by the kid on February 7th, 2007

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Why do scuba divers always fall backwards out of a boat?

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Answers. 15 helpful answers below.

by scubabob on February 12th, 2007
Answer removed in protest of AB staff's lack of action protecting the membership from the COAT gang and their skewing answers.
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- Lol...someone is off their meds again. -5 huh?
  
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  by scubabob on May 7th, 2008
- Even funnier, someone is rolling through here as part of a troll gang or a troll with multiple accounts. There are two correct answers posted to this question, Broseph's and mine. The rest of the answers here are absolute bunk.
  
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  by scubabob on May 7th, 2008
- Excuse me, what is the COAT gang? I've been away and am not familiar with this term.
  
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  by BAM@Cyberscrewed.tk on June 5th, 2008
- Yes I am curious too
  
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  by Ray Del Sol on October 10th, 2009
- The COAT is a clique that run about adjusting answers as they see fit. They IM each other in here and send out "COAT alerts", with links to question or answers that they find objectionable or if one of their members gets rated down for a silly answer, they all jump in to put that answer on top of the stack. Basically, they're a gang.
  
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  by scubabob on October 10th, 2009
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by Anonymous on February 11th, 2007
If you jumped in going front first, it's hard to clear the boat without hitting the tank on the edge of the boat with all that gear on, atleast in my mind.

Because rescue swimmers go in front first, they just aim their toes up (with flippers on) and hit the water with their heals first.
Comments
- Not so. Doing a forward giant stride entry actually clears the boat further. In a backwards entry, your mellon is inches away from the boat.
  
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  by scubabob on February 12th, 2007
- This answer is so very wrong on all accounts..but hey..the COAT gang rated it up.
  
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  by scubabob on October 10th, 2009
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by Anonymous on June 5th, 2008
Because If you fell forward you'd fall into the boat
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- That is the best answer i've read all day.
  
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  by antares on June 5th, 2008
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by gerrik on February 11th, 2007
I suppose to prevent injury to their backs but just guessing
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- no. Not at all.
  
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  by scubabob on May 25th, 2008
- but of course...it's really to stop aliens from zapping the outboard motor. Back injury??? uhh huh yeah
  
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  by scubabob on July 14th, 2008
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by Neil Bedwin on June 29th, 2008
You only roll off a boat backwards if that is the easiest method and the freeboard is small.
Off bigger boats you would use a giant stride entry or a forward roll.

The giant stride entry allows your feet to hit the water first and slow you down. A forward roll is usefull if you have a camera etc to protect.
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- This one is right
  
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  by scubabob on October 10th, 2009
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by hahahahahaha on July 10th, 2008
because the oxygen tank is heavy, and if they went in head first that would be dangerous
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- Yep!
  
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  by Snooch on July 10th, 2008
- Hm, learn something new every day!
  
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  by R.I.P. Gerald Malone on July 10th, 2008
- Also wrong
  
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  by scubabob on October 10th, 2009
- So instead of just saying wrong.. why not elaborate and add instead of just hit and jab? I am sure we would all enjoy learning new things that we did not know. It could be quite beneficial.
  
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  by Snooch on October 11th, 2009
- What's the point when everyone seems happy with having incorrect answers as top answer and enjoy points for it? Then again, that sort of thinking is what got GM, Banks and several executives generous bonus packages for doing lousy jobs. Must be the way of the world now.
  
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  by scubabob on October 11th, 2009
- Besides, I never knew it was fine to speculate on answers. Perhaps it's just dandy to head over to science category and answer a few questions on micro biology without ever taking a course?
  
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  by scubabob on October 11th, 2009
- Could be that people think they do indeed have the correct answer and want to help.. anyone who could add to it would be a great bonus. As far as the top point hitters.. I see the most asinine untrue answers top rated due to the buddy system. It happens. Spilled milk and all. Anyhow.. thanks for helping us know more about scuba diving.
  
