Few things are more frustrating than watching minutes of your life slip away while everyone else is getting in the water and having fun. This article looks at five steps you can take to avoid wasting time.
Most of these are items you may already know. However, you may not remember that you know them. This will help jog your memory.
Remember: Those who get in the water first are more likely to have the Grotto to themselves and enjoy the best possible visibility.
1: Watch the video before you leave
The Blue Grotto orientation video is mandatory viewing for anyone planning to dive the Grotto. And while you can watch it after you arrive, doing so wastes time. Fortunately, you can view this video on our website ahead of time. It’s available 24/7.
Time saved: 10-15 minutes.
2: Complete the waiver ahead of time
You can download the Blue Grotto dive waiver from our website. All you need to do then is open the waiver in Adobe Acrobat, type in the required information and click in the Signature area to sign it digitally. Print a copy to bring with you to the Grotto. If coming with your instructor, email them an additional signed copy of the waiver ahead of time.
Remember, if you are the only diver in your group who has not watched the video and signed the waiver beforehand, you’ll be the person who holds up everyone else.
Time saved: 5-10 minutes.
3: Get your tanks filled before you leave
Among the busiest times at the Blue Grotto fill station is right after we open. We’re often inundated with people who are eager to get fills so they can get in the water. As a result, you can often end up waiting 30 minutes or more for fills.
You can avoid this by getting your tanks filled before you leave home. This will allow you to arrive at the Grotto ready to dive. Then stop by the fill station and get filled up again before you leave. Then you will be ready to go at your next dive site as well.
Time saved: 20-40 minutes.
4: Run a checklist when packing the car
Few things are more frustrating than arriving at a dive site only to discover you left a vital piece of equipment behind. You can probably rent a replacement item from us; however, this can slow you down by another 20 minutes or more.
You can avoid this by running a simple checklist when packing your car or truck. It can not only save you time but frustration and embarrassment as well.
Time saved: 20-40 minutes.
5: Plan your drive before you leave
Our website has a Google map you can use to plot your approximate drive time to the Grotto. Using it is better than arriving late, apologizing to others in your group, saying, “I didn’t know it would take that long.”
Bear in mind, though, that you do not want to arrive too early. The gate doesn’t open until 8:00 AM. If you end up sitting in the road waiting for us to open, you make it harder for our neighbors to get to and from their homes. You could also be cited for obstructing traffic.
Time saved: 60 minutes or more.
Total it up
The items on this list can save you up to an hour or more. The difference they make may allow you to:
- Get in an additional dive.
- Visit another dive site.
- Go out for a real meal rather than snacking.
It’s your time. Use it wisely.