What to bring on your diving trip

What to bring on your diving trip?

The eternal question we all ask ourselves.

You diving trip, involves a lot of essential extras, make sure you don't miss anything to enjoy the experience.

Here is the essential checklist so you can prepare your diving equipment and all the necessary documents.

Checklist

1 – Documentation

Passport: Validity of at least 6 months

Diving qualification: We recommend having the minimum qualification of Advanced Open Water Diver to be able to do deep diving as well, and the Enriched Air Nitrox specialty to dive a lot and with less risk.

Medical and travel insurance: Every diver must have diving insurance, but for trips abroad we recommend reviewing the coverage and extending it so that medical care, treatment and transport in the event of an accident are unlimited. We can advise you on the special insurance for travel.

Diving medical certificate: Although according to the new regulations A medical health questionnaire is mandatory. We always recommend that all divers undergo medical check-ups with a hyperbaric medicine professional, who can guarantee that our physical condition is optimal for diving.

Visa: It is very important to be informed about the procedures that we must follow to obtain our visa, since depending on the country, it is processed upon arrival or in other cases it must be managed in advance.

Embassy address and contact: This is advice that our parents have always given us, and although it has never been necessary to resort to it, having the contact information for your country's embassy in the destination you are traveling to can get you out of more than one tight spot.

Special permissions: Depending on the reason for our trip, we may need a specific permit. Currently, due to the Coronavirus situation, many countries are requesting specific medical tests and declarations of responsibility.

2 – Diving equipment

We always recommend taking your own equipment on your diving trip, especially if you are going to an incredible destination. This will ensure maximum safety and comfort on our dives.

But if you don't have complete equipment, the essential components that you should definitely consider having are the following.

Mask: We dive to see things, so don't take any chances here. The rental mask may not fit you well and may not be comfortable enough.

Computer: The regulations state that this component is mandatory and it is also the most important part of your safety equipment. Check that it has enough battery for the trip and if not, change the battery.

Buoy: Also mandatory by law and essential for your safety.

Knife: In some destinations it is mandatory and in others it is prohibited. Always find out before your trip and carry it in your checked bag with the rest of your diving equipment, otherwise it may be suspicious during airport security checks.

Current hook: It is a very cheap accessory and recommended for dives with strong currents. However, check with your diving guide which dives it is recommended for and make sure not to stick it in substrates with corals.

Camera, lights and chargers: Although the memories you have made are the best, if you immortalize them you can show them and share them. Remember to bring enough chargers and batteries and check with the airline if they recommend carrying them in your checked or carry-on bag. They may recommend that you carry the batteries away from the light.

3 – Vaccines and medications

Depending on the country you are travelling to, specific vaccinations may be required. To find out which vaccinations you need, you must make an appointment with the International Health Institutions and they will advise you on the necessary medicines, vaccines and tests. Then make an appointment with your GP to proceed with the relevant vaccinations and obtain prescriptions for the medicines they recommend.

Make sure you bring biodegradable sunscreen, to protect yourself from the sun and marine life from your cream. In our store you will find coral-friendly facial sticks and body lotions.

4 – Clothes to take on your diving trip

Less is more. If your trip is almost entirely about diving, we recommend that you only take what is essential so that your suitcase weighs as little as possible. Bring comfortable clothing that will be useful for both cold and hot weather.

On liveaboard trips it is usually hot during the day, but at night the sea breeze greatly reduces the feeling of heat. Make sure you don't catch a chill, especially around your ears and neck, by wearing a hooded sweatshirt, buff or hat.