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  by Snooch on October 11th, 2009
- Snooch, besides my original answer in here, there was another that is quite correct but was put into the basement by the favoritism shown on AB. Fine if a question asks for speculation or opinion but not really the way to go for a question like this. Especially if the answerer doesn't know the subject at hand.
  
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  by scubabob on October 11th, 2009
- I agree but see it all the time but I was curious about what you had to add without having to search for another person's answer because your name gave me the impression you DID know. This answer pulls up because of my summary so it was easier to ask but yes, I agree with what you say. I watch serious questions get answers like "heck if I know" . .. and it is first. Silly but it happens.
  
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  by Snooch on October 12th, 2009
- Well Snoochie (Hello by the way)... Some live in a nice tidy little world where points feed them, and negative points destroy their soul. These people always forget that the people who want real answers or enjoy giving fact in their answers are the MINORITY. We have been here for a couple of years and have watched this site become more about entertainment. Myself??? I decided to quit being a bitch about it and just flow.
  
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  by Nitroduck on October 14th, 2009
- SO... Since you encountered a two year old case of "redass" in this thread, and didn't get an answer... The backwards entry is a convenient way to enter the water because you can hold your mask, regulator and BC controls. This way, when you enter the water, you can begin neutralizing your bouyancy, checking your gear and waiting for your partner without having to reorganize yourself. :)
  
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  by Nitroduck on October 14th, 2009
- Someone posted an appropriate and correct answer, it's simply not where it's supposed to be in the answer que.
  A giant stride entry also does precisely the same thing Nitro, which ought to be included in your answer. The difference between choosing which method to use actually is mostly convenience, yes, but not to do with what you stated. Generally it's what you're leaving and how deep it is where you're going that does. Not really convenient to do a back entry off a dock into 15 feet of water is it? Not unless you like crawling around. Pretty hard to balance on the tube of RIB for a giant stride for that matter and into 6 feet of water too. Hey...what about those pony or stage bottles you have with you? How are they rigged? Got a large video camera housing with you? Tons of possibilities that are the deciding factors with safety first and convenience next.
  
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  by scubabob on October 14th, 2009
- Thanks Scubabob! I believe that is what Snoochie was looking for. I agree with you that answers are not where they are supposed to be, nor are they really every rated properly... We are relegated to search for good answers in comment threads. Any time we inserted on a rib, we rolled off sideways... But maybe the rifle had something to do with that. :)
  
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  by Nitroduck on October 15th, 2009
- It probably would, just as I would roll off sideways from a RIB with a 80 cu stage rigged on one side.:)
  Yeah..I agree about the rates in this joint and how it's a popularity contest. Burns my ass when I see a good answer buried under junk that could get someone killed. Nobody seems to stop and think of it this way: What would happen in this world if cops pulled over a drunk driver and instead of getting him off the road...they give him a bottle of booze and send him on his way. Not much different, especially in categories that have life threatening implications for bad advice.
  
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  by scubabob on October 15th, 2009
- Hi DUCKY!! I have always been intrigued by those who could dive.. being a wuss, I would not do it but I assumed the tank being heavy was the reasoning. It is nice to learn something new like this so that if someone asks irl.. I can pretend I always knew mwahaa. Makes my hick behind look smart n stuff. Thanks for sharing the info!
  
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  by Snooch on October 16th, 2009
- I have been on AB for a little while and I can assure you.. I win no popularity contests nor swim with the current. I know names like Rosie, Ducky .. a precious few I just enjoy but otherwise do not get to know people. I do not have time to care what most people here think but I do feel you on the popularity contest and their answers. It does take away from the person who is knowledgeable on the topic. I remembered your name from when I first came to AB and you were very helpful. Thanks again.
  
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  by Snooch on October 16th, 2009
- Good morning Snoochie! I am certain Mr Scubabob would concur that a nice bouyancy neutral dive is as close as you will ever get to flying. It requires no effort, as the weight of the tank (which is fairly light anyway) is completely offset by your bouyancy compensator. It would be worth your while (particularly where you live) to go to an accredited PADI or NAUI dive shop and take a "familiarization dive"... Instructors will guide you and stay with you while you "get a taste". It costs less than a full open water class, and will help you decide if you think it is worth pursuing. You will be amazed.
  
