How to Prepare for a Melbourne Boat Dive

Planning to try a boat dive in Melbourne? These excursions offer spectacular wall dives, kelp forests and historic wrecks, but they also demand careful preparation. Conditions outside the Port Phillip Bay can be rough and cold, and boat operators expect divers to be fully prepared physically and mentally. The following guide covers everything you need to know to ensure your boat dive is safe and enjoyable.

1 Before You Book

• Match your experience to the site. Confirm the depth and difficulty of the dive site and ensure they align with your certification level. For example, Melbourne Wall dives often require Advanced Open Water or above certification because the shallower platform is exposed to swell.

• Choose location wisely. Dives inside Port Phillip Bay are generally calmer, while sites outside the bay tend to be more exposed and rough. Check the forecast and avoid days when wind speeds exceed 20 to 25 knots (especially blowing from the South), which can make conditions very choppy.

• Know the regulations and gear requirements. Under the Victorian dive industry code, divers must carry their own reel and Surface Marker Buoy (SMB ); failure to do so may mean you cannot dive. Remember that boat operators usually do not supply cylinders, weights or other gear with the dive fee, so arrange your hire gear in advance.

• Plan your navigation. Dive guides are not typically provided unless arranged beforehand. Make sure you and your buddy are comfortable navigating the site.

2 On the Day

Arrive at the pier at least an hour early to allow time for parking and assembling your equipment. Boat crews expect divers to be geared up when the vessel arrives.

1. Confirm you are boarding the right boat. The same operator may run multiple vessels to different sites at the same time.

2. Board safely. Pass loose items to the crew before stepping on board so you can maintain a three‑point contact for stability. Stow personal belongings in the designated area and place your fins and weights under your seat.

3. Listen to the briefings. Attend the skipper’s safety briefing, which covers general safety and emergency procedures. As you approach the dive site, listen to the site briefing for details on entry, descent, depth, route, run time and how to return to the boat.

4. Perform a final gear check. Just before entering the water, carry out your buddy check according to your training agency (e.g. PADI: BWRAF, SDI: ABCDE, TDI: START).

5. Dive according to plan. Follow the agreed dive plan. During your safety stop, deploy SMB to signal the boat crew.

6. Surface procedures. After surfacing, inflate your Buoyancy Control Device and keep your mask, regulator and fins on until you are back on the boat. Once seated, remove your fins and secure your equipment. A roll call is conducted when everyone is back on board.

7. Return to port. After the roll call, the boat returns to the pier and divers are dismissed.

3 Final Tips & Next Steps

• Ask questions if you are unsure. Don’t hesitate to clarify any aspect of the dive or logistics with your skipper or crew.

• Join our dive club. For more support and social diving opportunities (shore and boat), consider joining Simple Dive’s club. You’ll meet experienced locals who can offer advice and buddy up for future dives.

• Get the right gear. Simple Dive stocks reels, SMBs, BCDs and other essential boat diving equipment. Visit our shop or hire page to ensure you’re fully equipped ahead of your next boat adventure.

Melbourne boat dives reward careful preparation with extraordinary underwater experiences. By following these steps and planning ahead, you’ll maximise safety and enjoyment while exploring Victoria’s best dive sites.