5. A boat cost a lot to keep, if cost for insurance, it cost for water insurance, it cost for oil, gas (both in the boat and the vehicle pulling it). Pay you fair share, when splitting the fees, the captain is not considered, he's already paid enough! Offer to bring ice, drinks, food or chum too.
6. Don't ask the captain if it's ok to shoot an illegal fish, he doesn't ask you go grow his pot in your house!
7. If you want to just meet the boat and captain at the docks and you conveniently have an appointment at the end of the day, who's going to help the captain clean the boat! The more hands in cleaning the faster it goes.
8. Be on time, don't make the rest of the dive party wait on you.
9. Lead weights and heavy objects mark up the hull, be careful not to drop heavy objects. In my boat I have a bucket for weights.
10. Fish guts and blood are very hard to remove after they have dried on the hull, clean up as you catch to minimize clean-up later.
11. If there is not a first mate, then the captain wants his turn diving too! Offer to helm the boat.
12. Be tuned to what needs to be done while underway. Assist the captain in as many ways as possible. Don't let the oldest fart always get the anchor!
13. Your speartips are sharp. Keep them covered and away from cushions, canvas and t-tops and other people.
14. Treat the boat as if it is your own, clean it the way you'd want it cleaned. So it will last to bring not only the captain but you too, years of enjoyment.
15. Loaded guns do not belong in a boat. Why risk it, unload them or leave them in the water.
16. Try to work harder than the boat owner. It's going to be hard but it will definitely get you re-invited.
17. Keep your gear together, don't expect others to pick up for you. Along the same line is don't be first in the water and expect everyone to pass you your gear.
18. At the end of the day, have a very good look in your bag to see if anyone else's gear has inadvertently been put in there, then check that you have everything you brought on the boat, including lunch wrappers.
19. Remember this rule when you're about to spear a fish.
(1) Is it legal?
(2) Do I want to clean it?
(3) Will I eat it?
If you can answer yes to all those then go for it. Remember to leave something for the next generation.
1. The boat captain is the one who pays for the boat, all final decisions are his.
2. The boat captain will take input or suggestions but refer to #1.
3. The work on the boat for the next trip doesn't just end with a quick rinse at the boat ramp, the captain spends lots of time and money to make your trip rewarding.
4. If you break something on the boat have the courtesy to offer to fix it.
