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
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.
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.
AED Kit	Critical for response to sudden cardiac arrest.	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.