Mask, fins, rebreather and you are ready to go, right? There are many small items that you might not think about that can ruin a trip in their absence.
Inquire about the local power supply. As an example, Mexico has the same current as the US, but many wall outlets do not have grounding plugs. You will need to purchase cheaters that convert your three-prong plugs to two-prong. Power strips are worth their weight in gold since wall outlets may be few and far between. In Europe, recessed plugs may not fit the fancy converter you bought at the airport. Those converters also often omit a hole for the grounding plug, making them impossible to utilize without the cheaters mentioned above. Many chargers are already rated for 120 and 240v power supplies. Do not waste converters on these devices as they are not needed.
Disinfectant may be challenging to take to your destination. Virkon tablets are very convenient for travel as they are dry and will not spill in luggage or take up precious weight allowance. (Link to Dive Rite Express for product). Betadine is usually easy to find in foreign pharmacies. Dilute it in the bathtub to soak your breathing loop. If you are camping on an expedition, use one of your shipping cases as a bath. If you cannot find Betadine, Listerine will get your through a trip with reasonable cleanliness, but it does not kill all bacteria. Minty fresh mmm.
You can never give enough credit to duct tape. It can repair an awful lot of damage in a difficult situation. I always carry some on trips, but rather than taking a heavy roll, I just wind a few yards around a business card for a small supply.
Clear plastic Ziplock bags allow you to neatly separate and pack gear so that it does not get lost during inspections. If you simply roll your light in your pajamas, the screener is likely to pick up the garment and send the sensitive bulb crashing to the floor in pieces. Slide delicate items into dive boots and fin pockets. Tape them in place or put them in a Ziplock if necessary.
Swimmers Ear Rinse is a must on any vacation. Your ears may not be accustomed to local bacteria and ear infections can make a quick end to your diving activities.
Bring an empty Nalgene water bottle that can be refilled on site. Local water supplies may be questionable and buying a large container of drinking water may save you from a case of the trots.
Consider carrying a small first pack that includes basic dressings and ointments, but also consider taking a supply of antibiotics in case you get an infection. Many family doctors are willing to fill a prescription that can be stored and used for travel emergencies until the drug expires. Some countries like Mexico have easy access to prescription medications without the need for a prescription. In those cases, you can count on getting drug supplies locally.
Always make a photocopy of your critical identification like your passport and carry it separately in case of loss. Consulates can easily assist if you have back-up documents.--Jill Heinerth
Rebreather Pro
Inquire about the local power supply. As an example, Mexico has the same current as the US, but many wall outlets do not have grounding plugs. You will need to purchase cheaters that convert your three-prong plugs to two-prong. Power strips are worth their weight in gold since wall outlets may be few and far between. In Europe, recessed plugs may not fit the fancy converter you bought at the airport. Those converters also often omit a hole for the grounding plug, making them impossible to utilize without the cheaters mentioned above. Many chargers are already rated for 120 and 240v power supplies. Do not waste converters on these devices as they are not needed.
Disinfectant may be challenging to take to your destination. Virkon tablets are very convenient for travel as they are dry and will not spill in luggage or take up precious weight allowance. (Link to Dive Rite Express for product). Betadine is usually easy to find in foreign pharmacies. Dilute it in the bathtub to soak your breathing loop. If you are camping on an expedition, use one of your shipping cases as a bath. If you cannot find Betadine, Listerine will get your through a trip with reasonable cleanliness, but it does not kill all bacteria. Minty fresh mmm.
You can never give enough credit to duct tape. It can repair an awful lot of damage in a difficult situation. I always carry some on trips, but rather than taking a heavy roll, I just wind a few yards around a business card for a small supply.
Clear plastic Ziplock bags allow you to neatly separate and pack gear so that it does not get lost during inspections. If you simply roll your light in your pajamas, the screener is likely to pick up the garment and send the sensitive bulb crashing to the floor in pieces. Slide delicate items into dive boots and fin pockets. Tape them in place or put them in a Ziplock if necessary.
Swimmers Ear Rinse is a must on any vacation. Your ears may not be accustomed to local bacteria and ear infections can make a quick end to your diving activities.
Bring an empty Nalgene water bottle that can be refilled on site. Local water supplies may be questionable and buying a large container of drinking water may save you from a case of the trots.
Consider carrying a small first pack that includes basic dressings and ointments, but also consider taking a supply of antibiotics in case you get an infection. Many family doctors are willing to fill a prescription that can be stored and used for travel emergencies until the drug expires. Some countries like Mexico have easy access to prescription medications without the need for a prescription. In those cases, you can count on getting drug supplies locally.
Always make a photocopy of your critical identification like your passport and carry it separately in case of loss. Consulates can easily assist if you have back-up documents.--Jill Heinerth
Rebreather Pro
