Scuba Gear checklist for your next dive trip

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One of the best ways to avoid forgetting important items
for a dive trip is to keep a scuba gear checklist. In fact,
if you are about to make a trip, make sure to have your scuba
dive gear serviced. To enjoy your trip, you need to divide
your scuba gear checklist into two groups, the first group
pertains to the actual dive, the other is for your time in
the boat.

For your actual dive you want to make sure you have the
following equipment.

Mask: This is essential for good visibiilty underwater.
Remember, goggles will put too much pressure the deeper you
go underwater.

Snorkel: This is used primarily to conserve the air in your
tank at the surface.

Fins: Try to move 30 feet underwater without a pair of fins
and you will appreciate the importance of scuba fins.

Booties: For colder environments, dive boots are a must in
your inventory of scuba dive gear. They will protect your
skin from the cold water.

Mitts and Hood: Hoods are extremely important in colder
climates. They protect your head, which has the potential
to loose the most body heat underwater.

Appropriate wet suit: More useful in moderate to warm waters
to protect your body from the elements(i.e.sea urchins).

Weight belt and enough weights: To help you stay down deep
underwater

BCD: Buoyance Control Device to help you maintain your
buoyancy both underwater
and at the surface.

Regulator: with octopus(alternate second stage), low-pressure
inflator hose, and submersible pressure gauge, dry-suit
inflator: Regulators allow you to breath the air from your
tank at low pressure. One of the more important components
of your scuba gear checklist.

Tanks(checked and filled): The tank stores the air that you
need underwater to survive. There is an instrument that gauges
the amount of air left in the tank to help you plan your dive.

Dive tables: The further deep you dive, the more you need to
be concerned about your decompression levels. Unless you have
a dive computer in hand, it is almost mandatory to use dive
tables to plan your dives for the day.

Compass, computer, timer, depth gauge: These are very popular
and more commonplace now than ever before. It is easier to keep
track of your decompression needs with a dive computer than a
dive table. Remember, dive computers come in all types of price
ranges.

Incidental accessories like knives, shealth, collection bad,
dive float, dive flag: These accessories, though often over-
looked, can play an important role in your safety underwater.
The better prepared you are, the more you can enjoy your
underwater experience.

Any potential need for specialty equipment like lights,
cameras: Dive lights are not only useful at night, but also
in murky lake waters.

Repair kit:

First aid and oxygen kit: If you and your friend are diving
independently, this is of paramount importance. Do not
overlook this.

C-card and logbook: This refers to your open water certifi-
cation card. The logbook keeps an account of the number of
dives that you have made.

Check list for your time at the boat: These items are not a
part of your scuba dive gear checklist, but are useful in any
outdoor activity.

Hat: To protect you from the sun.

Sunscreen: Ditto.

Water: You always want to stay as hydrated as possible.
Remember, when you are diving in tropical climates, it is
best to have a bottle of water with you.

Windbreaker: When you are on a boat in the ocean, you
sometimes cannot avoid heavy winds. Having a windbreaker
can help you avoid the temperature fluctuations of heavy
winds, especially in non tropical climates.

Towels: This comes in handy when you get back on the boat
after your dive. Make sure you dry yourself thoroughly.

Long-sleeved shirt for protection from the sun: Diving in
tropical climates requires some sort of protection from the
sun. In addition to being hydrated properly, you should take
a bottle of sunscreen, as well as long-sleeved shirt. Sunburns
can totally mess up your time underwater.

Lunch and snacks: Don抰 always depend on your dive group to
provide you with meals. Quick snacks such as fruit/granola
bars and beverages will prevent you from being hungry. Ask
beforehand if food will be provided or catered. Otherwise,
consider bringing a sandwich if there is a fridge on board.

Seasickness medication: Consult your doctor beforehand if
your are prone to seasickness and need medication.