Essential Surface Support Gear for Divers:
What to Have & What I Use
When it comes to scuba diving, what happens on the surface is just as important as what happens underwater. Whether you’re diving from shore, a small boat, or a full-size dive charter, having the right surface support gear can make your dives safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.
This guide covers essential surface support gear, including what I personally use and recommend.
What is Surface Support Gear?
Surface support gear includes any equipment used above water to assist with diving, navigation, communication, and safety. Some of this gear is required by dive boats or local regulations, while other items are simply smart to have based on the dive conditions.
Essential surface gear falls into five main categories:
- Signaling & Communication → Alerting boats, dive buddies, or emergency responders.
- Navigation & Logistics → Managing dive plans, tracking divers, or organizing gear.
- Safety & Emergency Equipment → First aid, emergency oxygen, and rescue tools.
- Hydration & Nutrition → Preventing dehydration and maintaining energy.
- Thermal Protection → Staying warm during surface intervals.
Essential Surface Support Gear for All Divers
| Item | Purpose | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) | Used to signal your position at the surface and alert boats. | All divers (especially drift dives, boat dives, or areas with boat traffic). |
| Whistle | Audible signaling device for surface emergencies. | All divers. |
| First Aid Kit | Essential for treating minor injuries topside. | All divers, especially those diving remotely. |
| Save-a-Dive Kit | Prevents minor gear failures from ruining a dive. | All divers. Read the Full Guide |
| Water & Snacks | Helps prevent dehydration and fatigue. | All divers. |
| Staying Warm Gear | Prevents chills during surface intervals. | All divers, especially cold water divers. |
Optional but Useful Surface Support Gear
| Item | Purpose | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Oxygen Kit | Critical for treating decompression illness (DCI) or other dive-related emergencies. | Boat divers, dive leaders, or anyone diving in remote areas. |
| Dive Flag & Float | Alerts boats that divers are below. Often required by law. | Shore divers, boat divers in high-traffic areas. |
| Reef-Friendly Sunscreen | Protects from sun exposure without harming marine life. | All divers, especially in tropical locations. |
| Dry Bag | Keeps personal items dry on boats or shore dives. | All divers. |
| Dive Gear Cart | Helps transport heavy gear on shore dives. | Shore divers with long walks to entry points. |
What I Personally Use
COMING SOON1. Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)
2. Whistle
3. First Aid Kit
4. Emergency Oxygen Kit
5. Staying Warm Gear
6. Water & Snacks
Final Thoughts
While not every piece of surface support gear is necessary for every dive, having the right tools on hand can make a huge difference in safety and comfort.
- Bare minimum for any diver? → SMB, whistle, first aid kit, water.
- Shore divers? → O2 kit, warm clothing, gear cart, dry bag, dive flag.
- Boat divers? → O2 kit, warm clothing, dry bag.
- Remote diving? → O2 kit + extra, full first aid, extra snacks.
What’s in your surface support kit? Let me know—I'm always open to improving my setup.