Equipment needed for an extended trip

[bradcurtis]

Hi,

I'm newly certified and bought the following equipment:
Zeagle Ranger
Zeagle flathead
Zeagle envoy octo
2 guage console
aries atmos elite
fins
mask
save a dive kit
wet suit

I was wondering what redundant equipment I should have for an extended trip to Cozumel? The LDS said a spare computer is a must. Just wondering if I missed anything and if I really need a spare computer?

Cheers
Brad

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

When I'm planning the dive, I write on my wrist slate the max. time for the planned depth, as well as the max. times for the next two depths (just in case). Then if my computer fails during the dive I can use my watch and notes to finish the dive. Of course, I have to remember to start my stopwatch when I descend.

Subsequent dives I would do the same way, using the tables and watch.

I know I would get less bottom time off the tables, but would rather do that than spend the bucks on a second computer.

But that's just me.

(added later) I should have mentioned that my computer isn't air integrated, so I wouldn't loose my pressure gauge if the computer failed.

 

[webjr]

Just wondering if I missed anything and if I really need a spare computer?

A spare computer is a nice thing to have , but in my opinion , a little overkill for the typical recreational diver . If you have a computer problem on vacation , the dive shop you're diving with could probably rent you one for the week reasonably cheap or at least set you up with a regular loaner console and dive off the RDP . The dive boats plan the days diving off the tables anyway .
A few other things to add to your dive gear ....
OIL FREE suntan lotion . (oil based lotions are harmfull to the reef)
A LARGE mesh gear bag .
Other than that you look good to go .
Dive safe , relax , and have fun .
Bill

 

[Christi]

Hi,

I'm newly certified and bought the following equipment:
Zeagle Ranger
Zeagle flathead
Zeagle envoy octo
2 guage console
aries atmos elite
fins
mask
save a dive kit
wet suit

I was wondering what redundant equipment I should have for an extended trip to Cozumel? The LDS said a spare computer is a must. Just wondering if I missed anything and if I really need a spare computer?

Cheers
Brad

Hi Brad,

Sounds like the LDS sold you some good and expensive equipment...and now they want more for your wallet for an extra computer.

1. What is your definition of an extended trip to Cozumel?
2. A back-up computer is never a bad idea, but to say it is a MUST is simply ridiculous, particularly in Cozumel. This is just a way to manipulate you into buying another expensive piece of equipment from them.

All diving is Cozumel is guided and you will always be diving with a divemaster or instructor and with a group. If you have computer failure (rare although it can happen of course) you have several options. Furthermore, the divemaster will give you a basic dive plan, and as long as you actually stick to the plan, you will be fine. You should know how to use your tables as a back-up method in case of computer failure. Depending on which shop you are diving with, you will be diving tables anyway with dictated bottom times and depths, particularly as a new diver.

I am not at all suggesting to dive blindly, or to do a "trust me" dive, but sticking to the plan (not going deeper and eing aware of the NDL's for your dive) given by the divemaster will keep you in a conservative window. Additionally, virtually every dive here is a multi-level dive...so staying within safe NDL's is very easy to do.

If you are going to be here long enough for the battery to go dead in your new computer, bring spare computer batteries, but buying an extra dive computer is purely optional and not necessary in my opinion...particularly for a trip to Cozumel.

 

[wscdive]

Once you use a computer for multi level diving there is no safe way to revert to tables without letting your system clear. Most cozumel dives are multi-level drift dives, If your diving within the no deco limits and your comp fails you would have to abort the dive and sit out for a day if you had no second comp. A backup timer depth gauge is good for your ascent but wont help you with the deco schedule. (the bottom time benefit of a comp on multi level dives can be huge). If your comp is in good working order with good batteries it shouldn't fail but if it does a day on the beach or in Tulum isnt hard to take anyway!!

 

[Christi]

Once you use a computer for multi level diving there is no safe way to revert to tables without letting your system clear. Most cozumel dives are multi-level drift dives, If your diving within the no deco limits and your comp fails you would have to abort the dive and sit out for a day if you had no second comp. A backup timer depth gauge is good for your ascent but wont help you with the deco schedule. (the bottom time benefit of a comp on multi level dives can be huge). If your comp is in good working order with good batteries it shouldn't fail but if it does a day on the beach or in Tulum isnt hard to take anyway!!

