Continuing along the lines of my last missive ,,,,,,,

I have also noticed that many divers, and they are not all newbies either, have forgotten or not been instructed about proper safe procedures for re boarding the charter dive boat after a dive.

Frequently I am the guy on the dive platform who helps you out of the water, takes your fins, camera, etc from you as you board so I have seen this allot. 
Whether or not you choose to keep your fins on while you climb the ladder to get back on board there are still some important safety rules to practice, yes, every time.

Picture this. You, your buddy and three others all surface at the same time.  The dive was fantastic, the corals magnificently vibrant, and you saw storms of brilliantly jewel colored fish.  Back on the surface in the bright warm sunlight you can't wait to spit out your reg to exclaim to your buddy about the huge ray you saw ,,,,,  Shortly after you and your buddy surface  three more divers pop to the surface amid hissing air and splashes.  You all float lazily at the stern of the dive charter boat returning the dive master's "Ok" sign and reveling in the warmth of the tropical sun on your faces.

Most agree that diver etiquette calls for "first up - first on board".   In the process it is tempting to bunch up around the ladder/ladders waiting your turn.
Don't!
Don't crowed the diver exiting the water.  If you are too close and he falls you could get severely injured.  give them some space and stay clear of the stern of the boat in the process.  (If the seas are rough you don't want to get under the dive platform or the stern when it comes down!)

while you are exiting the water keep your mask on your face, your reg in your mouth, and be sure you have air in your BC. That way if you accidentally fall back in you can see, breathe, and stay afloat.  There have been too many tragic stories of divers who have fallen back in only to sink out of control to the bottom. Tragically, without a mask or reg in their mouth they are later found dead on the bottom.

so.  When you have returned for your underwater adventure, tired, excited and full of stories keep in mind:
    Don't crowed the exiting diver
    Be sure you have enough air in your BC to keep you on the surface if you fall
    Keep your mask in place on your face
    Have your reg, not your snorkel in your mouth
    Take care not to get under the dive platform in rough seas.

See you on the next charter!

Its all about diving.  Its all good!

SCOTT>