Updated 15th November, 2010

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If you really want to really dive – and dive loads -  on a holiday, the liveaboard is your best option. It’s exactly what the name says: you live on a boat for the duration of your dive trip so you’re just a few metres from your next diving adventure.

What’s so good about a liveaboard diving trip?

Depending on the itinerary and the dives, you may be diving three, four or even five times per day on a liveaboard trip. And it’s not just the value-for-money but also the convenience, the social aspects of living on a boat with other divers and the sheer thrill of being out at sea for days (or even weeks) that make the liveaboard worthwhile.

The idea of living and diving off a boat for an extended period of time may be a bit exciting and daunting. My first liveaboard was exactly that. I’d just received my Open Water certification and was really keen on getting out and diving on my own. I made it a bit easier by booking an all-inclusive and all I had to do was just turn up at the airport and off I went. As first trips go, it was a rapid learning curve (with some confusion and not wanting to look like a clueless newbie).

Be social on the boat

When you don’t know anyone on the boat, it’s nice to break the ice. Don’t hide in your room. Meet your fellow travellers and the crew. The outside deck is a lot nicer than your little cabin. You’re going to be living in small tight surroundings with other people. Being good neighbours and friends will make the trip more enjoyable and pleasant.

Don’t be put off by the more experienced companions on the boat. Some people like to show off or brag about their past diving conquests but most of the time, telling stories and sharing makes the trip more fun.

What to do with non-diving companions?

Best to leave them behind. A boat trip with a partner or a family member may sound like fun but imagine what it would like being the odd one out: being left out of all the pre-dive excitement and anticipation, not having anything to say in the post-dive huddle, quietly watching the boat companions toasting another great day of diving and being seasick for all your efforts.

Before you book

1. Check immigration requirements, if visas are required etc.
2. If you are fairly new to diving or if you’re looking for your first liveaboard, mention this to the travel agent or diveshop. Many sites have certification level requirements. It’s also nice to be with people at a similar level and experience.
3. Boats range from the state of the art with amazing amenities to the most basic. Be prepared and take what you need. If you need rental gear, organise this in advance.
4. Review the timing of your flights and sailings. Unless your trip is a package including flight, transfers and the boat trip, make sure you allow enough time between flight arrival and boarding the boat. A delayed flight can mean you miss the boat. Also, remember the no-flight time required between your last dive of the trip and your return flight home. Generally, the last day of the trip should be a no-dive, no fly day and it can be spent doing nothing by the poolside, sightseeing on land or getting in the last minute shopping.
5. If you have special dietary requirements, mention this when booking.
6. Make sure you have adequate dive insurance. Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a membership-based organisation that offers a comprehensive range of dive and travel insurance.

Seasickness

Unless you’ve got sea legs, be prepared and take medication with you. Some motion sickness remedies can make you drowsy so it is always a good idea to ask a doctor who knows a bit about diving.

Once the sickness hits, it will be difficult to keep down the medication so take the tablets BEFORE the start of the journey.

A bigger boat is generally more stable. Booking agents usually have the specs for the boats. If you aren’t sure, ask the agent or tour operator.

Health and safety on a liveaboard

• Limit your diving to what you are allowed under your level of certification (this includes depth maximum, overhead environments, mixed gas diving, decompression diving)
• Listen to the trip briefings
• Listen to the pre-dive briefings
• Stay away from out-of-bound and crew only areas
• Always abide by the instructions of the captain and the crew. Don’t jump in for a swim unless you’ve been told it’s safe
• Consume alcohol in moderation. There is strong evidence linking drinking with diving illnesses and accidents
• Stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration contributes to many ills on a holidayand to dive-related accidents
• Because you’re on a boat, you’ll get an opportunity to do a lot of diving. Do not feel compelled to do every single dive offered. If you are feeling tired or fatigued, sit it out and nap
• Getting a good night’s rest is very important – not all that easy if you’re a light sleeper. Anchoring, motors revving and a moving boat can make sleeping difficult. This is why the afternoon surface interval comes in handy for a nap

Small things to make life on a boat more comfortable

• You never have enough towels on a liveaboard (unless its one of those luxury ones) – take a few of your own
• Take comfortable boat-appropriate clothing – things that are easy to get in and out of, preferably quick-to-dry
• Waterproof containers and bags will come in handy when you want to keep things dry
• Pack light and small – those cabins are not huge
• Once you’re off, you won’t have a chance to restock on anything – CHECK to make sure you have everything you’ll need for the trip
• Take a good book. Sometimes, you will just want some solitary time to yourself
• Don’t forget your spares kit – containing your basic tools, spare O-rings. Boats usually have the basics but it’s nice to be prepared and able to do your own minor maintenance

Otherwise, have a great trip and bon voyage!

Lou

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