What to take on a Red Sea Liveaboard

[holly]

Hey Guys and Gals,

The hubby and I are off on our 1st liveaboard in july (hot!!) We've been on day boats in Egypt before and decided its time to book a proper diving holiday...dive, eat, sleep, repeat.

Is there anything thats not so obvious that we need to pack that once we're at sea we'd wish we had? We're going with Blue o Two on Blue Horizon, Straits of Tiran and the North....cannot bleedin wait.

Cheers in advance :)

[Mrs Calamity]

Not too many clothes / shoes. You'll live in a swimsuit and not too much else, I always pack too much clothes and they skimp on dive kit. I pair of shoes. You'll not wear any on the boat most of the time.

[Shroppey]

Straight in with the essentials.

I always buy a bottle of duty free to drink with the free on-board cola. :D

[chas49]

Plasters. And the ability to climb a ladder without bashing your shin ;)

[Steve Clark]

Imodium. Just in case you eat or drink anything whilst on dry land.

An old CD/mirror to use for signalling on the surface.

Steve

[Scubee]

Imodium. Just in case you eat or drink anything whilst on dry land.

Steve

If you have eaten or drunk something that your body wants to get rid of as quickly as it can, Imodium is going to stop that, and delays recovery.

Taking dioralyte, or something similar to replace lost fluids is usually a better option.

[timmyg]

An old CD/mirror to use for signalling on the surface

Or just wave your DSMB.

I've been on Blue Horizon a few times but not done that trip. As said, you'll probably only wear 2 t-shirts & shorts all week. Footwear is not allowed. Bring some clothes for the final night ashore & a warm top for the evenings. There's books DVDs & medical on board but worth bringing seasickness tablets.


TG

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[wibble32]

My thoughts:

Cash for tips at trips end and one night out
Do not use Imodium, it is not the right treatment for local bugs, use Antinal available locally.
Dioralyte * every day
Eye mask for use in cabin at night
Ear plugs for use in cabin at night
DC and a spare.
Spare mask that you know fits you.
Small save a dive box; fin strap, O rings for your regs, tie wraps, silicone gel for camera O'rings,
DSMB and spool or reel (can hire on boat if you have baggage issues)
I have seen some take a Beaver type yellow flag and collapsible pole for surface signalling
One U/W torch with fresh batteries and or hire one on the boat
Some take a snorkel to help surface breathing in a chop while waiting to be picked up.
Storm type Whistle
Camera and housing with clip and lanyard.
Charger for camera with mains lead
Travel adapater, though the space where you can stow your camera sometimes has a UK 4 way breakout or sockets, check with BO2 before travel
Sun Screen for ears and neck etc.
Small wash kit, towels are provided on BO2
Plastic skin spray
Alchohol wipes
Sun glasses for on board.
MP3 player with headphones.
Books to read in any format, electronic seems popular.
CD to stow in the BC pocket for signalling.

Rgds

[matt]

Full dive kit, one pair shorts, one t-shirt, wallet, passport.

Matt.

[holly]

is the CD just for incase i somehow lose or cant inflate my DSMB?

Thanks for the ideas everyone :)

[Steve Clark]

I think the CD is just for the slim chance of surfacing a long way from the boat. I read about a group that swam into the blue, following something at the Brothers and were caught in a current for an hour or so (everything in the water is moving with you so you don't notice). I don't know how much use a dsmb is at 2-3miles.

Slim chance if you're on a reef, but it's easy to carry and you can 'aim' it at boats that aren't looking for you.

(Didn't know that about Imodium. Wife was given it by airport doc, but we later found she had Salmonella and lost a stone. Diahorrea was the least of the problem.)

Steve

[Mal]

My thoughts:

Cash for tips at trips end and one night out
Do not use Imodium, it is not the right treatment for local bugs, use Antinal available locally.
Dioralyte * every day
Eye mask for use in cabin at night
Ear plugs for use in cabin at night
DC and a spare.
Spare mask that you know fits you.
Small save a dive box; fin strap, O rings for your regs, tie wraps, silicone gel for camera O'rings,
DSMB and spool or reel (can hire on boat if you have baggage issues)
I have seen some take a Beaver type yellow flag and collapsible pole for surface signalling
One U/W torch with fresh batteries and or hire one on the boat
Some take a snorkel to help surface breathing in a chop while waiting to be picked up.
Storm type Whistle
Camera and housing with clip and lanyard.
Charger for camera with mains lead
Travel adapater, though the space where you can stow your camera sometimes has a UK 4 way breakout or sockets, check with BO2 before travel
Sun Screen for ears and neck etc.
Small wash kit, towels are provided on BO2
Plastic skin spray
Alchohol wipes
Sun glasses for on board.
MP3 player with headphones.
Books to read in any format, electronic seems popular.
CD to stow in the BC pocket for signalling.

