Dive Site Security Question

[Squishy]

Hello all!

I am a new diver with about 10 dives and have a question about shore dives. When on a boat dive this is not a concern, but when shore diving, I am wondering how people keep their equipment secure. I have a computer chip in my car key, so I don't feel comfortable taking it under water, so I can't really lock up my extra equipment, cell phone, wallet, etc securely. I usually lock the car and try to hide the key somewhere on or around the car. Seems that it would be very easy for someone to find it and clean me out while I am under water.

So I am wondering how people secure their valuables on land when they are underwater. Any good ideas? Please feel free to PM me if you prefer.

Thanks for any ideas!
-Mike-

 

[ReefHound]

That's what I do. How are they going to find it? There are lots of nooks and crannies under a car. If the site is so unsecure that someone can scour around under the car then they would more likely just shatter the window in the first place. Theft happens, that's why I have insurance.

Actually, I lock the primary keys in the car. I have a spare key (no chip) always stashed in a secret spot in case I lock myself out.

 

[amajamar]

If you are uncomfortable with hiding the key outside of the car, and if your vehicle uses a standard "key" (not like a Mercedes which has that big squareish key) even if it has a "chip" you may be able to have a standard key cut, to just open the door. You could then take it with you on the dive and that's it!

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

Many people will give a key to a dive buddy who has a car without an electronic key have him/her lock it up. That bubby takes the old fashioned key along for the dive.

Also you can purchase lockboxes that realtors use to secure keys to doorknobs. These have combination locks and metal loop that can be locked around a strut on the underside of your car. The lockboxes are about $40, and are available at some home centers.

Or you can just hide the key.

 

[BlueC5Kitten]

So far, I have been fortunate in that I can leave my dry gear with someone who isn't diving. That being said, I also have a "plastic key" for both of my cars that I can put in my pocket in my wetsuit (it's on the back, by the zipper) that can be used only to open my car door and the center console, where I would lock things like the actual key for safe-keeping.

 

[leapfrog]

Hi,

I hope this helps.

Waterproof Wallet, Ewa-Marine, Underwater Dive Wallet

 

[ianw2]

Do you have a valet key without a chip?

Or...if you have a trailer hitch...

Ian

 

[potablewater]

Are you saying that you can't have a key not connected to your chip embedded auto lock? That you can't make a regular old key and just put it in your pocket or hang it from a necklace? I think the solution's obvious. I shore dive in NYC, and that's what I do. Dive safe!

All the best,
Geoff

 

[spectrum]

Depends what you mean by a chip.

Our 2001 Windstar has a smart key and my wife and I take those diving all the time. When diving wet they're on a lanyard around our necks. When dry, tied off in a BC pocket.

The GMC van has a plain simple key, thank goodness. The Subaru Outback has a valet key.

3 vehicles, 3 solutions, go figure.

Obviously you are not taking a key fob diving.

I have hosted plenty of buddies keys in my car during the dive.

In some cases that's the back-up set in case the one they hid under the car takes a hike.

Pete

 

[almitywife]

i have a spare key cut that means i can leave the computer chip keys hidden in the car somewhere - there are lots of little areas you can hide stuff (ie, at the rear, pull off the rear light panel and put keys in there)

when leaving the car.. best thing is to leave it very neat with glove box/console open to show anyone that looks inside the car that there is nothing to steal. so tidy up the back seat, make it look like nothing is hidden, if the car looks messy with tshirts slopped around thieves start wondering if there are wallets under there

cheers