Save a Dive Kit

There’s nothing more annoying than getting all the way out to a dive site just to have your dive ruined by a broken strap or O-ring. For this reason it is always a good idea to have some sort of spares kit with you that can quickly get you back into the water. This can be as basic or as complete as you want to make it depending on your skill set or how much you're willing to carry with you.

            For the warm water diver the very basic kit really only needs the following:

1. Spare O-rings - DIN, LP & HP hose and HP Swivel
2. Mouthpiece
3. Spare computer battery (if user changeable)
4. Spare Torch Battery
5. Mask Strap
6. Fin Straps - Not really necessary if your fins have spring straps
7. Small tube of Silicone grease
8. Mask Defog

            If travelling with a camera housing the following is recommended:

1. Spare O-rings - Camera housing and Lights
2. Moisture Munchers
3. Air nozzle
4. Spare Batteries - Camera and lights

            There’s generally no need to carry tools with you when travelling overseas as you will be able to borrow them from most reputable dive shops if needed. However if you prefer to carry something one of the multi tools will get you through most issues without massively adding to your weight allowance. 

            For the UK diver the save a dive kit can be a bit more extensive as you don’t have to worry about airline weight allowances etc. The first thing you will need is a small tool kit consisting of the following:

1. Adjustable spanners - 2 small ones is all you need
2. Allen keys - 4mm and 5mm are generally all you need
3. Wire cutters
4. Long nose pliers
5. O-ring Picks - Preferably brass
6. Schrader valve tool
7. Specialist tools
   1. Key for opening your computer
   2. Sitech tool for replacing drysuit seals if ring systems are used

            With your tool kit ready you can start building up your spares. A good selection of O-rings is always good to have with you including the following:

1. HP Hose end O-rings - 1st stage attachment
2. LP hose end O-rings - 1st stage attachment and LPI internal O-ring
3. LP swivel O-ring - Hose connection to 2nd stage
4. HP Swivel pin and O-rings - Easier and quicker to replace the whole swivel pin when on a boat. Pin can be cleaned and new O-rings fitted when back at home or by your LDS
5. DIN O-rings
6. Yoke valve O-rings - only necessary if you have divers in your group diving Yoke regulators

            Most of these O-rings can be easily replaced when out on a dive site and will get you back diving again in no time. Then going through your kit we recommend the following:

Regulator Spares

1. Mouthpieces
2. Cable ties
3. Schrader Valves for LPI hoses
4. DIN inserts - for converting DIN valves to INT/Yoke valves
5. DIN Converter - Yoke to DIN

Drysuit Spares

1. Neck Seal
2. Wrist Seal
3. Dry Gloves
4. Thermal Gloves
5. O-rings for dry glove system
6. Silicone tubing for equalising gloves
7. Small brush for cleaning dry zip (old toothbrush)
8. Zip wax/lubrication
9. Talcum powder or Lube for seals

Fins and Mask

1. Mask Strap
2. Fin straps and buckles
3. Mask Defog

General Spares

1. Neoprene Hood
2. Neoprene Gloves
3. Boltsnaps - Single and Double
4. Bungee Chord
5. Cave Line

            The above list covers most scenarios you will come across at a dive site or on a boat and is basically everything we carry with us on our training weekends away. If you have a problem that can’t be fixed with any of the above items then you really need to get your equipment seen to by a professional rather than try to fix it yourself.