Renting Scuba Gear Abroad: What to Ask, Inspect, and Avoid

Renting scuba gear while traveling can be convenient, but it isn't always a good idea. Some shops take great care of their equipment. Others let their gear degrade over time with little oversight. If you're relying on rental gear, it's important to ask the right questions, inspect everything yourself, and be ready to walk away if things don't feel safe. This guide will help you spot problems before you're underwater.

What’s Usually Safe to Rent

Some items are less risky to rent because they either have fewer failure points or are easier to evaluate at the shop. These include:

• Fins: Easy to size and check for cracks or broken straps. If you’re buying later, the fin guide breaks down the main types and what actually matters.
• Weights: Hard to mess up, but check buckles or velcro for wear. Here's a quick comparison of integrated weights vs weight belts if you want to understand the pros and cons.
• Standard Tanks: If it's in current hydro and visual inspection, it’s probably fine. If you’re considering buying tanks yourself, see why that’s not as simple as it sounds.
• Shorty Wetsuits: For warm water, a rental wetsuit might be fine if it fits and is clean. If you’re looking to buy your own, the wetsuit buying guide explains how thickness, stitching, and fit affect warmth and durability.

What You Might Want to Bring

Some items are personal, safety-critical, or just worth the comfort of knowing how they behave underwater. These are the ones I usually travel with:

• Mask: If you’ve already bought a mask for your certification class, just bring it. It takes up no space and saves you from dealing with scratched lenses or leaky skirts. Not sure if your current mask is good enough? The mask guide explains what a proper fit really looks like.
• Regulator: It’s the thing keeping you alive underwater. If you’re diving for more than a day or two, using your own reg is a smart move. The regulator guide walks through how to choose one that’s reliable and serviceable long-term.
• Dive Computer: Rental computers often have settings or alarms you’re not familiar with. Your own computer means consistent tracking and no surprises. If you're unsure what features matter, the dive computer guide cuts through the marketing.

How to Inspect Rental Gear at the Shop

Before you gear up, take five minutes to check each item yourself. Here's what to look for:

• Regulator: Press the purge. Breathe from both second stages. Listen for leaks. Check hoses for cracks or fraying. If you’ve never had to handle a malfunction, read what to do if your reg free flows.
• BCD: Fully inflate it and let it sit for a few minutes. Make sure it holds air and all valves and buttons operate smoothly.
• Mask and Fins: Check that the skirt seals well on your face and that straps are intact. For fins, test flexibility and buckle function.
• Wetsuit: Look for torn seams, broken zippers, or signs of poor cleaning. Try it on if possible as fit matters more than thickness in warm water.

If anything feels off, ask for a replacement. If they brush off your concerns, that’s a red flag. You’re the one relying on that gear underwater.

What to Ask Before Booking or Renting

• What brands or models do you rent?
• Can I try on the gear before dive day?
• Do you have multiple sizes or backup sets?
• Is a dive computer included or extra?

If they can't answer those questions clearly, think twice. It’s also worth asking what their plan is in case of gear failure as this ties into emergency planning on dive trips.

Understand the Rental Costs

Don't assume the base price covers everything. Ask:

• Is pricing by item, per day, or bundled?
• Are dive computers, lights, or safety gear extra?
• Do they charge cleaning fees or late return penalties?

Compare this to what it would cost to bring your own gear. The page on renting vs owning dive gear might help if you're still weighing the tradeoffs.

When to Walk Away

Some signs the shop may not be worth trusting:

• Worn, mismatched, or clearly neglected gear
• Unwilling to let you test anything
• Defensive or vague responses to safety questions
• Online reviews mention broken equipment or poor conditions

No vacation dive is worth using gear you can't trust. If your gut says something’s off, find a different shop. You won’t regret being cautious.

Tips for Packing Partial Gear

If you’re flying with gear, these essentials fit easily in your carry-on:

• Mask in a hard case
• Regulator in a padded bag
• Computer with backup battery

For more packing tips and how to get it through airport security without hassle, the dive travel packing guide has a full walkthrough.

Before You Go: Local Rules and Certification Requirements

Some regions have extra requirements for rental gear or participation:

• Proof of recent dive activity (usually 6–12 months)
• Showing your certification card and logbook
• Medical questionnaire or physician’s clearance
• Signed liability for damaged rental equipment

If you’re not logging your dives, now is the time to start. Here’s how and why: log your dives.

Pre-Dive Rental Gear Checklist

Use this checklist before committing to any rental setup:

Booking or Contacting the Shop

• What’s included in the base rental?
• Are extras like computers or lights priced separately?
• Can I test gear in advance or on-site?
• Do they have multiple sizes or backup items?
• Any paperwork or medical forms required?

At the Shop

• Inspect reg hoses, purge buttons, and mouthpieces
• Fully inflate the BCD and look for leaks
• Test mask skirt seal and fin buckle tension
• Check wetsuit fit and cleanliness
• Verify current tank inspection stickers

Before the Dive

• Double check BCD inflation and dump valves
• Make sure your computer is set and working
• Secure all weights and confirm configuration
• Perform a full buddy check

Diving with someone you just met? The insta-buddy check guide walks through how to do it safely and respectfully.

Final Thoughts

Renting gear abroad isn’t a bad option but it does require you to slow down and pay attention. Bring your own essentials when you can. Ask the right questions. Test everything before you step onto the boat. One careful check might be all it takes to protect your trip, your dive, and your life.