We all know how much fun dive travel is; even so, traveling with your scuba gear can be somewhat daunting without the right accessories at hand. Whether you’re heading to the local beach or to a dream destination you’re finally planning to check off your bucket list, packing your scuba gear for travel is vital not just for your convenience, but for keeping expensive items safe and sound until you’re ready to use them. Here, we give you the lowdown on packing your gear for fun, easy travel.
Traveling Light: Should You Do It?
There are definitely some advantages to traveling light: You’ll pay less in baggage fees, you’ll have less to carry through massive airport terminals, and you’ll have less to stow in taxi trunks and tiny overseas hotel rooms. The major disadvantage to traveling light with scuba gear is that you will probably have to rent a few items once you reach your destination. Weigh the cost differences between baggage fees and rental fees; you might or might not save money by renting gear. Also, consider whether quality items in good condition will be available at your destination. If so, you might just want to travel light! If not, you will definitely benefit from the rest of these tips.
Start With a Good Gear Bag
Scuba gear bags come in a surprising array of sizes, shapes, and colors. Consider picking one with a unique look that will be easy to spot at baggage claims, particularly if you are traveling to a popular scuba diving destination where many people might have similar looking bags.
Keep utility in mind when choosing a gear bag, and consider picking one with wheels that will make your life a whole lot easier in the event you have to walk long distances. Pick one with enough pockets to make stowing your mask, fins, and accessories in an organized way easy. Choose one that’s roomy enough to accommodate all your goodies without you having to force it closed. It’s better to have a bag that’s too big than one that’s not quite large enough!
If you can’t find a bag that looks unique, attach a fun luggage tag to it, or tie some yarn or ribbon to one of the handles. Snap a photo of your gear bag after it’s packed, so you can share it with authorities in case the bag is lost.
Pack your Regulator Carefully
While you can pack your regulator in your gear bag, you might want to wait to do so until you arrive at your destination. Many experienced travelers opt to carry their regulators in carry-on luggage. There are a few reasons for this, chief among them rough baggage handling. Also, if you love your expensive regulator and don’t want to have to replace it, it’s a good idea to protect your investment by placing it in your carry-on. Be sure to pad it carefully if you do this, or just buy a specially made bag for your regulator and keep it inside. Weigh your options carefully when deciding how to pack your regulator for travel – it can be hard to get a good one at some rental places and you certainly don’t want to be forced to purchase a new one!
Ditto for your Dive Computer
If you’ve got a wristwatch style dive computer, turn it on and wear it as a watch during your travels, if practical. Not only will you be able to prevent problems that stem from diving too soon after flying and vice versa, you’ll almost completely eliminate the risk that anything bad will happen to your dive computer. If you have a different style, you can either pack it in your gear bag or in another piece of well-padded luggage. Unless it’s going in your carry-on, take the batteries out to ensure they don’t explode.
Protect Your Mask
If you’ve got a good gear bag, you should have no problem stowing your mask safely inside. When preparing your mask for travel, be sure to wrap it up to prevent scratching, and pack it carefully to protect it from damage. Luckily, a good quality scuba mask is a very sturdy item, so taking these simple precautions ought to be enough.
BCD Basics
You might be tempted to leave your BCD home, but doing so might leave you feeling like something’s missing once you get to your destination. One reason we recommend buying a roomy gear bag is so that you’ll have enough room for your beloved BCD, and so you’ll have plenty of room for all the goodies you keep in the pockets. Be sure it’s completely clear of air before packing it, and be careful not to stress any functional parts when folding or rolling it.
Make Room for Extras
Sunscreen, a hat, spare batteries…all these are things you can buy at most destinations if you want to, and in some places, they won’t cost you much. If you pack liquid items, be sure to put them inside a sealed plastic bag in case they pop open during pressure changes. Keep them away from cameras and other electronics.
Remove the batteries from your dive light, and be sure to stow your knife safely so that inadvertent shifting does not cause it to come loose from its sheath and damage a BCD or other item. Do not pack your dive knife in carry-on luggage, as it will be confiscated.
Be sure to bring your C-card with you, and don’t forget your dive log. Bring any other relevant paperwork with you as well, packing it inside your carry-on so you’ll have access to it even if your gear bag is lost at the airport.
Finally, prepare for the worst by researching some dive shops in the areas you’ll be traveling to. If any equipment is lost or damaged, you’ll want to be able to rent new items or replace essentials. Keep phone numbers, website information, and other essentials handy, along with reservation information, travel insurance information, and emergency contact information with you so if you need it, you’ll be able to access it in a flash. By following these simple tips, your likelihood of having a stressful vacation will be greatly diminished. Have a safe trip, and happy diving!