scuba kit

[txdiver007]

I just started diving and would like to know what are the things you must have besides the bcd, fins, mask, etc. I'm talking about lights, accessories, kits, etc. that one should have when going diving. If you walk into a store they want to see you everything. I'm looking of stuff to be prepared for any issue that may rise.

I appreciate the help. Thanks.

 

[Paco]

Much of this depends on the type of diving you plan to do.
If you intend to do a lot of boat diving, I would have a whistle or other auditory signaling divice, a safety sausage or some type of visual signaling device. A cutting tool will come in handy for fish line entaglements. A dive light or two will be needed for night diving. Many also have a save-a-dive kit with extra O rings, mask strap, fin strap, etc. A compass. Dive computers are also nice to have, but not absolutely necessary. I also make a lot of use of my slate for writing messages I can't clearly sign. Just a small one for in the BC pocket. As you gain more dive experience you should be able to detemine that type of accessories that best suit your diving. There were just off the top of my head. Hope this helps.

Congratulations for joining the sport and dive safely.

Mike

 

[SStrecker]

Whatever you think that you will spend will usually be an underestimate. Some of the driving forces in actual cost are quality, comfort, critical component redundancy and convenience. Pick wisely and budget accordingly.

 

[colsonn]

Do you plan to buy everything you need for basic diving all at once, or spread out?
Some of the best advice I got was from my instructor. "What part of the rental gear do you hate the most, whatever it is, buy that first."

-It's always good to have a small light, even f you aren't doing night dives yet.
-A knife of some sort, doesn't have to be rambo size, just something to cut line or anything you could get snagged up in. Blunt tip will keep you from stabbing you or your gear.
-A whistle is a good safety item and cheap.
-Save a dive kit, or some spare parts and o-rings, always o-rings.
-Dive bag, but I use a tote, cheaper that way. If you plan to travel with your gear, I suggest a good bag that will protect your gear, but a dive bag is also a great target for theft in the airport. Some come with a bag that goes over it for disguise.
-Weights and weight belt, if your bc isn't weight integraded.
-Tank, size and valve type. There are a ton of sizes other than the standard al80. rent a few different sizes to see which works for you. It is all about personal preference. yoke or Din. Depends on type of diving and preference. Rec. diving within limits, I use a yoke.
-Reg. bag. Something you can use to stuff that expensive gear into.

I'm sure I'm leaving something out, but there are some of the basics.

Hope this helps you, and good luck on your advanced class.

 

[D_B]

Small backup light that you can carry in your BC, and carry it all the time
Small knife or Eme. shears
Retractor for guages if on console (small retractor, not the large ones)
Regulator bag
Save-a-Dive kit with O rings (different sizes), fin strap , zip ties , mask strap (even spare mask) , clips , silicone grease(for light/camera Orings) , wetsuit glue and activator , and anything else that you can think of that is your equipment specific(adapter for my reg's Air-2 hose to fit a rental BC's inflator)
Stanly 29" wheeled tool box to transport my gear on shore dives , can strap two Al80's on the top with a ratchet tiedown (and small enough to fit on the Catalina ferry)
Boat dive ... whistle , signal mirror (not a CD) , safety sausage

DB

 

[txdiver007]

Thank you all. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[Scottri]

A compass, a couple of dive lights, one big one and one small one. A small dive knife. A few pounds of extra weight. I'm always loaning a few pounds of weight to people that are not properly weighted. My safe a dive kit comes along on all my dive trips. My dive log and a set of tables in case my dive computer dies, extra batteries for everything that takes batteries.

Scott

 

[verybaddiver]

If you dive in poor areas, remember an nice big dive knife, so that you can fend off your dive gear from thieves \o/






(j/k)

 

[bclancey]

I am going through the same issues. I have bought a dive watch, a light, and a bag for my personal dive gear.
I plan to rent for the next few months because we our LDS offers a sweet six month package -- bcd, wetsuit, and unlimited air.
The next items are a dive computer, save-a-dive kit, and safety gear such as a whistle and inflatible signalling device.
I will go slow -- just like I did when I started skiing. I want to learn what I need and what I want before going much beyond these basic items.