Warm Water Diving - Essential Equipment??

[jess4diving]

I am very new to diving and was wondering if I could get some info from you as to what equipment you feel you should always have on you when you are in the water. (warm water). Swim suit:blinking:, mask, fins, snorkel, BC, tank, octo, knife, flashlight are the obvious -- what other things??

Thanks in advance!

 

[alchemist117]

How about a computer? Can keep you out of a lot of trouble, especially if your buoyancy needs practice, you want to know your bottom time, no deco time etc.

 

[Mayor]

Even if the water is warm a long (1 hour plus) dive can give you the chill. 3ml shorty or 3ml full suit is very nice. I spent two weeks in cozumel and by the end of the second dive I was starting to get cold in my shorty and I have some extra padding on the old bones. If a suit is not for you a rash guard is nice under the BC. I would also think about what you will need to signal the boat if you miss your mark. Horn, whistle, signal device etc. The one thing you over looked was a computer. Do not know to many people who don't use one. Some like me even run two just in case. Good luck!

 

[Jrock1062]

surface marker I learned that the hard way

 

[Tamas]

surface marker I learned that the hard way

very good suggestion. but make sure you know how to deploy, both from below as well as the surface if you need to use it.

 

[Cabbie]

3mm suit. weights. whistle. dive alert. gloves. booties.

 

[Blowin' Bubbles]

I think you have the list about right, with the others' suggestions.
Concerning dive gloves...
I reccomend not wearing dive gloves unless you really need them. By wearing dive gloves, you are giving yourself clearance to touch things that aren't supposed to be touched! When you slip on gloves, you get the feeling that your hands are invincible (which is basically true), but keep in mind that the coral you touched while wearing gloves is not so invincible.

Cheers & Happy Diving!

 

[dkktsunami]

small emt shears (4" long) - for cutting steel fishing leader, depending on where you are diving. If diving solo, a pony bottle of adequate size.

 

[spectrum]

Except for the dive alert/ horn suggestions the above adds up to what bring on every dive. Oh wait, did anyone have a slate?

As for the pony bottle at 0-24 dives don't even think of going there yet for solo purposes.

Definitely add exposure protection. Remember that in addition to thermal loss you need to consider, sun. stings and scrapes.

Pete

 

[jess4diving]

thank you all for the great info -- off to scubatoys with my "shopping list". I do have a 3mil suit, a dive knife and 10lbs of weight. I need to pick up some more weight.
As for solo dives -- I dont see myself EVER doing that, unless I am doing a shore dive and just working on my skills. Call me a chicken if you will - I have alot to work on and to learn- better to be safe than sorry.

Keep adding to the list if you think of anything