When to Use It
- Pools
- Low platforms or docks where standing entries aren't practical
- Divers needing extra control including beginners or those with limited mobility
- Heavily geared dives where the diver prefers to stay close to the platform for balance
This entry is especially common in confined water sessions or when teaching new divers.
Step-by-Step Technique
1. Gear and Buddy Check
- Setup your Gear
- Do your pre-dive checks
- Put fins on before sitting (if space allows) or have them passed to you once seated
2. Sit on the Edge
- Sit facing the water with your legs already in
- Adjust so you're close to the edge your bottom should be right at the lip of the platform
- Stay balanced, compact, and stable
3. Stabilize and Pivot
- Look left and right for any potential snag hazards when you pivot
- Place both hands on the platform for support
- Lift one hand (your choice) and turn your body in that direction
- Slide gently into the water, leading with your legs and pushing off with the hand on the platform
- Breathe from your regulator during the entry, no need to hold it with your hand
4. After Entry
- Once in the water, stay calm and maintain awareness of your position and surroundings
- Signal “OK” to the surface team
- Move away from the platform to clear space for the next diver
Tips for Success
- Use a firm hand grip during the pivot to avoid slipping
- Stay low, this helps with stability and control
- If there are grab rails or ropes, use them to steady yourself before and after the entry
Common Mistakes
- Trying to rush the entry — results in awkward or unbalanced movement
- Not checking the water below — risks landing near another diver or on gear