Plain-language guides to every scuba certification, from your first Open Water course to instructor.

First course

What to bring to your Open Water course

By Dive Into Training ·

Knowing what to bring to your Open Water course takes one worry off your mind before your first day. The dive school provides the main scuba equipment, so the list is short, but a few items make a big difference to how comfortable you are.

Paperwork

  • Your online learning record, if you did the theory at home. Most schools can look it up, but have your login handy.
  • Your medical questionnaire, and the doctor's signed approval if you answered yes to anything. Without it, you cannot train. See scuba diving medical requirements.
  • Photo ID, and any forms the school sent in advance.
  • Referral paperwork, if you started the course at another dive center.

The one piece of gear worth buying

A mask that fits your face is the best first purchase a diver can make. Rental masks are fine, but a mask that leaks is the most common distraction for new divers. To test the fit, hold a mask against your face without the strap, breathe in gently through your nose, and see whether it stays in place. If you buy one, ask the shop how to prepare the lens so it does not fog.

Some schools also ask students to bring their own snorkel and fins. Ask before you buy; fins in particular depend on whether you will wear boots.

For the pool and the boat

  • Swimwear, and a spare so you always have a dry set
  • A towel, and a warm layer or windproof jacket for between dives
  • A water bottle; diving is more dehydrating than it feels
  • Sun protection, including a hat and sunglasses for the boat
  • Simple snacks for the surface interval
  • Seasickness remedies, if you are prone to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist which ones are suitable for diving, since some cause drowsiness.

Nice to have

  • A logbook, if the school does not provide one, or the agency's app to log your dives
  • A notebook for questions to ask your instructor
  • A dry bag for your phone and keys on the boat
  • Ear drops to dry your ears after diving, if a doctor recommends them

What not to bring

  • A cold. Congestion makes equalizing hard; reschedule instead. Our post on how to equalize your ears explains why.
  • A hangover or a late night. Rest well before each day of training.
  • A tight schedule. Leave room for weather delays, and do not book a flight within 18 hours of your last dive.

Before you go

Read through what each day of the Open Water certification course involves, so nothing comes as a surprise. If you have not yet picked where to learn, our guide to choosing a dive school lists the questions to ask, including exactly what equipment is included.