Rgds

On Blue O'Two and Backhurst boats they are well stocked with medical things and normally operate a "help yourself" approach. I always take enough diarolyte with me to allow myself one powder per day and have not had a "problem" in that department for a long time. A robust approach to hygiene helps too - hand washing with antibacterial gels before food especially.

I have highlighted something in the quote which concerns me in that ear infections are very common, both for me, and for others I have dived with and I am of the opinion that anything that prevents the ears from drying and repairing as much as poss cannot be a good thing. Listening to MP3 players are another bug bear because they seal all that bacteria in a nice warm damp environment and give them the best environment to do maximum harm.

I always shower after every dive taking particular care to wash my ears out well with fresh water then allow them to dry out naturally (as I was advised, never stick anything sharper than your elbow in your ear!) I take a good supply of anti-inflammatories and at the slightest "twinge" I start taking them since they can often head off the discomfort of an infection before it starts.

YMMV, of course
HTH
Mal

[matt]

For ear problems (prevention) try this:

http://www.bluewatersports.com/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/400x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/c/ac3868_2_.jpg

And believe it or not if you cannot get this then this is just as good:

http://www.britstore.co.uk/photos/Nuage_Shaving_Oil_With_menthol_25ml.jpg

and you can get it in the supermarket.

Matt.

[holly]

Cheers Mal,

I was wondering about the ear plugs, do you think the bulky ear defenders would potentially cause the same problem? I had ear surgery a couple of years ago to mend a hole in my eardrum so i could do without picking up an infection due to soggy ears. I may have to invest in a diferent set of headphones too as i used my in ear jobbies on our last dive holiday, it (stupidly) never occured to me that they might cause a problem too so thanks for pointing that one out.

Steve i'm sure the other half will bring some crappy dvd that may just find its way into my pocket on our dives,

Matt....shaving gel? lol

[matt]

It's menthol shaving oil...

[Ken Hawk]

This is what the wife does when we go away.
She sets out allthe clothes on the bed the puts half of them back in the wardrobe, then she shaves the rest of our weight allowance from my pile.
I normally end up with 3 tee shirts and 2 pair of budgie smugglers and 2 pairs of shorts.
She on the other hand has all she would ever need.
The cd is a good idea, we always take one.
Spool and smb
For a spare mask I take a pro ear one I once saved a fellow travelers holiday when he ended up with a ear infection ;)

[Ken Hawk]

And for a torch just take a decent backup light, no need for a light saber

[Luckyliz]

As said above...especially what Mal says about drying out your ears by avoiding in-ear headphones. Chewing gum can help keep ear infections at bay as the chewing action helps to keep the Eustachian tube clear.

I have a yellow flag with collapsible pole that gets fixed to my cylinder with a slice of inner tube...for me it's like taking brolly to ward off rain!!

My holiday fins are split ones that a) float and b) can be 'flipped through' when getting back on deck once I've climbed the ladder.

One of those elasticated bandana things can be good for keeping hair out of the way and is kinder than tying it back 4 times a day.

Several cossies/bikinis/whatever you wear under your wetsuit as otherwise you can end up with bit of a rash from sitting around in damp swimming gear all day. I use the chlorine resistant swimming cossies (look for PBT in the fabric - Arena 'Infinity', Speedo 'Endurance' - Simply Swim do a good on-line service) as they dry out very quickly (I don't have the chassis for bikinis!).

Don't take 'light sabre' for the night dives. A dinky one (think backup) avoids lighting up the whole area and so avoids scaring stuff way etc.

I always take an easily identifiable hair scrunchy to put round my drinking bottle...others avoid it coz they can see it's not theirs and I can find mine quickly; BO2 provide marker pens to ID bottles but I prefer this method. I use another one to ID my dressing gown (the one BO2 provide) as 20 blue dressing gowns draped around leads to mix ups (especially if you're constantly moving your lounging patch to avoid sun and/or smoke :) as I do!).

I also take a bag (nice and large but light and squash-able for packing) to put stuff in that I need on deck to avoid too many trips up and down to the cabin.

If taking a camera for UW stuff take lots of memory cards and memory sticks/a computer so you can put an empty one in and take the previous one out (and then offload contents to memory stick/computer)that way should the worst occur, and you flood your camera, you still have the shots up to that point. In practice I tend to do a different one each day to avoid to many openings and closings. I also make sure that if I do take the camera out I do so quickly and close up the case and then keep case and camera in the same environment to avoid misting up underwater. I'm sure proper UW togs can give further advice on that sort of thing.

