Inspection

Start with an inspection.  Make sure your equipment is serviced, tested, and packed. Double-check your mask, fins, regulator, BCD, and wetsuit. Does your Surface Marker Bouy still hold air? Don’t forget spares like fin straps, O-rings, batteries, and a save-a-dive kit!  Label your dive gear to avoid mix-ups on dive boats. Is it time for a prescription mask?
  

Lists

Make a list. Start with what needs to be serviced, followed by a list of supplies that need to be replaced/replenished – sunscreen, defog, any spare parts to add back to save-a-dive kit.

Check airline baggage rules and put bag tags on luggage (weight limits for checked and carry on luggage and scuba gear policies differ by airline), You may want to consider luggage tracking devices, like an Apple AirTag, to aid in finding lost luggage. 

Documents

Bring your dive certification cards (physical or digital), dive insurance info (make sure all is up to date), and travel documents. A logbook is great for tracking your dives and proving your experience. 

Get a Go Bag to store your most important documents for quick retrieval in an emergency.

  

Training Refresh

Haven’t been diving in a while? Consider a refresher course or review basic skills like buoyancy control, mask clearing, and emergency procedures. Or schedule your next certification. Also check with the dive shop and see if there are certain required certifications for this trip.   

Health & Safety

Maybe it’s time for a pre-dive tune up. Visit your doctor if you need medical clearance, or if you have experienced any health or medical conditions since your last dive. Have your physician complete the Diver Medical Release form if you answer YES to any of the questions. Diving safely is more important than just diving.

Hydrate well, and if you're flying, avoid diving within 18–24 hours before any flight.

Packing

A packing list is always a great idea.  

Some things to include: a small first aid kit (include seasickness pills, antiseptic, band-aids), luggage scale, protein bars (for long travel days) ,electrolyte packets, phone chargers (charging cables), charging banks, pen for customs forms, travel plug adaptors, power strip, rain jacket, travel detergent, travel clothesilne/beach towel clips, Command hooks (for extra hanging space on live aboards) and compression socks.