So you’re headed on a trip and you’re not quite sure what to pack—let’s make a scuba gear checklist. In this quick scuba tip, I walk you through how I build a simple checklist for my scuba equipment so I don’t forget anything, whether I’m diving locally or flying internationally. The whole point is to show up ready to dive, not standing on the dock realizing you left something crucial at home. To make it easy, I split gear into a few categories. First is basic scuba equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. Next is your air delivery/BCD category: BCD, weight belt and/or weight pouches, regulator, and computer. Third is exposure apparel: wetsuit or drysuit, the right undergarments, plus hoods and gloves. And finally, accessories: reel, anti-fog, SMB (safety sausage), slate, knife or line cutter, logbook, compass, save-a-dive kit, lights, tank markers, camera system (and any camera accessories), a mesh bag for the boat, and a suitcase to haul it all. If you’re diving locally, I also add a mini category for stuff you can toss in the car—tanks, lead, chairs, snacks, coffee, whatever makes the day smoother. Use my list as a guideline, make it your own, and most importantly: create the checklist and follow it.