Packing for a Scuba Vacation - Part I

It is definitely a "weighting" game when deciding what to bring on your scuba vacation. Airlines' weight restrictions and baggage fees definitely make it a challenge to stay within the limits without getting charged extra. So what is really necessary to pack when getting ready to head to that awesome dive resort? Well, it is always a matter of personal choice, but here are a few suggestions that might make the choices a bit easier.

First and foremost, you never need to bring your tank and weights

Any good scuba vacation package will include these, whether it be a land resort or liveaboard. Next, what is the water temperature for the location and time of year you will be diving? You need to find this out to determine if you should pack just a skin, a 3mm shorty, or maybe even a 7mm or greater. Also, keep in mind your own body temperature.  Do you get cold easily, or are you a furnace, like my husband?  You will most likely be diving 2 to 4 dives a day for a week.  How much will your body-core temperature drop by the end of that week?  That 3mm may seem a bit toasty at the beginning of the week, but at the end you may be happy to have the warmth. And then there is the question of exposed skin or covered skin. I used to dive a shorty, but after being stung by floating nematocysts with no jellyfish in sight or being pushed into coral by surge and getting scratched up, I decided I would protect my skin with a full suit. That is my personal choice - it is up to you. And don't forget the #1 injury to divers is sunburn. Not bringing a suit? At least bring a rashguard to protect you from the sun's rays.

Next scuba equipment items on your list would be regulators, computer, bcd, mask, snorkel and fins

All of these items can generally be rented from the operation you will be diving with, but rental charges can add up quickly and a perfect fit is not always guaranteed. I personally prefer to bring my own gear because I know it like the back of my hand. I know I am the only one who has used my regulators, computer and bcd, and that I have taken care to keep them in good working order. If you are concerned about the weight of your bcd or regs, there are a number of options from equipment manufacturers these days for light-weight travel gear. I know my travel bcd weighs at least a third of the weight of my regular bcd, and my smaller travel regs are also definitely lighter than the ones I use at home. In regards to your mask and snorkel, if you've found your perfect fit, pack it. They don't really add that much weight to your luggage. If you think your fins are too big or heavy for your bag, these too have lighter -weight travel options out there.

Taking booties or not depends on the type of fins you use. It also depends on the type of diving you will be doing. Jumping off a liveaboard into warm water may require just a full-foot fin, but diving the coral covered beaches of Bonaire, you will be wanting a booty with a good sole on it and open-heeled fins to accommodate those booties. As far as gloves are concerned, just leave them at home. Most warm-water destinations will not allow you to dive with gloves because they want to discourage divers from touching coral and other marine life (always a good practice).

What's left for scuba equipment?

Well, if you're an instructor as my husband is, leading a group of your students on this great dive trip, you might be tempted to bring your toolbox with you. Resist the urge. Just pack a few essential items, like a spare mouthpiece, some o-rings that are may be used for computer connections, etc., a few zip ties, and a pick or small screwdriver. Generally, the dive operation will have the equipment needed for other minor repairs, but you may want to pack your unusual items that may not be readily available on the island nation you are visiting. For example, check your computer battery life before you leave. If it is getting close to running out, make sure to pack a backup battery.

Oh, and whatever you do, don't forget to pack your surface-signalling device!

Make sure you pack at least a whistle, but preferably a safety-sausage for a visual reference at a minimum. Only pack your larger primary light if you intend on doing a night dive. If you power your light with disposable batteries, I would purchase some inexpensive ones for the trip and leave them behind at the resort upon your departure home. No matter how hard you try to dry out your equipment before packing for the return trip, you always seem to gain a few pounds. Leaving your batteries behind may help compensate for the new weight. Another thing about lights, make sure you empty the light of batteries when traveling and pack them in a separate to save you some hassle at the TSA checkpoint.

In my next post I will discuss what to do with your photo and video equipment, and I will give you some more pointers on what other stuff to pack to make your traveling a bit easier and more enjoyable. I will also give you my handy-dandy pre-trip check list and diver's packing list to make sure you don't forget anything. In addition, I have updated my airline baggage guidelines to provide you with the latest baggage limits, weight & dimension restrictions, and checked & carry-on baggage fees.

Do you have any handy packing or travelling tips you'd like to share with other divers? Please share your tips in the comments below.

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