Aşkın YILDIRIM

10 Tips for Preventing Scuba Gear Loss

If you haven't lost a piece of scuba gear yet, consider yourself lucky. When you dive, gear loss is always a possibility. Ask divers who have lost expensive equipment and they'll tell you how they felt: sick, foolish and angry. True, you can get scuba equipment insurance. But if you prefer to spend your hard-earned cash on diving instead of replacing lost gear, follow these simple preventive steps:

1. For your convenience, record the serial numbers and prices of all your dive gear before you go on a dive trip. You'll have the information available for theft or loss claims.
2. Mark your equipment. Use paint markers (NOT felt-tip markers) to put your name and other identification on your equipment.

3. Don't scatter your gear all over the dive boat. Keep all your stuff in one place. It's easier to keep track of.

4. Be well organized. Always pack your dive bag in the same order. That way you'll notice when something is missing.

5. Tie, tether, and clip. Anything not fastened to you under the water is game for getting lost.

6. Fatigue causes forgetfulness. After a long day of diving, you'll be at your peak of exhaustion. Have a checklist of your equipment handy as you pack it in for the day.

7. Commit to memory the dive shop/operator you used. Write the name and contact number in your logbook. If you think you've left anything behind, you'll have the information at your fingertips.

8. Choose vivid colorful equipment. Dark colored gear is hard to see, especially at night or at the bottom of the rinse tank. Bright colors are easier to see.

9. If you finish your dive in the evening or at night, choose a well-lit area to pack up your dive gear.

10. Get insurance. Your pricey stuff should be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. Call your insurer to make sure they'll cover it before you go. If you don't have homeowners or renters insurance, scuba equipment insurance is available

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OZAN YILDIRIMIN ABİSİ-1970