What to have in your Save-a-dive Kit
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Working as a dive pro means accepting one universal truth: something will eventually break and usually right when you reach the dive site or are about to jump in! A worn O-ring, a snapped mask strap, or a last-minute gear failure can turn pre-dive excitement into instant frustration.
That’s why the Save-A-Dive kit is a dive pro’s best friend. You can’t carry replacements for everything, but having the right essentials on hand can be the difference between cancelling a dive and saving the day.
This is what our dive pro’s keep in their save-a-dive kit:
O-Rings (Lots of them)
Why we have them:
Because O-rings are tiny, cheap, and they tend to fail at the worst possible moment.
What to include:
Tank valve O-rings
Regulator O-rings (various sizes)
If you’ve ever heard that hiss just as the tank opens, you know this is non-negotiable. It’s an easy and super quick fix, so an absolute must for your kit. (along with your o-rings, you’ll need a pick so you get the o-ring out nice and easy)
Silicone Grease (Small Tube)
Why we have it:.
Wherever there is an o-ring, there should be silicone grease. A small amount keeps seals smooth and watertight. So if you are replacing an o-ring, whether in your tank, reg, hoses or camera housing, its always best to apply a thin layer to keep it happy: Dry O-rings are unhappy O-rings.
Cable Ties
Why we have them:
Because cable ties fix everything. They are a divers best friend and can solve almost any problem! Dive pro’s have cable ties everywhere and lots and lots of spares!
Great for:
Temporary gear repairs
Securing loose accessories
Securing replaced mouthpieces
MacGyver-level problem solving
Just remember, where ever there are cable ties you will need a knife or cutting tool as well.
Mask Straps & Fin Straps
Why we have them:
Mask straps snap with zero warning, usually as a guest pulls it over their head dramatically. Having spares is much more space saving than taking many replacement masks, because more than one mask strap might break!
If you’re using adjustable fins, this is a must, they seem to wait until the diver is fully geared up and stepping toward the water to snap. Diving with one fin is really not an option, so this can truly save the dive!
Mouthpieces
Why we have them:
A torn mouthpiece isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a dive-ending problem. Of course, we should check our equipment before departing but, in reality, most of the time, your guest won’t notice the torn mouthpiece until just before they jump in!
Having a spare mouthpiece (and the tiny but essential tie) can literally save a dive day. Always have a few in your kit (and a cable tie for each!)
Spare Boltsnaps & Clips
Why we have them:
Things fall off…. usually into the ocean. There is always more things we want to take with us and spare clips keep gauges, torches, SMBs, and cameras where they belong — attached.
Optional Extras
While not strictly “gear,” our pro’s often have these in the same kit:
Sunscreen – reef safe, of course!
Vinegar – a small bottle of this can be a life saver if stung by jellyfish or other marine life
Vaseline – invaluable for the divers with facial hair to help seal the mask
DIN to Yoke adaptor - a little peace of mind if you dive with DIN regs
You can have the best kit in the world, but knowing how to use it is what truly saves dives. Take time to learn basic gear fixes and quick repairs. A calm, confident dive pro with a Save-A-Dive kit is pure gold.
Your kit doesn’t need to be huge, it just needs to be thoughtful, organised, and ready for anything, because one day soon, someone will say, "Does anyone have…?” And you’ll smile, unzip your kit, and say, “Yep!”. Dive saved. Day saved. Legend status confirmed.
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