Dive RIB Launching in Mozambique

In many areas of Mozambique the long sandy beaches mean boats cannot be left moored in the water between dives so if you are going out on a dive, whale shark snorkelling trip or a dolphin swim you will very probably get involved in the boat launch.

Here we explain and show what happens in the launching of a RIB (which is short for Rigid Inflatable Boat).

When RIBs are launched there should be one professional in charge of the launch and giving instructions, (at dive centres this is usually the leader of the dive from the dive centre or the launch manager) listen to what they say and follow their instructions.

The RIB may be left on the beach between dives or will be brought down to the launch site on a trailer, If on a trailer the driver will reverse into the water and brake to slide the RIB off the trailer – during this event stay well clear of the vehicle and boat, preferably to one side of the action where the vehicle driver can clearly see you.

As soon as the boat has slid off the trailer the vehicle with trailer will drive out of the water and clear of the beach. Then you move to the RIB.

First you need to turn the RIB around so the nose of the RIB is pointing straight out to Sea, so everyone stands near the nose of the boat and pushes together to ease the nose of the boat around to face out to sea, then you split into equal numbers on each side of the boat and wait for the call to push, whoever is in charge will watch the incoming surf and when there is a suitable amount of surf under the boat will call ‘push’ and everyone pushes the boat into the water… it may take a couple of pushes as many of the beaches of Mozambique are gentle sandy slopes but soon the boat will be floating in the water, at this point the boat skipper will climb aboard and everyone else will hold the boat steady keeping the nose of the boat pointing straight out to sea, the skipper will check the motors and power them up everyone else will push the boat out into slightly deeper water (so the motors can get grip in the water), the skipper will signal when he has control of the RIB and a shout will go out for all aboard (usually ladies go first and the men straight after) when the shout to board is heard climb aboard, the best way is to spring from the knees and go head first into the RIB then swing around sit on the RIBS edge, put your feet into the foot straps and keep hold of the rope that is all around the edge of the RIB, when everyone is aboard the skipper will power the engines to go trough the incoming surf, it is a short burst but can be quite bumpy so hold on, then you clear the surf and the dive leader will check with everyone and you are off out to dive / snorkel / whale watch.

Sounds difficult? Not really most dive centres and skippers will launch their boats like this several times everyday and are very experienced and make it very easy, the photos down the side of the page I took on a boat launch at Barra beach and the whole process from the first photo to the last was all over in 3 minutes ! That is why we only use quality centres where they know what they are doing and do it well.

Entry into the water from a RIB.

There are two main ways to leave a RIB when at sea one is for snorkelling and one is with dive gear:

1/ Snorkelling:
In the boat put on your FINS and MASK and Snorkel, the skipper will position the boat and cut the engines – do not go into the water until the engines are off and the skipper or person in charge says it is clear – then sitting on the edge of the RIB simply swing your legs over the edge so your feet are dangling in the water, then hold your mask onto your face with one hand shuffle forward and slip feet first into the water.
This will give you a nice gentle entry for you and will not disturb the Dolphins/ Whalesharks and fish you are going in to see.

2/ Diving entry: Reverse roll Positive entry.
After you have geared up and done all the buddy checks you will be sitting on the RIB feet in front of you mask on, the skipper will manoeuvre the boat to the best entry point for the dive site, he will then cut the engines and signal to your dive leader who will then call out ‘All Ok’ and if you are ok signal ‘OK’ then they will count down ‘ 3…2…1…GO’ holding your mask to your face and regulator in mouth with one hand and the other hand across your waist securing hoses simply roll backward off the boat. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ROLL OFF ON THE GO, if for some reason you are not ready or uncomfortable stay in the boat, if you hesitate and go a little late you may roll on top of someone’s head better stay in the boat and the skipper will simply go around and drop you off on the second pass.
Once in the water with BCD inflated the dive leader will check everyone is Ok and you will begin your descent.

3/ Diving Entry: Negative entry
Many dive sites have strong surface currents requiring a negative entry from the boat to the dive site, this means there is no meeting of the dive group on the surface after leaving the boat before descent down to the dive site, instead you enter with no air in your BCD and roll off the boat and go straight under the surface. This may sound daunting but saves you drifting around on the surface away from the group and the reef and is in fact very easy.
If you have not done a negative entry before let us know and at the dive centre one of the instructors will take you through the procedure and make sure you are comfortable, also at the pre-dive briefing it will be asked if you have done a Negative entry, and they can run through it again.

As with all dives everywhere, if you feel uncomfortable, unwell, or unsure speak to the dive leader and if necessary abort the dive.
Diving is meant to be enjoyed and to us your safety and enjoyment of the dives is of paramount importance.