Komodo Island, Indonesia – photo: Tom Fisk
The time has arrived and you want to join the six million scuba divers worldwide and you still haven’t packed your holiday suitcase. Who likes packing, eh? I don’t.
It can be a chore but it’s one big dive that you need to do before the real one. Every week 30 million scuba dives are made around the world and you want to join them.
So, what’s to take? If you are a seasoned scuba diver you will know what to take. If you are a newbie you might be scratching your head.
Either way, you may still forget something. So, here is a checklist of essential items you need to get packing.
A bag to pack all your items should be top of your list. How you pack your stuff will ultimately determine the size of your bag. As well as a big bag, get a smaller one with mesh to take to and from the dive, as you might not need to take everything. Make sure it is durable.
Essential Checklist
- WETSUIT – A diving wetsuit is an insulating body suit made primarily from neoprene, a type of synthetic rubber that is flexible, waterproof, and has excellent insulation. It works by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the suit. Your body heat warms this water, providing insulation against the colder water outside. A good wetsuit should be made of 3 mm environmentally friendly non-petroleum neoprene.
A high-quality wetsuit designed for warm-water diving, should come with flatlock stitching and be smooth against bare skin, and a V-shaped collar further enhances comfort. O-rings in the wrist and ankles effectively limit water entry. - BCD: Otherwise known as a Buoyancy Control Device, it is needed to give scuba divers buoyancy and avoid them sinking. The jacket helps during dives going deep underwater and floating. It is responsible for making you stay alive underwater.
- SCUBA DIVING MASK AND SNORKEL: Getting the right one is essential when it comes to exploring the underwater world. A good mask allows you to clearly see the magic of a coral reef, a shipwreck, and the underwater habitat. Make sure your mask fits well so that it doesn’t leak and to ensure your lens doesn’t go foggy. The Supernova Dry snorkel, among other makes, features a floating mechanism that instantly closes when submerged to prevent water from entering the snorkel either accidentally or intentionally.
- FINS: Make sure you go for the full foot fins, which are best for snorkeling or diving in shallow water where you don’t need a lot of power to move around.
- BOOTIES: High cut boots extend past the ankle, providing additional warmth and protection. They are suitable for cold-water diving and offer enhanced insulation. Low cut booties sit below the ankle and offer more mobility and flexibility. They are ideal for diving in warm tropical waters.
- HOOD: Getting the right hood is all-important not just to look good, but to protect you. Even though you lose heat all over when you are underwater, approximately 20% to 40% of your body heat is escaping through your head. A good hood also offers you UV protection and protection from jellies, coral, sea lice among other creatures.
- WHISTLE: You need a whistle in case you get into difficulties. Make sure it is one that can be heard from a long distance. It needs to be small and portable and be placed somewhere where it is easy accessible like a keyring or bag.
- REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN: Important to get some sunscreen and anti-jellyfish lotion. You want it to be waterproof, protect you against sea lice, fire coral and jelly stings.
- DIVE COMPUTER: Get one that offers you multiple dive safe decompression calculations. Many watches can hold a dive memory logbook of up to 70 dives.
- REGULATOR AND GAUGES: Also known as a dive regulator, this is what keeps you breathing
underwater, so it is the most important kit when scuba diving. - PADI CERTIFICATION CARD: This proves that you have had your training, passed and can go underwater.
- FIRST AID KIT: Needed for any emergencies.
- SURFACE MARKER BUOY: Its purpose is to mark the location of your dive. It floats on the surface during your dive and is connected to a nylon reel held by a diver.
- TORCH AND CHARGER: Don’t forget your charger when you go away, electrical cables and batteries.
Some people rent the gear, but if you are serious, it’s best to buy your own from top retailers like: Mike’s Dive Store, Ocean Leisure, Amphibian Scuba, Big Squid, Oyster Diving, Aquanaut Scuba and Dive Wimbledon. Amazon also has a lot of merchandise in stock at reasonable prices. Also have a look at this video of the 5 dos and don’ts when packing for your next trip.
Remember that your checklist will vary depending on whether you are going somewhere tropical or cold. If it’s tropical you will not need your wetsuit, just your BCD.
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Apart from your dive gear and clothing, it is very important to consider what documents to take to avoid any delay and/ or possible cancellations of the trip.
Consider where you are going, staying, the duration of the trip, and any personal documentation used to confirm identity. Checklists will vary on the type of diving you are doing, as well as conditions and the environment.
Don’t get too stressed out with the packing. Be organised – lay it all out on your bed before putting it in your case – and you can’t go wrong. If you forget something, there will be somebody out there that will borrow you what you need.
If you are a beginner, visit PADI Travel for responsible dive travel tips. One big tip is never hold your breath. If you hold your breath underwater at the depths at which scuba divers reach then the fluctuating pressure of air in your lungs can rupture the lung walls.
Stay safe and enjoy the experience. What you leave behind on your first trip, you will never forget on your second.