Ending the Dive as a Team:
Exits, Gear Removal & Final Checks

The dive isn’t over when you hit the surface. It ends when every diver is safely out of the water, gear is secured, and no one is left struggling in silence. Strong dive teams finish just as intentionally as they start—by staying connected all the way through the final steps.

The Surface Swim and Final Approach

After surfacing:

• Stay together—don’t sprint toward the exit or boat
• Confirm everyone is OK, positively buoyant, and aware of the plan
• Use your SMB or a visible marker if surfacing away from the entry point
• Adjust pace to the slowest diver in the group

If there’s current, waves, or boat traffic, communicate clearly and prioritize group movement over individual speed.

Exiting the Water as a Team

Exits vary by location, but the principles stay the same:

• Help each other with fins, weights, or removing gear before climbing a ladder
• In waves or surge, wait your turn—don’t crowd the exit
• If shore diving, assist others through slippery rocks, sand, or uneven footing
• One diver should remain geared up and in control until everyone is safely out

Don’t assume someone else will help—make the offer first.

Don’t Leave the Last Diver Behind

In group or boat diving, it’s easy for one diver to end up as the last person out—dealing with gear, helping others, and getting cold while still in full kit. Rotate responsibilities when possible, or stay in the water until everyone is ready to exit together. The dive ends faster and smoother when you finish as a unit.

Gear Off, But Team Mindset On

Once out of the water:

• Do a quick visual check on your teammates—shivering, limping, or disoriented divers may need help
• Ask: “You good?” and mean it
• If diving from a boat, stow gear neatly to avoid tripping others
• If diving from shore, assist with carry-out, especially for tired teammates
• Encourage hydration and don’t rush into teardown—pause and assess

Ending the dive together means no one packs up alone unless they choose to.

Cold Water Considerations

In cold conditions, it may take longer to exit and recover. Watch for signs of hypothermia or loss of coordination in your teammates. Remove hoods and gloves carefully, and be ready to assist with drysuit inflators, zippers, or stuck buckles. Support each other through teardown and layering up—cold stress can sneak up fast.

Final Checks Before Leaving the Dive Site

Before calling it a day, take a minute as a team:

• Confirm everyone’s gas was logged, equipment is accounted for, and no issues linger
• If anything went wrong or felt off, talk about it now, not days later
• Don’t assume silence means everything was fine—ask and listen
• Offer a debrief or support if someone had a hard time underwater

This small act of teamwork keeps issues from repeating and builds trust over time.

Post-Dive Self-Check

Before you leave the site, run a quick self-assessment (and check on teammates):

• Are you lightheaded, dizzy, or unusually tired?
• Any joint pain or tingling?
• Are you rehydrating?
• Did you get too cold or too hot during the dive?

Small signs can indicate bigger issues—talk about them early, not on the drive home.

The Dive Isn’t Over Until Everyone’s Good

Ending the dive as a team isn’t just good practice—it builds your reputation as a reliable, supportive diver that others want to keep diving with.