Sounds similar to my one experience diving in the Outer Banks. I think it was Outer Banks Dive Center, in Nags Head, although the boat left from a marina in Wanchese, several miles south. Kind of a long haul from the dive shop It was somewhat annoying lugging my rental tanks/gear from the dive shop to the boat. (this was before I had my own gear, so EVERYTHING was rented). Actually, I think I had to pickup everthing the day before the dive, take it home, then take it to the boat the next day. Certainly not like diving in the Caribbean, or here in FL for that matter.
However, I'll say that the divemaster was professional and friendly, but left you on your own. Think his name was Harold... nice guy, I'd dive with him again. The boat I remember was an ancient diesel with a steel deck. NOT too nice on bare feet in the middle of July!