Scuba Diving

OK, you've booked that Scuba Journey of a lifetime to the Fareast or other unique locale - and now you want to ensure all of your gear arrives there safely. Particularly with a few of the new TSA rules there are a few things each diver needs to know about touring with Scuba Gear.

After all earlier than packing any Scuba gear for travel it's best to have a whole gear "test-up" and make sure all the things is functioning properly. Many divers will purchase some spiffy new piece of apparatus for a dive trip and by no means take it out of the field before they travel, not a good suggestion in response to the pros - all the time test even model new tools earlier than you travel with it.  

Once you might be certain that every thing you want to take is working, one of the simplest ways to pack gear for airplane travel is in a particular Scuba Gear Bag. There are two advantages to suing a gear bag. Not only are these baggage designed to maintain Scuba Gear safe, some of the airlines that fly to standard scuba destinations might help you test an official Scuba Gear Bag, and never cost you for an extra piece of luggage. Test along with your specific airline for their coverage concerning a checked scuba gear bag. A scuba masks needs to be protected by a tough case whether it's checked or in your carry on. Fins should be positioned backside-to-bottom, and wrapped in a towel. One-gallon plastic freezer bags are great for storing your divelog and other "maintain dry" objects - place these baggage in an simply accessible exterior pocket of your dive bag. Because you possible want to be able to take your gear bag immediately from the airplane and just toss it on your dive boat whenever you head out, the pros counsel that you just pack your gear in the reverse order of suiting up - in other words pack your fins first since you put them on last, and your Wetsuit last so it is on top of your bag as you place it on first.  Here's a Tip: It is a good idea to buy TSA locks to your Scuba gear luggage - these could be discovered online. They're TSA authorised combination pad locks that feature a Red Diamond. They'll safe your gear from pilfering, but TSA brokers have a particular key that may open the lock if they should examine your bag. In the event that they do the Red Diamond on the lock turns green so you already know your bag has been inspected. It's a good idea to catalog all the gear you are touring with by description and serial number. Pack your BC in your checked dive bag, however wrap it securely to stop any injury or punctures.

Most divers will hire Scuba tanks when arriving at their destination; you can not carry pressurized tanks onto an airplane. You possibly can see the exact specifications for transporting Empty Air cylinders on the TSA's website, but the regulator and valve have to be fully eliminated in order that the inspector can see inside of the tank.

Sophisticated equipment equivalent to dive computer systems and your regulator must be placed in your carry-on luggage. And keep in mind to take away any dive knives, spear fishing equipment or your trusty "Leatherman" multi-software from your carry-on dive bag or they are going to be confiscated.

Make sure to completely wash out and dry all of your gear after your trip earlier than packing for you come flight. Use solely contemporary clean water. An intensive cleansing of your equipment will make sure you do not carry residence any unwanted "souvenirs" like mold, and not to point out the retched stink you will increase if you enable ocean deposits to ferment in a sealed dive bag during a couple of hour plane ride.