Exiting the Water (Ladders, Shore, RIBs)

Getting out of the water seems simple until it’s not. Whether you’re climbing a ladder, timing your exit with waves, or hoisting yourself into a RIB, the exit is when mistakes happen. Especially when you're tired, weighed down, or distracted.

At a Glance

• Rule: mask on, regulator in, and BCD inflated until fully clear of the water
• Ladders: one diver at a time, three points of contact, no crowding
• Shore or RIB: time conditions, stay stable, remove gear only when safe

Your dive isn’t over until you're fully out of the water with your gear secure.

General Rules for All Exits

• Keep your mask on and regulator in your mouth until you are fully out of the water and on board or on land
  • No exceptions unless you are handing up your gear to board a RIB (see below)
• Stay inflated until you’re safely clear of the water
• Secure your fins, either remove them or position them so you won’t trip or lose them
• Always wait your turn and avoid crowding the ladder or exit point

Exiting via Ladder (Boat Dive)

• Approach slowly and from down-current. Don’t let the ladder swing into you
• Hold the ladder with one hand, and remove one fin at a time
• Clip them off or hand them to crew before climbing if that’s the protocol
• Keep your regulator in your mouth until you are fully on board. Waves, swell, or footing can send you right back down
• Climb slowly and with three points of contact at all times. Either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand
• Be especially cautious on the top rungs as some boat ladders can swing or lift. If you’re top-heavy with gear and the ladder shifts, you can lose balance
• Don’t crowd another diver. Wait until the ladder is completely clear

I once got thrown forward when the ladder swung up under me in Cozumel. I was fine, minus a bruised chest from hitting a bench. But it’s a lesson I won’t forget: always respect the ladder.

Why You Shouldn’t Crowd the Ladder

• It puts both divers at risk as a slip or shift can turn into a two-person accident
• Ladders move, especially on small boats. If it lifts or swings, you don’t want to be underneath it
• Gear gets tangled. Fins, hoses, or straps can easily catch between divers
• You create psychological pressure. Even silently "hovering" behind someone can make them rush, and rushing causes mistakes
• Crew can't assist properly when multiple divers are stacked on a single exit or entrance

Give space. One diver at a time. Always.

Exiting at Shore (Waves or Rocky Entry)

• Time your exit with the waves. Go in with the wave, not against it
• Walk backward only if visibility is clear and footing is firm. Otherwise, turn around and shuffle forward with stability
• Keep your regulator in your mouth. Don’t switch to snorkel in surf
• If you need to remove fins in the water, do it where you can still stay stable. Not in breaking surf
• If surf knocks you down, stay low and crawl out if needed. Pride is optional, safety is not
• Use natural landmarks to guide your return path as exits rarely look the same from the water

Exiting into a RIB or Small Boat

• Fully inflate your BCD and remove your weight belt if necessary before attempting to get in
• Most RIB exits are done by:
  • Removing your gear in the water and handing it up first
  • Then climbing in unencumbered from over the side, or using a rope or handle

Note on Regulators:

Because your regulator is attached to your tank, you will need to remove it when handing up your BCD. That’s okay...just make sure you are calm, stable, and fully inflated before doing so.

Common Mistakes

• Switching to snorkel too early can lead to water inhalation or panic if conditions change
• Trying to climb ladders with fins on can lead to slips or twisted ankles
• Getting too close to another diver exiting creates hazards for both of you
• Letting your BCD go negative during exit makes the exit harder and risks sinking unintentionally
• Removing your reg before you’re safely aboard as one unexpected wave is all it takes (unless you're handing up your gear to board a RIB)