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. |
What I Personally Use
Medical Stuff
First Aid Kit

DAN O2 Kit

AED Kit
Keeping Warm

Surf Fur Dive Coat
Dive Gear Cart

Generic Amazon Cart
Water & Snacks

Skratch Hydration Powder + Water
2 scoops
160 Calories
800mg Sodium
40g Carbs

Nature Valley - Granola Bar
190 Calories
140mg Sodium
29g Carbs

Welch's Fruit Snacks
70 Calories
20mg Sodium
17g Carbs