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  by Nitroduck on October 16th, 2009
- Good morning Snoochie! I am certain Mr Scubabob would concur that a nice bouyancy neutral dive is as close as you will ever get to flying. It requires no effort, as the weight of the tank (which is fairly light anyway) is completely offset by your bouyancy compensator. It would be worth your while (particularly where you live) to go to an accredited PADI or NAUI dive shop and take a "familiarization dive" with an instructor... .
  
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  by Nitroduck on October 16th, 2009
- Poof ?
  
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  by Snooch on October 16th, 2009
- Welll.. I don't like anything that starts with p o o to begin with. "Poof" In my meaning would be when someone just up and disappears from a thread. Like when the magician makes the nekkid lady disappear. He wags his wand around and "Poof!"... She disappears.
  
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  by Nitroduck on October 23rd, 2009
- Might be meant to get you to hunt them =p
  
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  by Snooch on October 24th, 2009
- :)
  
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  by Nitroduck on October 26th, 2009
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by BigDaddyBS on May 25th, 2008
Ever try to dive into the water with a facemask on? It HURTS. And, if you jump in feet-first, the mask and regulator can be ripped off your face.

So, they roll backward with their hand over the mask (usually) and reulator, too keep them from being pushed TOO far off, their head breaking the water's surface tension, rather than the mask and/or regulator.

NOTE: I am not a diver. The above answers are logical, to me.
Comments
- Well said.
  Logic is our savior again.
  
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  by Kevisaurus is a Carnotaurus today on June 16th, 2008
- "feet first" or the giant stride is actually the safest method and you can use your hands to cover your reg and mask and then your flippers break the surface of the water.
  
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  by RUMMYDIVER on September 6th, 2008
- This answer is wrong
  
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  by scubabob on October 10th, 2009
- Well, thanks for the DR, digging up a year-and-a-half old answer to hit it with a -5. Remember that most people don't like DRers, and the answer is logical, not necessarily right, WHICH I stated in my answer. Now, can you tell us WHY it's wrong?
  .
  THIS is for you, DRer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fthUr90EgSc
  
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  by BigDaddyBS on October 10th, 2009
- Well look at that... I was pretty close, considering I never dived - http://www.divingtalk.com/f207/why-do-scuba-divers-always-fall-2629.html
  
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  by BigDaddyBS on October 10th, 2009
- You still run the risk of the reg and mask flipping off in a backwards roll. Hands are still used to secure them and gear. A giant stride doesn't "hurt" and actually may be the safest entry given the situation. Whatever method is used will depend on a few factors, none of which have to do with losing a mask, reg or have gear whack you in the head. There's only one correct answer posted in here and this isn't it. The correct answer has been rated down by an anti troll team.
  I'll also point out ( pardon the pun), that points are awarded for correct answers so that they make it to the top spots. An answer that isn't correct doesn't belong there. I honestly don't care if you don't like down rates but aren't you being a little hypocritical by saying that? You don't have 100% positive in your profile do you?
  
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  by scubabob on October 11th, 2009
- Yes. I do. I don't DR. (Ok... Technically, it's probably 99.99995, now, since I DID DR when I started over 2 years ago. Since then I learned to UPrate the good answers, and do nothing (but maybe comment) those that don't answer the questions correctly or well, whether they are friends or not.)
  .
  BTW: The "anti-troll group" don't DR, either. They simply uprate those who HAVE been DRed by obvious trolls, and sometimes by others.
  
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  by BigDaddyBS on October 11th, 2009
- News for you, they did and still do DR when one of their own loses top spot on an answer.
  Tell me, why would you reward an incorrect answer? Why would you want to see fallacy taken as truth? You may have noticed, I really don't care about points, just the answer. You haven't been here long enough to know what AB was originally intended for not how answers were rated. If you had, you'd have a different perspective.
  
