Pre-Trip Checklist

What To Do Before You Go

Congratulations!  You’ve just booked a dive trip for your summer vacation.  Now is the time to get your underwater imaging gear sorted out so you will be sure you have everything you need to capture wonderful vacation memories.  Arriving at your journey’s end to discover that a housing latch is damaged, your port is scratched or you neglected to pack certain accessories is disappointing and can be costly if it results in a wet camera.  Taking the time to prepare in advance can help ensure success while at your destination.  Below is a time line and checklist to help take some of the stress out of packing for vacation.

3-4 weeks in advance:

___Get your imaging gear out of storage and lay everything out.  (Protect your dining room table with a blanket or beach towel.)
___Are all parts and accessories accounted for?  Now is the time to make a checklist of your particular set up.  It will also come in handy when packing for your return home.  This checklist should include such items as:
    ___Housing body and handle mounts, footplates or trays
    ___External monitor and attachment bracket
    ___Ports, port caps and corresponding extensions, gears or rings
    ___Camera mount plate
    ___Camera, tapes, cards, batteries and battery charger
    ___Spare o-rings, screws, silicone, tool kit, domes, filter elements
    ___Port cleaning solution, lint free wipes, chamois towel
    ___Light heads, arms, mount balls, batteries, battery brackets, chargers, hardware
    ___Accessory items (carry handle, buoyancy collar, seal check unit)

___Do you have an appropriate case or bag to pack all pieces in?
___Do you need new dividers or foam for your hard sided case?
___Prep the camera by removing any hoods or filters that cannot be used in the housing.
___Install the mount plate onto the camera if convenient (or be sure it is safely inside the housing).
___Perform a thorough inspection.
    ___Are all o-rings smooth and free of nicks, cracks or cuts?
    ___Are your ports free of scratches or abrasions?
    ___Is anything broken or loose?  (Check latches and glands).
 
___Install the camera in the housing.  
___Perform a simulated “dry” dive.  
___Are all controls operating freely and smoothly?  
___Call your dealer and arrange a service on your housing if it has not been done within the last 2 years.
___Call your dealer and order any cases, accessories or parts that are missing.
___Purchase any needed tapes, cards, batteries, chargers.
___Have you been dreaming of a new port or monitor?  Now is the time to get them ordered and paid for.
___Check your airline’s baggage policy to determine size and weight allowances.  You may have to decide on which pieces to take and which to leave behind.  If traveling with a group or another person, coordinate gear, spares and cases to optimize allowances.
    ___Could a friend pack your light system?
    ___Can you share silicone, cleaning solutions and a tool kit?

1-2 weeks in advance (or when your housing and parts are delivered back to you):

___Are all parts and accessories accounted for?
___Perform a thorough inspection.
___Perform a simulated “dry” dive.  
___Photo document the condition of your equipment (see Travel Tips Article).  
___Double check your airline’s baggage policy to determine size and weight allowances (as these things can be subject to frequent change).
___Consider the option of shipping your gear via a carrier like UPS or Fed Ex.  This requires some research and assistance from people at your destination if the gear will arrive before you do.  This is recommended for domestic travel only.

3-5 days in advance:

___Using the checklist you made, pack your cases or bags according to your airline’s baggage policy.  If something is missing, it can probably still be ordered and shipped from your dealer.
___Never travel with the camera installed inside the housing—pack it separately in an airline approved carry on.
___Print out travel note to security inspectors (see Travel Tips article) and lay on top of gear.
___Lock gear case with TSA approved security locks.
___Take your gear to UPS or Fed Ex if you’ve chosen this option.

Day of Travel:

___Get to the airport the recommended number of hours prior to your flight.
___Enjoy your flight!