Johnny Quest:
I have been away from scuba diving for a long time and looking to get back into it. I never own my own equipment so I do not have any old stuff lying around. I am trying to get things a little at a time and was wondering what accessories, for example dive knife/tool, lights or other items that I should look at getting. What items are essential or at least good to have and what items are more for convenience?
1) Local refresher course from an instructor or divemaster
2) Rent all gear that the store allows you to rent
3) Buy only what you cannot rent which is essential
4) Depth gauge & timer or depth gauge & watch or dive computer
5) Dive tables of your choice (USN, NAUI, SSI, PADI, DCIEM, etc)
6) Mask & snorkel
7) Fins & booties/boots
8) Pouch weight belt with soft bag weights
9) Knife & attachment
10) Small flashlight (C cell size) and attachment
11) Mask defogger
Those are the accessories that I consider to be essential. I would never go into the water without them. You don't need to take the dive tables with you in the water, although some people do. You just need to be able to plan your dives and dive your plans. This list is for beach or shore diving.
If you are going out on a boat, there are a few more things:
1) Dive Alert LP hose air horn
2) Safety sausage
I would advise against a large light unless you plan to do night diving.
I would advise against a plastic whistle since those do not work.
I would advise against a spool or reel since you are not trained on how to deploy it like a divemaster would.
All of the above can be attached to your B/C or wrist and therefore do not require a pocket or pouch.