Question 1

What personal scuba accessories are you using in 2026?

Accepted Answer

In this video I go through the accessories I’m using across recreational, technical, and commercial/public safety diving. That includes slates and wet notes, lights, cutting devices, DSMBs and spools/reels, cookies/line arrows, and even surface gear like comms and a PFD. I also cover specialty items like a weight harness and surface-supplied setup for confined space jobs.

Question 2

Why do you consider a snorkel an accessory instead of required gear?

Accepted Answer

Because it’s not something I’m going to use on every single dive. I carry a roll-up snorkel and it stays stowed in a pocket until I actually need it. For me, that makes it an accessory—not a constant part of the rig.

Question 3

What cutting tools do you carry and why don’t you use dive knives?

Accepted Answer

I typically carry shears and a line cutter, and I’ll adjust which ones depending on the BC I’m using. I don’t really use dive knives anymore—I haven’t used them in two or three decades. I want something quick, easy, and that’ll cut virtually anything, and shears/line cutters do that.

Question 4

How do you set up your DSMB and spool so it doesn’t tangle?

Accepted Answer

I keep a DSMB/spool pre-rigged so it’s tangle-free and ready to deploy without a bunch of mess or fuss underwater. You’ll see my pool-used DSMB with a whistle and a double-ender, plus my technical primary and emergency DSMBs with different spool lengths. If you want the exact pre-rig method, I reference the separate video where I show the full setup.

Question 5

What lights are you using for recreational, technical, and helmet work?

Accepted Answer

For a smaller primary/backup light I use an OrcaTorch D520 and usually keep it clipped off or in a pocket. My primary light is an OrcaTorch TD01 on a Goodman handle and it crosses over into public safety use too. On my helmet, I really like the Comfort Zone Scuba Land and Seas lights because they’re clear in our water, run on AA batteries, and I can move them from helmet to handheld to full face mask.

Question 6

What reels and spools do you carry for tech and public safety diving?

Accepted Answer

I carry a 100-foot spool that people call a jump spool, but I also use it as a search spool when I need to. My main reel is a 500-foot reel that I use for cave/wreck/search work, and I’ve rewound it multiple times after shredding different lines. I also keep spare double-enders and additional DSMBs/spools depending on whether it’s primary use or emergency depth.

Question 7

What communication system do you use with a full face mask for public safety diving?

Accepted Answer

I’m still using the Ocean Reef GSM unit because I like simple—push button, straightforward, and it does what I need it to do. On the surface I’ll use an M100 for private comms or the M105 digital when we want a loudspeaker-style setup that everyone can hear. The M105 can also be made private with headphones, and it’s dual-channel.

Question 8

When do you use a weight harness and surface-supplied air instead of scuba?

Accepted Answer

That setup is for those confined space jobs where there’s basically no chance of getting through with scuba gear on your back—think wet wells and tight access. We’ll run surface-supplied air down to the diver, and if we’re in contaminated water we’re typically in a dry suit. Instead of a weight belt, we’ll use a weight harness so everything routes clean and stays secure while we work.

2026 Rig Run Down {[My Personal Accessories]}

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Lake Hickory Scuba Ultimate Diving Mirror

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