Why do divers go over the side of the boat backwards?

Question

Why dont they go in feet first? What is with the fall backwards head first?

Answer 1

I heard it was the weight of the tank.  It could seriously hurt them if they went forwards.

Answer 2

If you're wearing flippers then there's the chance you could fall backwards and smack into the boat and if you go face first you could also smash your face mask.  Safety, safety, safety................................

Answer 3

It is easier with the weight of the tank on your back.

Answer 4

I would imagine it stops the air lines and mask becoming dislodged, besides going in feet first means that you are that much higher from the water therefore the speed at which you strike the water will be higher, better to roll backwards and flop in. Besides have you tried walking forwards wearing flippers?

Answer 5

The entry style used in scuba diving depends what is possible from the boat.

Usually, the backroll entry is used on a boat that really isn't designed for scuba diving.  It is easier to put the gear on, sit on the side of the boat, and roll into the water.  Imagine how hard it would be trying to step over the side of the boat wear all that gear.  

Other times, the boat is so small (i.e. rigid hull inflatable) that standing up and walking around really isn't an option.  So you get on the boat with all of your gear on and sit down on the side.  You ride like this to the dive site.  Once reaching the site, you just roll in.

Answer 6

Simple really. It's almost always because of the design of the dive boat. If it's a small, close to the water, rigid inflatable or run about  for example, then the easiest way to get off the thing is to fall backwards over the side. Standing, with gear on, balancing on the side to do a giant stride entry is just not gonna happen. You have a 50 / 50 chance of diving into the bottom of the boat instead. Water depth can be a limiting factor as well. If it's relatively shallow and the boat design allows it, we'll do a backwards roll because you don't go quite as far under as you do in a giant stride entry.

If the boat is higher out of the water ( up to about 6- 8 feet as a rule but rules can be bent)and has a deck that allows it, we'll do a giant stride (feet first) entry. It all just depends on the situation at the time that leads you to choose which entry method you'll use. You may even do a sideways entry if you're carrying an extra gas cylinder on a D ring for either design of boat. The one way we DON'T go in, is face first, anything else is fair game and depends on what's safest or easiest to do. I've seen some pretty creative entries that would get a 10 from the Russian Judge.

It has nothing to do with masks staying on or tank weight. You hold your mask and regulator to your face in any type of entry and tank weight, well, it's doesn't get any lighter in a backwards roll. If you're standing, chances are you'll be doing a giant stride, if you're sitting then a roll.

Answer 7

It's a safety and convenience issue.  If you go in forwards and don't step far enough away from the boat then your tank(s) will hit the gunwale.  Very nasty and embarrasing to be left hanging if it is a rigid boat.

Answer 8

the other entry method is the straddle- step entry;using a platform or board,or even the  boat itself,you hold your mask on,check the water is free of obstructions,and take a wide stride off the side,into the water,entering vertically.As you hit the surface,or immediately after,keep your legs together,this helpsyou to sink slightly faster,and clear the surface.

Answer 9

its easier with tho oxo tanks on there back and the mask don't get pulled off their faces