A Dive Gear Checklist

Preparing a checklist for packing dive gear enables scuba divers to efficiently plan a trip or excursion and limit unnecessary purchases of supplies. A checklist also provides a reminder to check that equipment functions. Many avid scuba divers have a bag of basic safety items called a save-a-dive kit, which contains tools and backup accessories for emergencies. Since dive gear should be rinsed and dried, a checklist can remind divers that essential equipment should be reclaimed from the drying rack or storage. Checklists can be adapted according to water conditions and destinations (e.g., local versus vacation).

  1. Save-a-Dive Kit

    • A basic save-a-dive kit can be purchased from dive shops. To meet an individual diver's needs and equipment, components can be compiled into a small toolbox or waterproof box (dry box): O-rings, spare mask and fin straps, dive tool with adjustable wrench, batteries, flashlight bulbs, high-pressure and low-pressure plugs, neoprene sealer or glue, hair bands, lanyards and cords or clips, cable ties, alcohol wipes, bandages and duct tape. Additional supplies include dry suit powder, zipper wax, ginger tablets or Dramamine for nausea, analgesics and silicone grease.

    Basic Gear Checklist

    • Basic equipment includes your certification card, dive log with dive tables, mask, snorkel, regulator setup, computer/gauge and fins. A buoyancy compensator device (BCD) with appropriate lift rating should be used according to the water conditions. Cold water diving may require a dry suit with undergarments, shoes, hood and gloves. Warmer or temperate water conditions may require a bathing suit, wetsuit or exposure suit and booties, along with gloves and hood if appropriate.

    Additional Equipment

    • Dive or trip plans may require additional equipment and accessories. Space limitations in luggage and availability of accessories from the destination's dive operators determine whether packing accessories is practical. Additional equipment includes dive lights (night torch and backup), underwater camera equipment and supplies, spare mask, backup regulator setup, weights and weight belt if applicable, towel and overcoat. On vacation, dive operators usually provide lead weights for weight belts or weight pouches.

    Considerations

    • In compiling a dive gear checklist, add specifics to each item as a reminder to check batteries and function, adjust settings (such as on a computer) or personal notations (such as amount of weight to pack). Once a routine is established for using a checklist, variations can be prepared to assist in packing for other types of dive trips such as boat dives and vacations. Save-a-dive kit supplies can be coordinated with a dive buddy to streamline packing.

    Warning

    • Airplanes have pressurized compartments that can cause seals and O-rings on equipment to burst. Protect dive lights in luggage with padding and loosen compartments that are water-tight (if possible). Hand-carry your regulator and computer in the passenger compartment because this area of the plane has less fluctuation in cabin pressure; if possible, loosen the dust cap from your regulator setup and loosen battery compartments on your computer to preserve the O-ring. Divers should plan dive excursions to include safe, no-fly time to avoid decompression illness.