Save-a-Dive Kit: Be Prepared for Almost Anything
What is a Save-a-Dive Kit?
A save-a-dive kit is a small but essential collection of spare parts, tools, and accessories that can fix common gear issues before a dive. Whether it’s a missing O-ring, a broken mask strap, or a leaking hose connection, a well-stocked kit can mean the difference between a smooth dive and sitting on the boat watching others enjoy the water.
There are two versions of the kit:
- Mini Save-a-Dive Kit (Basic) – Designed for travel and minimalist divers.
- Full Save-a-Dive Kit (Expanded) – A comprehensive version for local dives.
Mini Save-a-Dive Kit (Basic)
This kit includes the essentials needed to solve the most common gear problems quickly.
| Item | Use Case |
|---|---|
| AOW & Nitrox Cards | Proof of certification if needed for a dive. |
| DAN Card | Emergency medical information & evacuation coverage. |
| HP Port Plugs (2x) | Spare plugs for high-pressure ports if a gauge is removed. |
| IP Port Plugs (2x) | Spare plugs for intermediate-pressure ports. |
| Scuba Multi-Tool | Compact toolset for quick gear fixes. |
| Scuba Star Tool | Specialized tool for scuba maintenance. |
| Small Knife | Cut things. |
| Permanent Marker (Black) | Marking gear. |
| Regular Pen (Black) | Writing on paper. |
| Misc Zip Ties | Quick fixes for securing gear. |
| (1) Small Bolt Snap | Spare for a buddy. |
| (1) Double-Ended Bolt Snap | spare for a buddy. |
| (1) Large Rubber Band | Temporary gear securing or hose management. |
| (1) Small Rubber Band | Holds small gear items together. |
| (1) Pack of Dramamine | Prevents seasickness. |
| (1) Snorkel Keeper | Temporary gear securing or hose management. |
| (1) Regulator Keeper | Temporary gear securing or hose management. |
| (1) Small Spare O-Ring Kit | Prevents leaks in hoses and tank connections. |
| Bungee/Shock Cord | Elastic cord for securing gear. |
| Bic Lighter | Useful for heat sealing frayed ends. |
| Duct Tape | Temporary fixes for torn gear. |
| Snippers | Cutting zip ties or small line. |
| (4) AA Batteries | Spare power for electronics. |
| (4) AAA Batteries | Spare power for electronics. |
| (2) 123A Batteries | Spare power for electronics. |
| (2) CR2 Batteries | Spare power for electronics. |
| (1) Spare 21700 Battery | Extra battery for a specific dive light. |
| (1) Spare 18650 Battery | Extra battery for rechargeable dive gear. |
| Plastic Spugger | Useful for prying open cases or tight components. |
| O-Ring Pick | For safely removing old or damaged O-rings. |
| Extra Spool Line | For connecting Bolt Snaps to equipment. |
| (1) Quarter | Used to open battery compartments. |
| (1) Micro USB Charger | Charging devices that use micro USB. |
| (1) USB-C Charger | Charging newer dive electronics. |
| Mini Flathead Screwdriver | General-use tool. |
| Mini Phillips-Head Screwdriver | General-use tool. |
Full Save-a-Dive Kit (Expanded)
Includes everything in the Mini Kit, plus additional tools, spare parts, and accessories.