Hope you have a good trip...I'm sure you'll love it...I've certainly enjoyed all my live aboard trips with BO2

Liz

[holly]

Cheers Liz thats given me something to think about, must remember conditioner as last year on the dayboats i just kept my hair in a ponytail all day, trying to get the birdsnests out were a nightmare.

The scrunchy idea for I.D is genuis :)

I may still take my floppy split fins this year then as i had no problem getting back on the boat with them, they're just useless in a current.

Thanks for your tips :)

Holly

[ScottyG]

If you have eaten or drunk something that your body wants to get rid of as quickly as it can, Imodium is going to stop that, and delays recovery.

Taking dioralyte, or something similar to replace lost fluids is usually a better option.

Keeping it in is the worst thing you can do - good advice Scubee

[Zero-Viz]

I always try to get hold of the guides to see if there's anything they need. Last time out I took over some podcasts, magazines and HP sauce. It got me the best cabin on the boat ;0)

[londonsean69]

Is a CD really that effective for surface signalling? Given the amount of other reflections that would be around.

I'm sure I read something (RNLI or maybe H & H) saying mirrors were pretty ineffective for diver location.


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[Mike Ward]

+1 for dioralyte!

I take my full dive kit (Small torch), four t-shirts, three pairs of shorts, four pairs of underpants and three sets of budgie smugglers, which includes the clothing I wear going out and the set I wear coming home. Added to that I buy toothpaste, shower gel and disposable razors at the airport.

If you have a strobe, leave it it at home. If you must take it, don't turn it on and leave it on for the duration of every night dive. Pretty please?

Some intangibles:

Even 'luxury' liveaboards are still relatively small boats out at sea. Things can and do go wrong, air-con and toilet smells after a rough crossing, for example, so a degree of tolerance may be useful.

Stick to the briefing. It's heart-stopping when guests aren't where they're suppossed to be and when.

If you don't fancy the dive briefed, let the guides know. Contrary to popular opinion they're there to give you the best holiday they can. So if, for example, you would rather drop off the back of the boat and potter around the reef instead of using the zodiac to dive the wreck with everyone else it ought to be possible, and when the guides say 'max dive time one hour' don't be afraid to ask for longer if you want longer.

You don't have to do every dive.

Dependent on the rest of the guests, be prepared to compromise a little. The diving offered will be tailored to the experience level of the group as a whole so may be on the limit for you or, more likely, be more gentle than you'd ideally like.

Probably not relevant if you're going as a couple, but if you get buddied with someone you don't like to dive with, change buddy. It's your holiday.

Finally, relax and enjoy. The more chilled you are the better your holiday will be.

[DaveBarber]

This is what the wife does when we go away.
She sets out allthe clothes on the bed the puts half of them back in the wardrobe, then she shaves the rest of our weight allowance from my pile.
I normally end up with 3 tee shirts and 2 pair of budgie smugglers and 2 pairs of shorts.
She on the other hand has all she would ever need.
The cd is a good idea, we always take one.
Spool and smb
For a spare mask I take a pro ear one I once saved a fellow travelers holiday when he ended up with a ear infection ;)

I'm so sorry Ken.

Your piles must be really bad if you have to shave them!

[Squidge]

Another one for Dioralyte - we take them to Indonesia and never suffer with bad tummies.

Going back to the hair problem - I find that plaiting mine rather than putting it in a ponytail seems to stop it tangling quite as badly. I also smear it with a little bit of Body Shop Hair Butter before plaiting.

Watch the wooden floors especially the stairs, they're pretty slippery.

Sarongs are your friend :)

[holly]

so a degree of tolerance may be useful.

.

Must remember to pack that ;)

Im generally laid back so any little glitches will be fine

[Aqua Maria]

Bandana and leave-in conditioner for the hair.
3 swimsuits plus sarong are all you'll need to wear during the day.

Spare battery for your dive computer doesn't take up much space, and might save the day.

Enjoy!

[AndrewRawlingson]

hi holly, I did these trips on a fairly regular basis. you're going to have a great time. you've got the advice you need, don't take too much non-diving stuff. the BO2 boats are well stocked with medical equipment and books.

I managed to get my kit over there including a 3 kg backplate, heavy fins, camera, laptop and dry suit (winter) and stayed under the ridiculous 20 kg baggage allowance. this meant taking very little else!

clothes - wore them all on the flight, apart from a single clean shirt for the last night out

toiletries - toothbrush and small tube toothpaste; used the supplied soap for everything else

also took ear plugs and eye mask and bought a bottle of whisky in duty free. I did take a laptop which was great for watching movies and editing photos. this would be replaced with an iPad now.

very jealous. proximity to the Red Sea is the only thing I miss about the UK!

enjoy!

