Save Your Dive Trip with this Emergency Kit: What you Need to Include

June 3, 2021

Let’s say you’re on a boat preparing to get into the water. As you do your final checks, your mind wanders to all the things you had to do to get to this point. It’s no secret, planning for a diving adventure takes time and substantial investment in supplies. But now, imagine when you’re all set for a dive, you look down – and it’s terrible news.

The O-ring on your tank is blown. Or your dry suit is torn. Or any other of many unfortunate things which have the potential to cancel your dive has occurred.

Learning to Rely on Yourself

When you first start diving, the thought your equipment could break is often a distant one. This situation is predominantly factual, as your first couple of dives will most likely be organized by a dive shop.

Most dive shops are run by professionals who regularly service and maintain the equipment. They’ll also likely have more than enough spares to cover you in case of a mishap.

As you continue to get more and more into the sport, the benefits of diving using your own equipment and diving at your convenience will start to become more apparent. With this, though, comes the responsibility to have your back-ups if anything unfortunate is to happen. And that’s where your save-a-dive kit comes in!

What is a Save-A-Dive Kit?

A save-a-dive kit is fittingly what the name says it is. It comes into use in the event any unforeseen possibility occurs—concerns which could put your (or anyone in your group’s) dive in jeopardy. Simply put, it saves your dive.

What Should You Have in Your Save-A-Dive Kit?

The specifics of your save-a-dive kit will depend primarily on the type of diving you do and your choice of equipment. But the following basics ought to be included:

Replacement equipment/parts: Inconveniences happen all the time –straps break, O-rings get lost etc. Therefore, having the following pieces in your save-a dive kit is essential:

O-rings: These are essential for divers of any level. They are used on everything from tank valves to dive computers.
Straps & Mouthpieces: Face mask straps, fin straps and regulator mouthpieces are all components that degrade over time.
First-Aid Materials: This is perhaps one of the most crucial items of your save-a-dive kit. Bumps, bruises, stings, gashes or motion sickness could happen on your way to, during, and from your dive trip. It is a sensible move to prepare by packing bandages, ointment, and motion sickness pills.
Extra Snorkel Keeper: Be sure to include an extra snorkel keeper in your save-a-dive kit. You want to have an enjoyable diving experience and not have to be bothered by an unsteady snorkel. Secure your snorkel to your mask with a snorkel keeper.
Tools: Several tools could come in handy for attempting to repair or patch up broken pieces of equipment. These include:
A Scuba Tool/Wrench: This functions to help you repair a variety of things. Ensure you learn how to use it properly before hitting the water.
Extra Zip-ties: Primarily, you may use these zip-ties in the absence of straps or broken zipper ties.
Glue, Wax & Silicone Grease: Dry suit glue and some extra neoprene could come in handy when you need to repair any tears on your dry suit. Plus, having some spare wax lying around could help you get into and out of your dry suit.

Come Prepared—Bring a Save-A-Dive Kit!

Need assistance in attaining these crucial materials when creating your save-a-dive kit? All these items, plus the advice from an expert scuba diver, can all be found at Bill Jackson’s. Swing by our store and we will help you prepare a save-a-dive kit.