Mask, fins, rebreather and you are ready to go, right? There are many small items that you might not think about that can ruin a trip in their absence.
Power
Inquire about the local power supply. As an example, Mexico has the same current as the US, but many wall outlets do not have grounding plugs. You will need to purchase “cheaters” that convert your three-prong plugs to two-prong. Power strips are worth their weight in gold since wall outlets may be few and far between. In Europe, recessed wall plugs may not fit the fancy converter you bought at the airport. Those converters also often lack a hole for the grounding plug, making them impossible to use without the “cheaters” mentioned above. Many chargers are already rated for 120 and 240v power supplies. Do not waste converters on these devices as they are not needed.
Cleaning
Disinfectant may be challenging to take to your destination. Steramine tablets are very convenient for travel since they are dry and will not spill in luggage or take up precious weight allowance. If you have forgotten to pack Steramine, Betadine is relatively easy to find in foreign pharmacies (though a few people are allergic to Betadine). Dilute it in a tub to soak your breathing loop. If you are camping on an expedition, use one of your shipping cases as a bath. If you cannot find Betadine, Listerine will get your through a trip with reasonable cleanliness, but it does not kill all bacteria. Use proper disinfectants as soon as available.
Repairs
You can never give enough credit to duct tape. It can repair an awful lot of damage in a difficult situation. I always carry some on trips, but rather than taking a heavy roll, I just wind a few yards around a business card for a small supply. A product called “Rescue Tape” is also fantastic. It is made of clear silicone self-binding tape. It does not have a sticky backing, but instead, bonds to itself in mere moments. It is extremely useful.
Packing
Clear plastic Ziplock bags allow you to neatly separate and pack gear so that it does not get lost during inspections. If you simply roll your DSV in your pajamas, the screener is likely to pick up the garment and send the sensitive device crashing to the floor in pieces. Slide delicate items into dive boots and fin pockets. Tape them in place or put them in a Ziplock bags if necessary.
Documents
Always make a photocopy of your critical personal identification like your passport and carry it separately in case of loss. Consulates can easily assist if you have back-up documents. Also hand-carry documentation about your rebreather and MSDS sheets for sorb or any other questionable items. Be prepared to share this information with screeners.
TSA
Place a friendly letter in your rebreather case that describes the device. Indicate on your letter that all parts are “safe for airline transport on passenger aircraft.” Invite the TSA screeners to contact you via cell phone and even offer up your seat assignment if they need it. Leave a photo of yourself wearing your CCR with a big smile in the case. It helps them to quickly understand what they are looking and let’s them know you are trying to be safe and compliant.