[Adrian]

Finally, relax and enjoy. The more chilled you are the better your holiday will be.
Very good advice, along with 'compromise a little'. I'm often amazed by those who go on holiday and then complain that the food is different and not English (whatever that means) or it's too hot or too windy or too many people.

Some people just should not be allowed passports.

Actually Mike, it's all good advice. One would think you done it before. :) You could confiscate the strobes though.

[Hellenic Diver]

A whistle - I always carry one - only place I have ever used it was Red Sea
As for water bottle, I always take a cheapo bike type water bottle - distinctive as mine, and weighs sod all.

Sun cream



Sent from my Commodore 64 using Tapatalk

[timthefish]

Must remember to pack that ;)

Im generally laid back so any little glitches will be fine
That is funny! Remember the french bird last year . You are laid back until something or some one annoys you, hopefully it won't be me

[Mike Ward]

Actually Mike, it's all good advice. One would think you done it before. :) You could confiscate the strobes though.

Hi AK - yeah, been once or twice :cool:

In my experience parting divers from their strobe requires either explosives or a heavy blunt object applied behind the ear with some force. Not that I'm entirely anti-strobe, they have their place, it just isn't on your BC during a Red Sea night dive. Mind you, they're better than the lights some people use, I'd swear some of them leave the shadow of their buddy etched forever on the rock. Save 'em for the bl**dy Channel!

I'll just pop off and make myself a nice cup of calming tea.

[holly]

That is funny! Remember the french bird last year . You are laid back until something or some one annoys you, hopefully it won't be me

ok maybe i'll have to work on my being laid back skills if i get shoved out of the dinner que/toilet que/jumping off the boat que again by rude, french women, i cant see there being anyone else on the planet as impatient as she was to get everywhere first though ;) so we should be ok....as long as you ditch your strobe on night dives

[Chardy]

I always take Ciproxin, prescription only antibiotic (I await a telling off from the Dr's on here)

[Mrs Calamity]

There is good evidence that ciproxin is currently effective but antibiotic resistance is increasing so personally don't recommend its use.

If you are worried about getting the squits then there is limited evidence for taking regular bismuth - peptobismol. See here....
(http://www.cks.nhs.uk/diarrhoea_prevention_and_advice_for_travellers/evidence/supporting_evidence/prevention/bismuth_preparations#-395784)

[Ken Hawk]

ok maybe i'll have to work on my being laid back skills if i get shoved out of the dinner que/toilet que/jumping off the boat que again by rude, french women, i cant see there being anyone else on the planet as impatient as she was to get everywhere first though ;) so we should be ok....as long as you ditch your strobe on night dives

Did you twat her ;)

[Chardy]

Mrs C,

thank for scolding me in a very nice way! I fully endorse the resistance issue and hopefully the state of my Achilles tendons are not down to Ciprofloxacin.

I was approached at Sharm Airport by a medic flashing his NHS badge, explaining he was a doc and he had heard that I might have a gram of Cipro available. I did feel like a real drug dealer that day (I used to work in the Pharma Industry in the UK) It has saved a few days diving but I'm going to read your link,

Many Thanks,

Paul

[AxeMan]

I always take Ciproxin, prescription only antibiotic (I await a telling off from the Dr's on here)
Yeah, so do I. It's all very well saying that you shouldn't take Immodium, but if you've got a 10 hour bus journey or a day's diving planned where you don't have immediate access to a toilet, what you gonna do?

Jason

[londonsean69]

a day's diving planned where you don't have immediate access to a toilet, what you gonna do?


Aquapoo time, just watch out for Batfish :)

And yes, I have had to :)

[Adrian]

I'll just pop off and make myself a nice cup of calming tea.More advice - if you want tea, take your own teabags. ;)

[AndrewRawlingson]

More advice - if you want tea, take your own teabags. ;)

what was that you said in your last post Adrian? ;)

the Lipton stuff is fine if you use two tea bags per cup :)

[Adrian]

what was that you said in your last post Adrian? ;)

the Lipton stuff is fine if you use two tea bags per cup :)Damn, er, it's something I've heard from others. :) I tend to stay on water or juice most of the day. I prefer builders tea. ;)

[wibble32]

Yeah, so do I. It's all very well saying that you shouldn't take Immodium, but if you've got a 10 hour bus journey or a day's diving planned where you don't have immediate access to a toilet, what you gonna do?

