry zones Most boats have a clear “wet deck” and a “dry area.” Keep wetsuits, dripping gear, and salty cameras in the wet zone. Dry area means no puddles—bring a small towel if you want to sit dry. This keeps the boat safe and comfortable for everyone. Rinse buckets and camera tables Use the correct bucket. If it says “cameras only,” it means cameras only. Do not rinse masks, boots, or spare parts in the camera bucket. Mask defog, sunscreen, and oils can damage delicate housings and lenses. If there’s a mask-only bucket, that’s your spot. Camera tables are work spaces—ask before you place your rig there, and never rest it on someone else’s gear. Mind your buoyancy (and the reef) Boat etiquette includes underwater etiquette. Good buoyancy keeps you off coral, the bottom, and your buddy. Trim your weights properly. Streamline hoses and accessories. Learn to hover while clearing your mask and checking gauges. If you need a quick buoyancy refresher, ask us. A few minutes in shallow water before the first dive can change your whole day, and it protects the reef. No touch, no chase, no feed Koh Tao’s marine life is relaxed when we are relaxed. Don’t touch coral or creatures. Don’t chase turtles or fish for photos. Give big schools and especially pelagic species space to swim past. Feeding wildlife changes their behaviour and harms the reef. Your best photos happen when you’re calm, still, and respectful. Follow the plan: depth, time, gas Stick to the plan given in the briefing: max depth, bottom time, and turn pressure. Signal your gas clearly at the agreed points. Stay with your guide and team. If the current changes or visibility drops, we adapt the route. Safety wins over the “perfect photo” every time. Surface signals and pickups At the end of the dive, do your safety stop and surface under your DSMB if required by the guide. On the surface, give the “OK” toward the boat. Keep your reg in your mouth if there are waves. Stay clear of the stern until the crew calls you in. If you surface far from the boat, relax, inflate your BCD, and wait for pickup instructions. Hydration, food, and sunscreen Drink water before and between dives. Eat small, simple snacks. Heavy meals can make you sluggish or seasick. Use reef-safe sunscreen and apply before you board or well away from the rinse buckets and camera gear. Wear a hat and a light layer for the wind on the ride home. Seasickness: simple steps that work Take motion sickness tablets before you feel ill. Pick a seat with a clear horizon view. Stay cool, sip water, and avoid the engine fumes if possible. Tell the crew if you feel unwell—we’re here to help, and we’ve seen it all. If it happens, it’s okay. It happens to many great divers. Keep pathways clear Walkways are for walking, not storage. Don’t leave bags, weight belts, or fins in the path. Clip gauges and pointing sticks to avoid tripping. Cameras go on the floor or assigned shelves, not on seats or steps. Clear paths make fast emergency responses possible—this is a safety thing as much as a comfort thing. Air fills, valves, and quick turnarounds Between dives, the crew may swap tanks or you may change them yourself—follow the day’s plan. After you switch, do a quick check: valve open, SPG pressure correct, computer on and set, inflator connected, releases closed. A 30-second check saves a lot of stress at the next entry. Buddy checks that are actually useful Do a calm, simple check before every dive: air on, alternate present and working, weights secure, releases closed, BCD inflates and dumps, computer on, camera cords clear, and a quick plan review (“max 18 m, turn at 100 bar, DSMB at 5 m”). A quick bubble check on the surface after entry catches small leaks before they become big problems. Noise and courtesy Keep voices low during briefings. Use headphones instead of speakers for music. Share the shade. Offer your seat to someone feeling green. Thank the crew—they juggle moorings, safety, food, fills, logistics, and your happiness. What to pack for a day boat Certification card or digital proof, logbook, and dive computer. Mask, snorkel (optional), fins, booties if needed, and a well-fitted wetsuit or rash guard. Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light layer or poncho, and a small towel. Dry bag with phone, wallet, a spare hair tie or mask strap, and any meds. Water bottle (we refill on board) and small snacks if you like. SMB and whistle if you own them; we can provide or rent where required. Common questions Can I bring my camera? Yes. Please use the camera table and the camera rinse bucket correctly. Ask the guide where to store it during the ride. Never block benches with rigs. What about Nitrox? We offer Nitrox on many trips. We’ll help you analyze and label your tank. Set your computer correctly before the dive. Can new divers join day boats? Of course. We match sites and groups to experience. Tell us your comfort level and when you last dived. We’ll plan a relaxed day that feels good for you. What if conditions change? They do sometimes. Your safety comes first. We may change site order, routes, or call a dive early. That’s normal and smart. Environmental respect: little habits that help a lot Weight check: add or remove a kilo if you were fighting buoyancy on the first dive. Streamline: clip everything. No dangling gauges or octos. Perfect kicks: frog kick or gentle flutter away from the bottom to avoid silt. Hands to yourself: no pushing off coral or holding rocks for photos. Trash: if you see a safe, small piece of trash, pick it up carefully. If it’s snagged or risky, mark the spot and tell your guide. Final thoughts (and an invite) Boat etiquette is not about being strict. It’s about keeping you safe, giving you space to enjoy the dives, and protecting the reef we love. Day boats on Koh Tao are friendly and relaxed; these habits keep them that way. If you want a calm, well-briefed day on the water, come dive with us. We keep groups small, pick sites that match your level, and focus on clear, simple communication. Send us a message and let’s plan your next Koh Tao dive day. If you’re still planning your trip, our guide to getting here is handy too: How to get to Koh Tao.