The Divemaster’s Boat Duty: The Importance of the Roll Call at Oceans 5 Gili Air
The Importance of the Roll Call at Oceans 5 Gili Air
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| Roll Call at Oceans 5 Gili Air |
Safety is the cornerstone of every dive operation, and at Oceans 5 Gili Air, it is non-negotiable. Whether we are taking beginners on their first Discover Scuba Diving experience or guiding certified divers across the vibrant reefs of the Gili Islands, one thing remains constant: the meticulous dedication to diver safety. One of the most essential components of this system is a procedure that may seem simple on the surface but is, in fact, a critical safety step — the roll call.
While most divers are focused on the excitement of the upcoming dive, the divemaster or instructor leading the trip is already in motion behind the scenes, ensuring that every protocol is followed, every diver is accounted for, and every emergency procedure is in place. Among all their duties on the boat, conducting the roll call is arguably the most vital.
This article will walk you through the divemaster duty of conducting a roll call aboard Oceans 5 dive boats — from the moment the boat prepares to leave the dock to the return journey after the dives. It’s a story of responsibility, preparation, accountability, and care — all in service of the core principle that governs our dive operations: Safety First.
Why Do We Do a Roll Call?
The Gili Islands are part of a marine protected area known as Gili Matra, and all activities within the park are regulated by BKKPN (Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional) Bangsal, the local marine park authority. Every time an Oceans 5 dive boat leaves for a dive trip, we are required to submit a detailed roll call to BKKPN. This report includes:
The total number of people on board (divers, snorkelers, staff)
Their full names
Their nationalities
Confirmation of their marine park fee payment
This procedure ensures that the authorities know who is in the water at all times. It provides a safety net in case of emergencies, and it contributes to the sustainable management of the marine park by verifying that all visitors are compliant with park regulations.
This initial step is usually completed by the front office team at Oceans 5. They take a photo of the physical roll call sheet and send it digitally to BKKPN Bangsal. Only then can the physical roll call form be handed to the divemaster or instructor responsible for the trip.
The First Roll Call: Before Departure
As the dive boat is loaded with guests and staff, and dive gear is carefully checked and stowed, the divemaster or instructor assigned to lead the trip begins the first roll call. This must happen before the engines are turned on and before the boat departs.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Gather Attention: The divemaster stands at the front of the boat and ensures everyone is listening. Clear communication is essential. The boat is silent, and all eyes turn to the leader.
Boat Etiquette Briefing: Before calling any names, the divemaster explains the Oceans 5 Boat Etiquette, including:
No standing while the boat is moving.
Always hold onto something when walking.
Keep dive equipment neatly stowed.
Use the bins for trash.
Respect fellow divers' personal space and belongings.
Calling the Names: Each name is read out loud and clearly, including:
All guests (divers, snorkelers, students)
All staff (instructors, divemasters, divemaster candidates, captain, anchormen, and spotters)
Each person must verbally acknowledge when their name is called. The divemaster does not move on to the next name until the previous person has responded. This may sound like a formality, but it is crucial. It is our way to physically confirm each person is on board.
Emergency Procedure Briefing: Once the roll call is complete, the divemaster provides a detailed explanation of the emergency procedures:
Location of Emergency Oxygen: Usually in a O2 case, visibly placed on the boat.
First Aid Kit: Mentioning its location and contents.
Spare Telephone: In case the main devices fail, there's always a backup phone on board.
Spare Equipment: Beyond just tanks, BCDs, regulators, masks, and fins, we also carry:
Spare O-rings
Mouthpieces
L-keys
Straps, snorkels, and other small but mission-critical parts.
Once this thorough check and briefing is complete, the divemaster signals the captain. The engines are started, and the boat departs for the dive site.
Why This Matters
Imagine a scenario where a diver was mistakenly left behind — an unthinkable mistake that would cause panic, media headlines, and long-term damage to any dive center’s reputation. Roll calls prevent this from happening.
They aren’t just about checking a list. They are about accountability.
At Oceans 5, nothing is assumed. We verify. We double-check. And we take pride in creating an environment where safety is a shared responsibility among staff and divers alike.
The Final Roll Call: Before Returning to Oceans 5
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| Roll Call at Oceans 5 Gili Air |
After the last dive, once everyone is safely back on the boat, the divemaster gathers the group once more for the final roll call.
Just like before, names are called out loud, and each person must confirm their presence. Only after this process is completed is the boat authorized to return to the Oceans 5 dive center.
This step is non-negotiable. The boat does not move until the roll call has been finalized. Period.
Once the roll call is complete, the divemaster gives the signal, and the engine comes to life.
And here’s the fun part: for those who listen carefully and cooperate with the process, a refreshment is served — a well-deserved cold drink as the sun starts to dip on the horizon, and the dive day winds down.
The Divemaster Candidate’s Role
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, Divemaster Interns are not just passive observers. During their internship, they are trained and mentored to conduct roll calls themselves. They are taught:
How to lead with authority but kindness.
How to communicate clearly.
How to memorize emergency briefings.
How to handle difficult situations, like a missing name or unresponsive guest.
By the time they complete their internship, they are confident in this responsibility and understand that divemastering is about far more than guiding dives — it’s about leading people safely and professionally.
Training for Excellence
Part of the reason Oceans 5 Gili Air is a PADI Career Development Centre is because of how seriously we take professional development and safety procedures. The roll call is not just a habit — it’s a standardized part of our diving protocol, repeated and reinforced across every dive trip.
We don’t skip it. We don’t rush it. We do it right, every time.
This is what sets us apart — a dive center where structure and safety support a sense of freedom and adventure underwater.
Small Details, Big Impact
Some guests may not think much of the roll call. But what they don’t see is how many layers of protection it adds:
If someone falls asleep on the boat and misses the gear-up call, we know who to look for.
If someone forgets to return from a snorkel, we know exactly who is missing.
If an incident occurs, we have their emergency contacts, certification levels, and park fee receipts ready to present to the authorities.
The roll call is the foundation of an organized dive trip, and it enables our divemasters and instructors to focus on what they do best: delivering incredible diving experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a List
At first glance, a roll call might look like a dry formality. But in reality, it is one of the most powerful safety tools we have. It’s a reflection of our professionalism, our respect for the marine park regulations, and above all, our commitment to every single person who steps on board an Oceans 5 dive boat.
Next time you hear your name called as the boat prepares to leave or return, take a moment to appreciate the structure behind the adventure. Know that the divemaster calling out the names isn’t just doing their job — they’re safeguarding your day, your dive, and your life.
Because at Oceans 5 Gili Air, safety is never optional. It’s the core of who we are.
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