I'm sorry, but I respectfully disagree with you.

If you have a dive plan and your computer craps out on you during a dive, you CAN revert to the tables provided that you still have a depth and pressure guage and of course a timing device.

In this situation, I do advise sticking with the tables the rest of the trip since your computer or a replacement computer will not be keeping up with your actual N2 loading if you have continued diving. Switching back and forth between tables and computers would in fact not be advisable at all. Once you switch, you need to keep it that way or stop diving until your body and computer have cleared. Basically your body will be ahead of the computer and your computer will be nothing more than a depth guage at that point. IF you decide to sit out a day or two to let your body completely desat, then you could safely start with a new computer or your repaired computer...but to say that it is a MUST is again not completely true.

Again, while I am not suggesting that you not plan your dives or that you dive blindly, MOST diving in Cozumel is very conservative and the guides keep you well within recreational limits, even if you are diving repetitive dives over multiple days. There are still thousands of people who do not dive with computers at all.

The tables are an excellent back-up tool IF you have a dive plan and know how to use your tables. Better yet, if you are really on the ball, you will make a contingency plan using the tables in the anticipation of computer failure.

 

[StSomewhere]

Once you use a computer for multi level diving there is no safe way to revert to tables without letting your system clear.

If you scribbled your times and depths on a slate as your depth changed, you could calculate this on-the-fly with tables or (better yet) the wheel. I'm pretty sure this is covered in the PADI multi-level diver specialty, I don't know if any other agencies do.

 

[Michael Schlink]

OK First of all, Christi I 'm sorry to go at you so please forgive me for what I'm about to say BUT. wscdive is right and you can't switch back to tables in most cases because of the very reason most people dive a computer ESPECIALLY on wal dives where a multi level profile is most profound. You start going up and down through Palancar caves or a few other spots and a computer will add a solid 10 minutes of bottom time, easy.
If you can afford a second computer go for it. A SUUNTO mosquito is about $300 and very nice for a backup. I won't go diving without a backup computer, ever.
As far as ALL diving being led by an instructor/divemaster and the profiles being set by them, again I'm sorry, but that's not true either. That may be the case with your op. but I can come down there any day of the week go out with several of the ops and dive when where and how long I want to. OR how 'bout the shore dive in front of La Ceiba. No DM there, Chancanab or Paradise also no DM.
Back to the post
Nice things to have
1) a big net bag to carry all your gear from the hotel to the boat
2) Floppy hat for sun protection and walking around
PS DON"T rent the little scooters for zipping around, people get run over on themPM me if you want I have quite a bit of experience in Cozumel.

 

[Keysdrifter454]

Hi,

I'm newly certified and bought the following equipment:
Zeagle Ranger
Zeagle flathead
Zeagle envoy octo
2 guage console
aries atmos elite
fins
mask
save a dive kit
wet suit

I was wondering what redundant equipment I should have for an extended trip to Cozumel? The LDS said a spare computer is a must. Just wondering if I missed anything and if I really need a spare computer?

Cheers
Brad

Here's a previous gear inventory, not as a suggestion, but as a list to look through:

Main Bag:

1) Quattros, 2 pair.
2) Tank cam strap, spare, 2
3) Delrin Spool, 50m
4) Wrist compass
5) Retractor/compass
6) Vyper
7) Dacor Nitrox
8) 3) 3-C lights
9) 1) 8-D light
10) 19 asst tables
11) Wetnotes
12) 2 bundles zip strips, 3 lengths
13) 15' web harness
14) Spare lift bag, 50#
15) 20' shock cord, 2 sizes
16) Tank pressure checker
17) 3 pairs gloves, light, medium, heavy
18) Reg plug ratchet wrench
19) 2) 2AAA lights
20) SeaDrops, 8 oz, nfs
21) Dive alert
22) Collapsible dive flag
23) 2) LPI hoses, spare
24) 1 reg hose
25) River Stick
26) 2 hoods
27) First aid kit
28) 2 masks in boxes w/ defog
29) OMS seatbelt cutter
30) 2 powder coated carabineers
31) Half mill skin
32) 3 mill shortie

