The Backward Roll Scuba Entry From a Scuba Boat

There are two main ways for a scuba diver to enter the water from a scuba dive boat:

1) The scuba giant stride entry.

2) The backward roll scuba entry.

The scuba giant stride entry is the safest and most common method of getting into the water. This is used when there is a secure platform from which to simply step off.

The scuba backward roll can be used when the scuba dive boat doesn’t have a swim deck, or ladder.

Prepare for the Backward Roll Scuba Entry

First stage of a successful backward roll scuba entry is:

• All equipment should be together.
• Know the location of the boat exit point
• Know who the dive buddy will be.
• Know what to do and where to go after entering the water. This could be to wait for the buddy; or remainder of dive group. Maybe swim for the anchor; or the trailing line out the back of the boat.

Get Into Position for the Scuba Backward Roll Entry

After getting prepared, the scuba diver must get into position for the backward roll scuba entry:

• Put on final pieces of scuba equipment.
• Sit on the side of boat with the tank supported on the side of the boat.
• All pieces of equipment should be securely fastened, or in pockets of the buoyancy compensator.
• Gauges and second stage should be sitting in the lap.
• Mask should be on, rinsed and cleaned. If possible by turning around and getting a mask full of water. If not, it should be done when in the water.
• Check all clear around – no-one standing on fins.
• Do a buddy-check - check buddy’s air is on, etc.

Get Steady for the Backward Roll Scuba Entry

Just prior to doing the backward roll scuba entry:

• Inflate the buoyancy compensator, just enough to be neutrally buoyant. But not too full so it could force against the water and smash the tank against the back of the head.
• Check any divers in the water behind have moved away. Check nothing else in the water, like a rope or dive flag. Check over both shoulders.
• Place the tank over the side of the boat, the weight being taken by the buoyancy compensator.
• Left hand holds gauges in lap, while the palm of the right hand holds the second stage eof the regulator in the mouth, with the fingers holding the mask.

Doing the Backward Roll Scuba Entry

The divemaster may count in the divers.

One last check behind; lift the legs and let the tank’s weight take the diver into the water. The tank should break the water.

The scuba diver may do a 360 degree roll, or simply drop down a few feet.

At this point the scuba diver should not panic. The buoyancy compensator should bring the diver back to the surface.

Check After Doing the Scuba Backward Roll Entry

Once back on the surface, another quick check of equipment needs to be done.

Especially important is the mask as the strap at the back of the head may have shifted from the force of the entry.

A quick signal to the divemaster on the boat that everything is OK, wait for the buddy or the rest of the dive team. Then head off for the dive.

The backward roll scuba entry is an easy way to get in the water. The main thing is not to be too concerned with the roll in the water. With the mask on and regulator in the mouth there is no problem with water getting into the nose of taking a mouthful of water.