What Can't You Dive Without???

[GLENFWB]

As a new diver I just finished buying my BC, Regulators, and computer. There is so much STUFF that you can buy I am wondering what should be on the top of a new divers list of what to buy next? What do you always take with you on each dive besides obvious equipment like fins, mask, tank, etc?

The question to you experienced divers is...."What equipment do you always make sure you take with you??"

 

[Otter]

Well, I suggest that the first piece of gear you purchase is your own exposure suit (usually a wetsuit). This allows you to work on your balance and buoyancy without having a moving target of whether you get an old/new wetsuit. This is less of an issue in warm water where you are diving thinner suits.

Given that you don't want the obvious stuff and have already purchased your BC, REG, and computer and dive in Florida, I would suggest SMB, whistle, and signalling mirror. If entanglement is a concern, then include a pair of shears.

If you are asking where NEXT would you spend your hard earned dollars, I am not sure equipment would be the most prudent. You might also consider training,

 

[Divmstr223]

#1 Next on my list of things to buy is probably a "Safety Sausage". Most people here swear by them and it sounds logical to me.

#2 Gotta have a dive knife or shears. you just never know when an entanglement might take place.

#3 As of lately, it's my camera....gotta have my camera with me. :14:

 

[Packhorse]

1. A Knife. I prefer to dive with 2. Test it by cutting 8mil oops 8mm rope. It should slice tru first time. Many will not. eg my flash Titanium Trex, while my el cheapo will.

2. SMB. A sealed design with a 5 meter line or more.

 

[TSandM]

I think from my experiences so far, an SMB and spool are critical safety equipment, as well as a cutting implement (although I haven't needed to use one yet.)

What I take with me every dive, that I can't live without and utterly love, is my HID light. But that's a BIG ticket item.

 

[alcina]

The question to you experienced divers is...."What equipment do you always make sure you take with you??"

After my basic dive gear (head to toe plus safety stuff) -

My camera

 

[Whale Whisperer]

Things I won't dive without:
-Signal Buoy Marker
-70' Finger Spool
-40' Safety Streamer
-Large Strobe
-Backup light
-Whistle
-Signal Mirror
-Wet Notes
-Dive Alert
-Compass

EDIT: -Knife

 

[orangelemon]

First thing I bought was a Computer and now dive with two all the time (Mares Nemo and Suunto Vytec) Now Im an instructor I cant dive without SMB (safety sausage and reel), for safe assents, safety stops, alerting boats to stay away and getting attention. its only a matter of time before SMB use is included in a PADI course as a mandatory requirement. I encourage my students at AOW level to deploy one.

I find a small pocket sized torch handy to have to get peoples attention (bang on tank or shine towards diver) and for indicating interesting stuff (ghost pipefish / seahorses)

Knife, to cut the discarded fishing nets and line that I find.

Hygenically and for comfort reasons you need your own mask and wetsuit and if you can afford it and want to carry it with you get your own regs and bcd

 

[ortoman]

my buddy ) thats the most important item..

 

[IceIce]

I'll dive even without my own equipment, if I have my buddy with me.