Page 8 - Destin Snorkel Handbook

Snorkel & Shelling Tours
Snorkel & Shelling Tours

Whether at the snorkel or shelling location you as a mate are required to be in the water with the
customers. Before arriving at either location prepare the anchor, when the captain gives the go ahead,
throw the anchor and tie it off when told. Same goes with both stern anchors.

It is important to always follow the captain’s instructions!

Once anchors are set the captain will do a safety briefing, during this time you will put the dive flag up,
undo ladders and assist anyone needing help in getting off the boat. When leaving a location, make sure
ladders are up, dive flag is put away and anchors stored away correctly. When pulling anchors it is
important to communicate with the captain by use of hand signals by pointing to the location of the
anchor in the water.
At Snorkel Location

Always have your fins, mask, whistle and lifeguard can with you.

Safety is your number one concern. Stay at dive flag making sure no one goes beyond the dive flag, If
they do just give them a tap and remind them to stay on the other side of the dive flag. Keep your eyes on
kayaks making sure they do not go pass the dive flag. Make sure snorkelers or kayaks do not interfere with
those doing Snuba. Make sure no one is climbing on the rocks.

If the current is strong, keep your eye on everyone and stay at dive flag keeping anyone from passing by
you. If water is slack and another mate is able to keep watch, you may show customers the statutes and
point out fish life.

It’s good to brush up on the fish life as customers will ask you about what they are looking at. Below are
some things you can show or point out to customers to enhance their experience:

• Showing them a blue crab or stone crab
• Showing them the drop o
• Taking them down to see the statues
• Telling them to snorkel in the rocks and see the di erent sh swimming in and out of them
• Show them how to get the wrasse sh to come to them by tapping two rocks together
When it’s time to leave, the captain will sound the horn. When the horn is blown, announce the name
of your boat and let everyone know it’s time to head back to the boat.