| Planning you next dive destination means a lot more | | | | everything and what type of rules are applied to |
| than just picking a spot you want to dive. Just as | | | | certain pieces of diving equipment. |
| with any dive, preparation is the key to success. You | | | | Lets get more specific about dive equipment and |
| should read all you can about your dive destination | | | | related items. I think everyone knows by now, any |
| and make sure you have all of the most recent | | | | sharp instrument in your carry-on luggage will be |
| information. | | | | confiscated. That expensive new dive knife you |
| That includes weather patterns and forecasts, | | | | bought? Gone if you put it in your carry-on luggage. |
| charters, hotels, and transportation as well as | | | | The same goes for all sharp objects like scissors, nail |
| anything else that pertains to your diving adventure. | | | | files, and even nail clippers. |
| Even if you have been somewhere before, you need | | | | Most dive destinations will be able to provide you |
| to make sure everything is still the same as the last | | | | with air tanks, but if you are thinking of taking a |
| time you were there. | | | | spare air tank, make sure you remove the valve so |
| Lets talk about some of the normal things you need | | | | there is no compressed air in it at all. And keep in |
| to have before you leave for your dive destination. | | | | mind there are weight restrictions that differ for each |
| Some of these tips apply to any type of vacation. | | | | airline. You will be charged extra for more weight or |
| Is your passport up-to-date and signed? Have you | | | | in some instances not be able to check in more than |
| checked to see if you will need a visa to enter the | | | | a specific weight at all. |
| country that you plan to travel to for your dive? You | | | | Check with the airline that you are planning to use |
| can search online for travel warnings and | | | | about weight restrictions well in advance. For |
| announcements for the country that you plan to visit. | | | | instance, American Airlines at one time allowed you |
| There is also something called a Consular Information | | | | to take an extra air tank for an extra $90. They |
| Sheet that explains all of the rules for visitors to a | | | | may have changed their policy by the time you read |
| particular country and it can be found online as well. | | | | this. The last thing you want to do is show up at the |
| Also search online for tourist information and local | | | | airport the day you had planned to leave and finding |
| customs and services you might need. Being familiar | | | | out you cannot board with your dive equipment. |
| with your dive destination is very important. | | | | Some pieces of dive equipment you may not see as |
| Remember the unexpected can cost you money and | | | | a problem may very well be a problem with airport |
| possibly even ruin the whole trip. | | | | security, especially airport security in some of the |
| You also need to plan for your flight to your dive | | | | countries you plan to visit. |
| destination. Traveling with your dive gear is much | | | | If you take anything from reading this article, I hope |
| more involved than just taking a normal flight, | | | | it is that you need to plan your dive trip in advance, |
| especially with new security restrictions and other | | | | especially where the airlines are concerned. Have a |
| changes at airlines. | | | | great dive trip! |
| First of all, you need to plan your trip far in advance | | | | Rick Abbott is an avid diver, part time author, and |
| if you want things to run smoothly. You need to call | | | | consultant in the IT field. For more dive articles and |
| the airline you are going to use and tell them all the | | | | tips, go to If you are a writer and like writing articles |
| diving equipment you will be bringing with you. You | | | | about diving, submit your articles to where divers can |
| need to know if your choice of airline will allow for | | | | read them online. |