Dry Box 1

1) 30 hits Triptone
2) Sinex Utrafine, the best
3) SeaDrops
4) Viton O-rings, 40 ct
5) Silicone tub
6) Wetnote pencils

Dry Box 2

1) O2 analyzer
2) LPI pressure gauge
3) 1) 1AAA light

Tool Bag

1) Tech lube
2) Spare fin straps w/ buckle
3) Spare fin straps w/o
4) White paint marker
5) LP blowgun
6) Spray food grade silicone
7) 8" bulldog spanner
8) Tank knob tool
9) Spare mouthpiece
10) Spare SPG

Parts Bag

1) Crotch strap
2) Sun lotion
3) Insect repellent
4) Mask scrub/cleaner
5) Hose adapter fittings
6) Z knife
7) Spare dive watches
8) Cyalume sticks
9) 2 Snorkel keepers
10) 15 regulator plugs

Rigging Kit

1) 22 pcs SS hardware
2) 8 D-rings
3) 5' shock cord
4) 6 serrated keepers
5) Spare buckles
6) Spare SS boltsnaps
7) 4" bulldog spanner
8) 6" bulldog spanner

 

[Christi]

OK First of all, Christi I 'm sorry to go at you so please forgive me for what I'm about to say BUT. wscdive is right and you can't switch back to tables in most cases because of the very reason most people dive a computer ESPECIALLY on wal dives where a multi level profile is most profound. You start going up and down through Palancar caves or a few other spots and a computer will add a solid 10 minutes of bottom time, easy.
If you can afford a second computer go for it. A SUUNTO mosquito is about $300 and very nice for a backup. I won't go diving without a backup computer, ever.
As far as ALL diving being led by an instructor/divemaster and the profiles being set by them, again I'm sorry, but that's not true either. That may be the case with your op. but I can come down there any day of the week go out with several of the ops and dive when where and how long I want to. OR how 'bout the shore dive in front of La Ceiba. No DM there, Chancanab or Paradise also no DM.
Back to the post
Nice things to have
1) a big net bag to carry all your gear from the hotel to the boat
2) Floppy hat for sun protection and walking around
PS DON"T rent the little scooters for zipping around, people get run over on themPM me if you want I have quite a bit of experience in Cozumel.

Michael, Remember, he is a brand new diver. I doubt that any operator will be allowing him to go off on his own and I doubt (and discourage) that he will be doing any solo shore diving.

I agree that switching back and forth from tables to computer is a bad idea and not advisable. Undoubtedly, if he has a computer failure and has to use the tables for back-up, he will reduce his allowable bottom time. But can he safely finish the dive with his tables? Yes, most likely. This would of course depend on his profile.

Again, he is a BRAND NEW diver. I doubt that extended bottom times, deep independent dives, and solo shore dives will be an issue for him on this trip. I am not saying that you should never have a back-up computer, I'm just saying that it is not a MUST as the LDS told him. HIs question was:
The LDS said a spare computer is a must. Just wondering if I missed anything and if I really need a spare computer?
My answer remains the same. Nice to have, but not essential at this point in his diving career.

By the way, technically all boat diving within the marine park is required to be guided. If your op allows you to go off completely on your own, that is their perogative...but if something goes wrong...they will have a handful of problems to deal with. Just something to think about.

I allow a considerable amount of diver freedom based on the skill level and experience level of the divers I have at any given time. However, there is always a divemaster in the water within bubble site whether he is tooling around on his own to let the divers do their thing or if he is diving with a group of new divers that requires much more attention.

By the way, I understand where you are coming from and I agree with you for the most part. I also always have 2 computers plus a depth and pressure guage. I didn't even have a computer when I first started diving. I'm just trying to answer his question as honestly as I can based on HIS level of diving experience. If money is not an issue, then by all means...buy a back-up computer now. You may be able to make a better selection for a back-up after a little more experience however. Also, dive computers are available for rent in most shops.

I 1000% agree with you on the moped thing...PLEASE PEOPLE, DO NOT RENT MOPEDS IN COZUMEL! There are LITERALLY 3 to 5+ accidents including fatal accidents a week involving tourists on mopeds...and it's getting worse.