| Item | Use Case |
|---|---|
| (All items from Mini Kit) | (Same uses) |
| Flathead Screwdriver | General-use tool. |
| Phillips-Head Screwdriver | General-use tool. |
| Adjustable Wrench | For tightening or loosening fittings. |
| 1/2” & 5/8” Wrench | Common sizes for scuba gear. |
| 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 mm Wrench | Various wrench sizes for dive gear. |
| Hex Keys/Allen Keys Set | Used for gear adjustments. |
| Needle Nose Pliers | For tight space repairs. |
| Flat Nose Pliers | Gripping and bending metal components. |
| Super Glue | Emergency repairs. |
| Misc Zip Ties | Quick fixes for securing gear. |
| Bolt Snap(s) | For securing gear to rig. |
| Double-Ended Bolt Snap(s) | Useful for attaching accessories. |
| (1) D Ring + (1) Bent D Ring | Replacement rings for gear attachments. |
| (1) Tri-Glide + (1) Serrated Tri-Glide | For securing straps and webbing. |
| Spare Mask Strap | Backup in case of strap failure. |
| Regulator Swivel(s) | For adjusting hose routing. |
| Cold Water Lip Guard | Protects lips in cold water diving. |
| Spare Mouthpiece | Replacement for lost or damaged mouthpieces. |
| (1) Snorkel Keeper | Temporary gear securing or hose management.. |
| (1) Regulator Keeper | Temporary gear securing or hose management.. |
| Lubricant (Silicon) | Prevents O-rings from drying out. |
| Large Spare O-Ring Kit | For various hose and tank connections. |
| Spare Slate Pencil | For writing on underwater slates. |
| Velcro | Temporary fastening solution. |
| Selection of Rubber Bands | Useful for securing small items. |
| Bungee/Shock Cord | Elastic cord for securing gear. |
| 50ft of Cave Line (Orange) | For marking or securing gear. |
| 50ft of Cave Line (White) | For marking or securing gear. |
| (2) DIN to Yoke Plugs for Pro Valves | If a buddy needs to use my tank and they have Yoke. |
| DIN to Yoke Adapter | For using DIN tanks with yoke regulators. |
| Long Hose Stick | Tool for securing long hoses. |
| Spare Buckle | Replacement for broken buckles. |
| Drysuit Glove Tubes | Creates air gap between drysuit body and gloves. |
| P-Valve Flush Bottle | For cleaning P-valve systems. |
| Pressure Gauge | Backup in case of primary failure. |
| Toothbrush | Cleaning small gear components. |
| Zipper Lube | Lubrication for wetsuit and drysuit zippers. |
| Sharpie (Black) | Marking gear. |
| Sharpie (Gray/Metalic) | Marking darker surfaces. |
| (2) Lighters | Useful for heat sealing frayed ends. |
| O-Ring Picks | For safely removing old or damaged O-rings. |
| Spare Shoe Laces (Black) | Backup laces for dive boots or general use. |
| Slate Eraser (Rubber) | Removes marks from underwater slates. |
| Magic Eraser | Cleans gear surfaces. |
| Silicon Pump Spray | Lubricates drysuit glove rings. |
| Shearwater Straps (spare) | Backup straps for dive computer. |
| Spare Wetnote Card | Additional waterproof note cards. |
| AOW, Nitrox & Deep Cards | Proof of certification for dives. |
| DAN Card | Emergency medical information & evacuation coverage. |
| Travel Insurance Card | Proof of travel insurance for dive trips. |
Storage & Organization
For the mini-kit, I "stole" a Tupperware box from the kitchen. Works great.
For the Expanded Kit, a cheap ‘Pelican’ knockoff case from Amazon works great for keeping everything dry, organized, and protected.
- Keep small items in labeled zip-lock bags.
- Arrange tools so they are easy to grab.
- Regularly check for missing or damaged items.
Maintenance & Customization
Even a well-stocked kit is useless if items are broken or missing. Here’s a simple maintenance checklist:
- Replace used or missing O-rings and parts.
- Check multi-tools and wrenches for rust or wear.
- Test spare mask and fin straps for dry rot.
- Inspect spare batteries to ensure they still have power.
- Customize your kit based on your gear setup (DIN vs. yoke, specific computer battery types, etc.).
Personal Experiences with my Save-a-Dive Kit
During GUE Fundies class we had to reconfigure some of the student gear and I was the only person who had a full Save-a-Dive kit which allowed the instructors and students to configure their dive equipment in a more optimal way and continue with the class.
Multiple times at local dive sites I've been asked if I have wrenches for gear changes.
Once an Instructor was directed to me after several individuals pointed at me as the guy who has everything. He needed a sharpie to mark his dive buoy so it would not get confused with other dive buoys.