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Necessary Paper Work Before You Go
- Airline ticket. Check that the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport
- Passport. Make a photocopy or two of the first two pages and carry in your wallet
- Diver certification card. Make a photocopy and carry separate from your card
- Photo ID. Best: valid driver's license
- DAN/PADI dive insurance. Required at all destinations
- Travelers checks
- Credit cards. Don't bring them all! One or two will do
- US cash. At least $25 in ones for tips, etc.
- ATM card
- Phone card. If you don't have a universal satellite cell phone, bring a prepaid phone card
- Emergency information (contact phone numbers)
- Prescription for prescription medications
- One parent traveling with a child under 18 years of age must have a signed notarized letter from the other parents authorizing the child to travel
Baggage and Baggage Requirements
- Make sure all your luggage has clearly mark a return address and phone number on the outside of each bag. In addition, have tags clearing marked on all your luggage indicating your final destination. In the event the luggage is left behind, the airline will know where to send it. It's also a good idea to have duplicate tags inside your luggage with the return and final destination.
- Most international airlines allow 2 bags per person at 70lbs each with one carry on not to exceed 15lbs.
- All US airlines have a weight restriction of 50lbs per bag. The weight limitations and overweight charges of overseas domestic airlines vary. Get the info before you go.
- On the subject of airport security and your bags, click here
Clothing
Think casual, breathable, washable, and layers. Most travelers bring too much clothing. Pack light.
- Shorts, comfortable trousers
- T-shirts/long and short sleeves
- Comfortable soft-sole shoes
- Light rainwear
- Swimsuits, visor/hat
- Money belt/neck wallet
Packing Tip: Pack items like shampoo and conditioner in re-sealable plastic bags. If your luggage gets crushed, the contents of these will not end up all over the inside of the bag and on your clothes.
Pre-Trip Checklist for Divers
- Mask, snorkel, fins
- BCD
- Regulator
- Dive computer. Batteries should be replaced each year. Bring a spare battery
- Compass
- Octopus/alternate air source
- Boots. Necessary if you are using adjustable-type fins
- Dive suits. A 5/4/3mm neoprene suit is suitable for most tropical locations
- Mask defog
- Tropical weight gloves. Some destinations will not let you wear them
- Tropical hood. Keeping the head warm helps keep the whole body warm
- Vest. Sleeveless 3mm vest to warm the upper torso for those of you who get cold
- Safety sausage, Dive Alert or Hammerhead. I recommend the hammerhead; it makes a strong signal underwater as well as on the surface. A signaling device is required at most destinations
- Dive light. Can't night dive without one
- Batteries for dive light
- Weight stays - if your BC isn't weight-integrated
- Mesh bag to carry dive gear to and from dive boat, hotel or wherever
- Spares: snorkel keepers, fin strap, mask strap, tie wraps
- Logbook
Pre-Trip Checklist for Photographers
- Film, if you're using a film camera. Estimate one roll per dive, and extra for topside.
- Re-sealable plastic bags to store your film. For details, Click Here
- Memory cards or video tape for the digital shooters
- Batteries. Lithium ion for most digital cameras
- Batteries. Alkaline for non-digital cameras, dive lights, etc
- Battery tester
- Battery charger
- Voltage converter and adapter
- Microfiber cloth
- Rough cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Silicone grease
- Photographic lens cloths
- Sable or camel's hair brush
- Rubber syringe blower
- Toothbrush
- Spare O-rings in assorted sizes
- Sea & Sea O-ring remover
- Set of jeweler's screwdrivers
- Small needle-nose pliers
- Phillips screwdriver
- Allen wrench set
- Assorted nuts and washers
- Two rolls of plastic electrician's tape
- Assorted stainless steel screws, nuts and washer
- White vinegar
- Hair dryer
- Packets of desiccant
- Small plastic bowl
- Mild liquid detergent
- Lanyards for exterior mount filters and conversion lenses
10 Important Guidelines for Tourists
- Do not expect to find things to be like at home. You left home to find things different.
- Do not take anything too seriously. A carefree mind is vital to a good vacation.
- Do not let other travelers get on your nerves. You paid good money to enjoy yourself.
- Do not forget: you are a representative of your country at all times.
- Try not to worry because he or she who worries will have no fun.
- Know where your passport is at all times.
- As a stranger in a strange land, be prepared to do as its people do. Leave the ugly American image home.
- Do not judge all people of a country by the one person who has given you trouble.
- Learn how to say thank you in the language of the country you're visiting. A sincere thank you, along with a smile, doubles the value of any tip you may give.
- Remember that you are a guest and those tourists who treat their hosts with respect will be treated likewise.
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