Why do divers roll backward off boats?

Divers roll backward off boats because it’s the easiest and safest way to enter the water from a small vessel while wearing heavy gear. Sitting on the edge with your tank facing the water lets gravity do the work. When you roll back, the tank enters first and your body follows smoothly without hitting the side of the boat or tangling hoses on the railing.

That said, this entry is fairly rare for most recreational divers. The majority of dive boats use a giant stride entry, where you step forward off a stable platform. I had logged more than 100 dives before I was ever asked to do a backward roll from a small dinghy. You’ll mainly see it in places where divers use inflatable boats or rigid-hull tenders that don’t have enough space to stand and stride.

Entry & Exit Skills

Master the essential entry and exit skills that keep every dive safe and controlled, from giant strides and shore entries to exiting the water.

Back Roll Entry for Small Boats and RIBs: Safe Technique

How to perform a safe, efficient back roll entry from small boats and inflatables. Covers gear prep, commands, execution, and post-entry procedures.