- Don't get too big of a dSMB. The bigger the dSMB, the harder it is to keep it upright. Narrow and long is better than wide and/or short. For durability it's best to get one with both sides stitched. - Most spools need a lot of preparation before they're suitable for use underwater. If your spool is overwound, you need to remove a lot of line to clear the holes enough so you can thread the line through. Make a large loop in your line with two small loops at the side and the top so you can easily untangle it. - Have more than one cutting device, ideally two different types of cutting devices. The EezyCut Trilobite is by far the best and most versatile cutting device available at the moment, but it's limited in the size of line or rope you can cut. Having an additional serrated edge blade or a set of trauma shears on you is a good idea. I personally carry four cutting devices: 2 Trilobites, a serrated edge folding knife, and a set of trauma shears. - In addition to a backup mask, bring some spare mask straps to the dive site. Silicone straps can develop small nicks that can quickly turn into a tear. In addition I'd recommend always having a small dive light on your harness, even during day dives. They're great to peek into small holes and crevices, and to bring back color at depth. Should you become lost at sea, they're also great for signalling, and of course they can function as a backup light during night or cave dives.
Great video. Make sure you practice DSMB deployment often. Don’t wait until you need to deploy. I am a FL diver and I deploy my DSMB on every spring dive as it typically is a very benign environment to practice in. I fell very comfortable deploying on drift dives along the coast. I actually carry two DSMBs; a large DSMB that can easily be inflated on the surface and a smaller DSMB that I can easily deploy at depth. Also, I would add signaling devices- whistle and mirror. I always have a small flashlight hooked to my BP/W.
I also carry a folding knife attached to a bolt snap. Suggestion, an ALL serrated blade cuts line better. If you wear gloves make sure you can open your knife with your gloves on. Also, don't look like a Christmas tree (potential entanglement points). Only carry the items on you that you might need for that dive.
I prefer a stiletto knife with one straight edge and one jagged edge, they are one of the most versatile knives for diving. Can be used for everything from gutting a fish to sawing rope.
Not sure why you decided ratchet strap is must have for divers out of all other gear, 99% of divers will never buy tanks, and tying tanks to each other does not help, my 2x12 slide in my trunk if I don't use rubber mat or something to hold them, dive light is much better choice than strap
You are first instructor in history of diving that did not recomend having spare mask on dive, if you have it with you, there is no point of leaving it on boat take it to dive, its not extra thing, its most important peace of gear
I agree with you on this. As a cave diver, we always carry a backup mask. Its for me and my team. In recreational, open water, you just surface if you lose your mask. In deco or in a cave, you need back ups of everything. You're still an idiot though
