Tips for Traveling with Video Equipment
| December 30, 2009 ----- In the last few days, airline rules and restrictions just got tougher and scrutiny of underwater imaging equipment is likely to get more intense. Not only is it a challenge just to get our equipment to our final destination, equipment can sometimes arrive in disarray as a result of vigorous security inspections. Any damage is unfortunately discovered at the destination which may be too late to remedy problems. A trip without images – or worse, a wet camera – is not only no fun, but may cost the professional videographer a job. Here is a list of tips that may help you avoid disappointment and distress -- | |
 | Operational check. Be sure your equipment is in good working order before you leave on your tip. Go through your equipment 4-6 weeks in advance so you have time for any repairs to be performed or purchases to be made. Consider having a Seal Check installed on your Gates Housing. Perform a thorough inspection, take photos as you pack and document the condition. This establishes a solid baseline for comparison later. |
 | Lock your cases. Use Airline Security approved locks so only they can open your case. Bring a spare lock or two with you in the event that your cases arrive to your destination without the locks. Help the inspectors. Include a note inside your case to the security staff explaining and listing the contents. This will give them some idea what they are inspecting. If they know what they are looking at, they may be less likely to attempt to pry open seals and ports. It is especially important to label batteries as to type (NiCad, NiMH, etc). Be sure the note indicates to “handle with care.” Sign it with your name, flight information and cell phone number. |
 | Confirm inspection. Once at your destination, check for opened or missing locks and take a photo. Check for an inspection leaflet inside. Take a photo of the opened case with the leaflet on top. Note on the leaflet the date of arrival and when you examined your equipment for damage. |
| | Operational check. Perform a thorough inspection as you did before you left and verify operation. Document anything you find missing or broken and take photos. |
 | Check out dive. Always allow the first dive to be an equipment check out dive. Take your housing on a dive without the camera to verify everything is watertight and in working order. Use the Seal Check unit (before each dive) if you have one installed. |
 | Recourse. If you find damage as a result of inspection, check with the airline security company website. For instance, you can file a claim with TSA at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/index.shtm Keep your boarding pass stubs, luggage claim tickets, inspection leaflet, photos, etc. You may need all this to recover damages. |
| And, of course, always insure your equipment against loss before you go. | |