Why do divers jump backwards from boats when they enter the water? is it always done?

Question

Why do divers jump backwards from boats when they enter the water? is it always done?

In: 3480

Answer 1

Reading the comments here, it sure sounds as if a lot of people are just giving speculative answers without any practical experience of ever having dived from a dive boat. The ‘back roll’ is one form of safe entry into the water. The forward facing ‘giant stride’ is another. The method that the diver employs is usually dictated by the circumstances. Smaller dive boats and tenders are usually easier back roll from. Larger liveaboard dive boats are usually easier to giant stride from. The diver uses whichever method is easiest and safest. Often the method of entry to be used is given in the dive briefing given by the diver operator prior to the dive.