Diving off long boats

[BettyfromToronto]

If most diving in the Phillipines is off of long boats...I understand the backroll to get into the water but how do you get out???

I don't have the strength to pull myself into a boat like that.

Betty

 

[annasea]

I'm not an expert but I've dived off at least 8-10 different boats in the PI and with the exception of small motor boats in Alona Beach and Siquijor, all boats had ladders.

Maybe you should check with the dive ops you're planning on diving with as to what kind of boats they have.

 

[Pao]

Yep. Ladders. In the larger boats you can take off your fins and walk right up with all your gear. In the smaller boats you give your weights, tank/BC then fins then come up.

 

[BettyfromToronto]

Okay thanks. None of the pictures showed ladders.

I was worried if I could even do this.

Betty

 

[Luko]

What you call "long boats" are trimaran boats locally named "bangka", there's always a wooden ladder : the bigger bangkas have very comfortable and wide ladders, going up parallel to the hull to a "wing" of the trimaran, which you can climb up easily, even with your fins on.

Don't worry, Philippines understood long ago all the divers need... probably that's why I like so much diving in the Phils.

 

[h2odragon1]

Agree with all the above!
Ladders are present on all Banka's, even the small one's!

 

[BettyfromToronto]

Thanks guys. Now I'm not so worried about going to the Phiilipines on a 5 day/ 4night trip out of Hong Kong.

Betty

Planning my trips way in advance:
Feb 2011 Roatan
Sept 2011 Jamaica or Cozumel
Jan 2012 Phillipines via Hong Kong

 

[clgsamson]

Mostly you'll be backrolling off small bancas/speed boats in Subic, Anilao and PG. In the Visayas (e.g. malapascua, bohol, Sogod bay), you'll be diving off big boats/bancas, doing a giant stride for entry (long drop for a backroll). I think I have some pics in my flickr account, maybe later.

 

[clgsamson]

banka ladders


Anilao

Southern Leyte

can't find the other "ladder designs"

 

[chip104]

Here's the South Leyte Ladder in use. See - even elderly people can get up no problem:

Also, the built-in ladder with platform (Balicasag, Bohol):

(we're having a discussion about Bangka ladders...the internet is serious business!)