There’s nothing worse than having a small piece of broken gear change the course of an entire dive trip. Scuba divers frequently visit exotic locations where finding specialized parts like batteries or small tools can be difficult. This is especially true on liveaboards. The risk of not finding necessary gear is magnified with underwater photography equipment. The best way to ensure that you can keep shooting is to travel with a small save-a-camera kit. Here’s how to build one yourself.

Building A Save-A-Camera Kit

Find something lightweight to hold your kit. Try to recycle a container you have at home, and make sure it is suitable for travel in your checked luggage. 
Include back-
ups for all your
camera and dive
computer batteries. Rechargeable is best for AA and AAA batteries. You’ll also want to include basic maintenance items like O-ring grease, materials to clean housing O-ring grooves, and microfiber cloths for lenses and ports.

Think about any issues you’ve had with your camera system in the past. Include items needed to prevent those issues from occurring again—Allen wrenches or a mini tool for tightening screws, backup housing tray screws, backup fiber-optic cable and an extra memory card. Finally, add a dry sensor cleaner, zip ties and spare O-rings. In my kit, I include a grounding plug adapter, bristle brush for cleaning contacts and a few clips. Most of the items you include in your kit will cost just a few dollars, but they might help keep you shooting on your very expensive, once-a-year dive vacation.