A live-aboard dive trip is an incredible adventure—days filled with diving, camaraderie, and opportunities to encounter unique marine life. But it requires careful planning to ensure safety, comfort, and peace of mind. From packing the right gear to understanding emergency protocols, good preparation makes all the difference. Here are 15 lesser-known tips to help you prepare for life at sea so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the dives.
Above: Last week (April 2025) I was diving the WWII wrecks of Truk Lagoon
Insurance: Diving, Medical, and Evacuation
Diving medical insurance is essential—organizations like Divers Alert Network (DAN) or DiveAssure cover recompression therapy, which standard insurance might not. Also consider travel medical insurance, as well as evacuation and rescue coverage. If you’re seriously injured, you may need an air ambulance home. Look for policies that also cover a partner or companion to accompany you during repatriation.
Pack Light—and Smart
Pack as lightly as possible. Consider leaving gently used clothes behind for local crew or communities. Bring a lightweight dry bag for “boat laundry”—add biodegradable soap, water, and let the boat’s motion agitate it while you dive. Rinse and hang to dry after a good soak.
First Aid Essentials
While boats carry first aid kits, you should bring your own. Stock it with antibiotic cream, dressings/Band Aids, oral antibiotics, anti-diarrhea pills, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, cold/flu medicine, seasickness pills, antibiotic ear drops, and reef-safe sunscreen (avoid sprays). Depending on your destination, you may also need insect repellent. Bring extra face masks so you can protect yourself if someone onboard is ill.
Medical History and Medications
In an emergency, medical personnel will need to know your health history and current prescriptions. Prepare a clear list that includes the generic names of your medications, dosages, and reasons for use. Keep it simple and translate if necessary—especially for destinations where English is not the first language.
Protecting Dive Gear and Lost Luggage Tips
Dive gear is costly, so it’s smart to insure it—again, DAN is a good resource. Minimize risk by putting a tracker (like an AirTag) in your checked luggage. Mark your bags with bright tape and your destination’s airport code and take a photo of the packed bag. For example, for a trip to Chuuk, use bold tape marked “TKK” for easier identification.
Choosing the Right Bags: Hard vs. Soft
Airline baggage limits vary depending on your ticket class, so review those carefully before booking. Sometimes an upgrade increases your luggage allowance and enhances comfort. Once on board the vessel, your bag may be stored either on the boat or ashore. Soft-sided, collapsible luggage is often easier to stow on a boat and preferred over rigid cases. Small plastic “ammo cases” are light and can be put inside soft bags. They can protect delicate items like masks in transit and provide waterproof storage and safety for items once onboard.
Footwear: Onboard and Onshore
Flip flops or shower shoes are perfect for life aboard, but don’t forget sturdy shoes for land excursions, hikes, or cultural visits. Check that your clothing choices are culturally appropriate. Bare legs or uncovered arms may be frowned upon in some places.
Fire Safety and Charging Devices
Never, ever charge electronics in your cabin and especially below the water line. Every dive vessel will have a designated charging area that’s monitored by crew—especially overnight while guests are sleeping. The best charging setups include safety features like smoke or heat detectors, automatic fire suppression systems, or cutoff circuits. Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and high-quality power strips. Always unplug devices and chargers when not in use.
Emergency Escape Plans
All liveaboards should conduct emergency drills, including muster station gatherings and abandon ship procedures. Take time to walk from your cabin to the deck using both primary and alternate escape routes—this might involve climbing a ladder or accessing a hatch. Make sure escape paths are clear and functional. Practice navigating in low visibility by counting steps and noting turns. It’s a small effort that could make a life-saving difference.
Drying Gear: Don’t Lose It to the Wind
Clothes pins or wide clamps are essential for drying gear securely on deck. Anything not properly fastened can easily blow away.
Hydration and Waste
Bring your own reusable water bottle and consider packing out your trash and dead batteries to ensure they’re properly recycled or disposed of once back on land.
Sleep Comfort
Shared sleeping quarters can be noisy or bright. Pack ear plugs and an eye mask to help you sleep. Audiobooks or relaxing soundscapes can also make a big difference. Pack a small headlamp so you can slip away to the bathroom without awakening others.
Communications
In the event of an emergency such as a boat fire, things happen fast. Ensure you understand how to make an emergency call with a smart phone or a device such as InReach. When using specific devices such as GPS trackers, check to see if they are legal at your destination. In some countries, carrying a device such as an InReach could land you in jail. Make sure your family has a list with your specific itinerary, destinations, emergency vessel contact numbers and local consular services and let them know whether internet communication will be possible when you are at sea.
Dive Smart—Not Just Hard
Some boats encourage challenges like the “Iron Diver” award for completing every single dive. But safety and health come first. Listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to sit out a dive if you’re tired, unwell, or simply need a break. Avoid the “vacation mindset” where you erroneously let normal safety slip. No dive is an easy dive.
Tipping and Crew Appreciation
Plan to tip in cash—this ensures it reaches the crew directly without deductions. You can also show appreciation by gifting useful dive gear. In many locations, quality gear is expensive or difficult for crew members to replace.
You have invested a lot to be on the trip of a lifetime. Advanced planning will ensure that your trip is safe, enjoyable and filled with memorable experiences.
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