Travelling with dive gear

What to bring and what to rent

DAN describes dive equipment as heavy, bulky and inconvenient for flying, and notes that most dive shops rent exposure protection. DAN Europe adds that renting a wetsuit may be cheaper and easier than paying for extra luggage, and suggests calling local dive shops before you travel to check what rental gear they have.^1,2

Whether to rent a regulator or bring your own is, in DAN's words, a matter of personal preference; DAN Europe notes that many divers prefer to travel with their own for ease of breathing and hygiene. Dive computers are compact, and DAN suggests divers seriously consider packing their own; DAN Europe says that, aside from a mask, the computer is usually at the top of the list. DAN Europe also suggests taking your own mask if it is comfortable, gives good visibility and does not leak or fog.^1,2

Cylinders

According to DAN Europe, the US TSA requires scuba tanks to travel empty and with the valve removed, and screening officials or airlines may ask for valves to be opened fully for inspection. Canada's screening authority, CATSA, does not allow scuba tanks in carry-on bags and says they may be permitted in checked baggage if the airline approves. Airline rules vary: one carrier, Corsair, requires cylinders to be emptied, uncapped and placed in checked baggage. If you need to fly with a cylinder, check with your airline first.^3,4,5

Dive lights and lithium batteries

IATA lists underwater torches (diving lamps) among heat-producing articles with their own conditions for passengers. DAN Europe explains that high-intensity diving lights can generate a lot of heat when switched on, and that batteries and bulbs should be removed or the batteries disconnected for safe carriage.^6,7

The FAA says spare lithium batteries, including power banks, must travel in carry-on baggage only, with terminals protected from short circuit. Lithium ion batteries are limited to 100 watt hours each; with airline approval, a passenger may carry up to two larger spare batteries, and DAN Europe notes that lithium batteries above 160 Wh are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags. If your cabin bag is checked at the gate, the FAA says spare batteries must be taken out and kept with you. Note that Corsair's page states batteries and bulbs must go in checked baggage, which differs from the FAA rule for spare lithium batteries, so confirm your airline's rule before you fly.^5,7,8

Knives

In the US, TSA's knife rules list exceptions only for knives with rounded blades or blunt, unserrated edges, such as butter knives, and for plastic cutlery. TSA asks that any sharp object in checked bags be sheathed or securely wrapped to protect baggage handlers and inspectors.⁹

Protecting your regulator and computer

PADI suggests packing small, expensive items such as a dive computer in your carry-on to prevent theft or damage. For checked gear, it suggests wrapping the regulator inside the BCD for protection. DAN recommends packing the mask carefully and keeping it in its case when not in use, and DAN Europe suggests carrying a small camera with you as a carry-on rather than checking it.^1,2,10

Weight limits

PADI advises paying attention to airline restrictions and fees, and weighing your luggage before you reach the airport so a fee does not come as a surprise. As an example of one airline's policy, Corsair carries diving equipment in a separate container outside the normal baggage allowance, up to 20 kg, and limits the contents to a set list of items.^5,10

Before you go

• Ask the dive centre what rental gear it has before deciding what to pack.²
• Read your airline's rules on dive equipment, batteries and fees.^8,10
• Carry spare lithium batteries in the cabin with terminals protected.⁸
• Remove or disconnect batteries and bulbs from dive lights.⁷
• Pack the dive computer in your carry-on.¹⁰
• If you pack a dive knife in checked baggage, sheathe it or wrap it securely.⁹
• Weigh your bags before leaving for the airport.¹⁰