Do
You Have a "Save-A-Dive" Kit?
What's In It?
On dive boats, two things seem to destroy or at least severely damage a dive trip. The first is sea sickness; the second, equipment problems. Both seem to be about even in their occurrence, but can often be avoided. More important, both require a plan of action. Seasickness prevention requires proper eating, drinking, rest and medication, whether homeopathic or drug store variety pills.
Equipment
problems are best handled before ever setting foot on the boat. A
complete inspection of your gear as you pack is a must. Pack at least
24 hours before your dive trip, giving you time to visit the dive
store, if necessary. Check straps, hoses, regulator mouthpieces
(often overlooked, leading to wet breathing), etc. If possible, put
your regulator on a tank and pressurize. Prevention is best but . . .
Sometimes things break and go wrong that you didn't anticipate. This is where a "Save-A-Dive" kit is a must for any dive trip. What exactly you put in it, and how extensive it is, depends on how you dive and how far you'll be from the resources to get repairs. But two things are for sure: you need a "Save-A-Dive" kit, and it need not be complicated.
Here's the minimum: spare mask and fin strap, tank valve 'O' ring, and regulator mouthpiece with tie-wrap to secure (I've used this item for offshore repairs more than any other). It should go without saying that the mask and fin straps should fit your particular model of fin or mask, but even I was caught in this mistake once. Some other items I give a high priority include spare battery for dive computer, spare regulator, inflator and gauge hoses, and basic tools to change out any of the above mentioned items. Black electrical tape can hold nearly anything together, at least for one dive. And for good measure, I throw in a spare clip, snorkel keeper, mask defog, plugs and threaded adapter fitting for the regulator. The biggest item is the fill yoke for my "Spare Air." It's all contained in a small waterproof box the size of cigar box. Unless I use an item, or change my mask or fin model, the box never needs opening. I just toss it in my gear bag.
Some other items I have carried as important "spares" include an empty pouch style weight belt. It is almost always easy to get lead, but not always the belt or belt that fits you. On long, remote trips I have carried an entire spare regulator assembly, complete with console. And another good back up to a failed dive computer is good old fashioned dive tables. (Of course you need to know how to use them!)
Make it a priority before you next dive trip - get a good "Save-A-Dive" kit together. It may just be the difference between a great day of diving or a day of just sitting on the boat.
