Emergency Contacts & Check-In Systems:
What New Divers Should Know

Most new divers focus on gear and dive plans—but not enough think about what happens after the dive. What if someone doesn’t come back? Who notices? Who calls for help?

This page covers what new divers should expect from instructors, dive shops, or boat captains, and what to do when diving with friends at a quarry or lake where no one else is in charge.

Why Diver Accountability Matters

In any emergency, the first question is: “Who’s missing, and when did anyone last see them?”

If no one is tracking that, rescue efforts are delayed—and dive safety turns into guesswork. Whether you're on a charter, in a class, or diving with friends, someone should always know who’s in the water and when they’re back out.

When You’re Diving with Instructors or Dive Operators

In a professional setting (charter boat, guided trip, dive class), the operator is responsible for knowing who’s diving and having a basic emergency plan in place. That includes:

• A diver roll call or roster
• Emergency contact info for all participants
• O₂ kit, first aid, and local emergency access
• A way to reach EMS or the Coast Guard
• Someone assigned to track entries and exits

As a new diver, you can expect:

• To be asked for your emergency contact
• To see a whiteboard or roster
• To hear who’s in charge of emergencies
• A clear process for checking back in after the dive

If none of this is happening, that’s a red flag. You don’t need to challenge anyone—just ask a low-key question like: “Who’s keeping track of everyone getting in and out today?” “Where’s the emergency kit in case something happens?”

These are reasonable questions—and any competent professional will have answers.

When You’re Diving with Friends at a Quarry or Local Site

If you’re not on a charter or in a class, then no one else is in charge—which means your group needs to take responsibility for check-in/check-out safety.

This doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits go a long way:

• Write down diver names before you enter the water
• Note who’s diving with who
• Track time in and expected return
• Make sure someone knows when everyone is safely out

If there’s no park staff or logbook, just use a dry-erase board in your car or a waterproof notebook clipped to your bag.

When to Let Someone Outside the Dive Team Know

Even if you're diving with friends, it’s a good idea to let someone who’s not on site know where you are—especially if there’s no cell service or you’re diving a remote site.

Personal Note: I always text my wife after exiting the water—just a quick “I’m safe” message. She doesn’t dive, but that check-in gives her peace of mind. More importantly, if I ever forget to send it, she knows something may be wrong and can follow up. It’s not a formal system, but it’s a reliable safety net.

You don’t need a full EAP for every fun dive—but someone should know where you are, when you’re diving, and when you’re done.

Bottom Line for New Divers

You don’t need to lead the team—but you should notice whether anyone’s tracking who’s diving, who’s surfaced, and when everyone’s done.

If no one is, that’s your cue to speak up. A simple “Should we jot down who’s diving today?” might be all it takes to close a safety gap.

This isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about being prepared.