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  by scubabob on October 11th, 2009
- If everyone used the points for that reason, then all would be well with the world. But people use them to DR people they don't like, just for "fun" to get reactions, and, if they don't like the question, some people will DR EVERYONE, no matter whether the answer was correct, or not, etc.
  .
  And, as for the "news for you", they are not supposed to. They are only supposed to uprate - It's part of their mission to vex the trolls. And, how do you know it's a COAT? Since there is no identifying information, you CANNOT know unless someone tells you. And, if it's a COAT, report them to the team-leaders. The COAT members I know don't DR anyone, either. It could be anyone who DRs an answer.
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  As for what the ratings were originally intended for... I know. See my AB UG page on Points, Levels, and Ratings Power. http://www.orangefrogproductions.com/ofp2m_faq_ab_pnts_lvls_rtgspwr.shtml
  
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  by BigDaddyBS on October 11th, 2009
- uprating also skews the overall place an answer deserves. If it were the case that they use appropriate points to replace ones lost, that would be a little different. Fact remains they don't. One loses a point, 30 replace it. Suddenly a crap answer is best answer. Does that make any sense? As for how AB used to operate, you better ask some of us that have been here quite some time. Answers and questions were rated " Useful" and "Not useful" originally. You may want to amend your web site. It's not quite correct.
  
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  by scubabob on October 11th, 2009
- That's the type of information for which I am looking. See http://www.orangefrogproductions.com/ofp2m_faq_ab_guide.shtml
  
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  by BigDaddyBS on October 11th, 2009
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by I go below h2o on September 9th, 2008
There are a few entry methods that are used when entering the water from a boat. The two most commonly used entries are the Giant Stride and the Back Roll in.
The Giant Stride entry is usually done from a platform at the back of the boat which is near or at water level. The diver places one hand so that four fingers of that hand are on their mask faceplate and the palm of that hand is against the regulator. The other hand is place accross their ribcage over their buoyancy control device. The hand accross the ribcage is also holding on to their instrument console (air gauges and dive computer. This is to ensure that the mask and regulator remain in placeupon contact with the water and to make sure that the buoyacy control device doesn't "ride up".
I prefer the Back Roll entry because it doesn't involve having to make your way to the platform wearing full gear on a rocking boat. You usually just have to plant you butt on the side of the boat and, after you are sure your entry way is clear and have obtained permission from the boat crew, just roll back.
You still keep the hands in the same positions as in the Giant stride entry. The scuba cylinder takes the brunt of the impact with the water rather than your back.
A front roll off the boat is not advised at any time because once you enter the water the forward spin continues and you could end up rolling in a position directly under the boat.
Front roll ins look cool in the movies because stunt men have to earn their keep.
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by kelana on June 5th, 2008
To allow the tank to go in without exerting weight to the diver at diving.
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by NOYFB on May 16th, 2008
Because if they rolled forward they'd hit their head on the inside of the boat ;-)

I believe the real reason they do this is that it prevents the tank or any of the hoses from getting caught on the boat anywhere. It prevents injury and possible equipment damage that could be a problem once they're already submerged.
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- Nope
  
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  by scubabob on October 10th, 2009
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by Duminda on October 10th, 2009
So Paddy asks Murphy: "Why do scuba divers always fall backwards off their boats?"

To which Murphy replies, "Well, if they fell forward they'd still be in the bloody' boat!"
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by Anonymous on June 16th, 2008
I have dived and it is easier to roll back. It helps keep the mask in place, others stepping off and diving you need to hold the mask in place
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by R.I.P. Gerald Malone on July 10th, 2008
Maybe it is more fun to do it that way? haha, I have no idea...just my guess. :P
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by andrewdunlop on September 25th, 2008
In short, It's a safety and convenience issue.
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by michael.p.murphy on March 17th, 2011
If they rolled forward they'd land face down in the boat.
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Why do scuba divers always fall backwards out of a boat?

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