Jason

Go and buy some ANTINAL as soon as you can when you land, while you are there in the Pharmacy top up on as many other meds as you want; Ciproxin,Ciproflex and as much else as you want.
Rgds

[holly]

Did you twat her ;)

better than that....i waited till she jumped in the drink to decend, then flushed the toilet on her ;)

As she was ALWAYS first in, i didnt have to worry about upsetting any other divers

[Mrs Calamity]

Yeah, so do I. It's all very well but if you've got a a day's diving planned what you gonna do?

Jason


I'd argue that not diving would be a sensible one... DCI risk with significant dehydration and all that...

Immodium useful only to slow down the amount that you need to go to the loo...does not shorten the duration of the illness ... better out than in I say.

[timthefish]

Must remember to pack that ;)

Im generally laid back so any little glitches will be fine


ok maybe i'll have to work on my being laid back skills if i get shoved out of the dinner que/toilet que/jumping off the boat que again by rude, french women, i cant see there being anyone else on the planet as impatient as she was to get everywhere first though ;) so we should be ok....as long as you ditch your strobe on night dives

They are refering to those ones that you strap to your bcd and flash like mental. Yours is so dim it won't bother anyone and mine is a dim blue. We didn't take them last time. My camera strobe will most definitely be coming with me though.

[holly]

They are refering to those ones that you strap to your bcd and flash like mental. Yours is so dim it won't bother anyone and mine is a dim blue. We didn't take them last time. My camera strobe will most definitely be coming with me though.

i've got a strobe?? hang on.....i've got a camera?!

[Ding Dang Doo]

Some FREE stuff to take...

A SMILE

A sense of humour

and

An increased tolerance level of other people's inability to understand that we are all different.

Take those with you, and you will have a ball.

ATB

Pete

[Mike Ward]

There is good evidence that ciproxin is currently effective but antibiotic resistance is increasing so personally don't recommend its use.

If you are worried about getting the squits then there is limited evidence for taking regular bismuth - peptobismol. See here....
(http://www.cks.nhs.uk/diarrhoea_prevention_and_advice_for_travellers/evidence/supporting_evidence/prevention/bismuth_preparations#-395784)

I trained the sales team that launched Ciproxin into the UK. Scientific opinion at the time was that the way ciprofloxacin works made the development of bacterial resistance unlikely. Wrong!

Anyway, I worked in the Red Sea regularly with a dive-guide couple who used to suggest people had a rehydration sachet daily - and handed out the local Rehydran (Dioralyte equivalent). 'Food poisoning' cases on their boat halved.

[Irnbru]

If there are 4 dives a day on offer a basic nitrox cert to keep the N loading at bay would be good - and monitor the oxygen toxicity levels (you'd get shown how to do that on the course) over repetitive dives.

Have a great time

[holly]

If there are 4 dives a day on offer a basic nitrox cert to keep the N loading at bay would be good - and monitor the oxygen toxicity levels (you'd get shown how to do that on the course) over repetitive dives.

Have a great time

were both AOW, Deep and Nitrox cert'd so we're going to make the most out of our holiday for sure :)

[Irnbru]

The link on my signature file goes to my youtube account - this has a fair few dives in Egypt (November 2011 - mix of wrecks and scenic dives), it's not top quality footage but will let you see a little of what you are in store for

[holly]

The link on my signature file goes to my youtube account - this has a fair few dives in Egypt (November 2011 - mix of wrecks and scenic dives), it's not top quality footage but will let you see a little of what you are in store for

cool i'll have a look, we're doing straits of tiran and the north, im looking forward to the thistlegorm this time round, we dove the rosalie moller last year, she's a great ship its just a shame we dive OC....id love to go back with a CCR

[holly]

Ah my internets being a twat, i'll plug the ethernet cable in after tea and have a gander at your vids irnbru, you've got around a bit!:)

[Ken Hawk]

were both AOW, Deep and Nitrox cert'd so we're going to make the most out of our holiday for sure :)

You could do with AN&DP before you visit us, but not impossible ;)

[holly]

You could do with AN&DP before you visit us, but not impossible ;)

I've been looking into it :)

[Irnbru]

I'd say these were my favorite dives of the trip:

Stingray Station, Saba Erg (sometimes called The Alternatives)
Stingray Station, Saba Erg, Egypt - 22nd November 2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfZWnQCzO1o&list=UUW0g38UPL6IAzcqqx1D2yCA&index=8)
Note: Very simple dive, but very relaxing plus an in-water tow behind the RHIB at the end.

Wreck of the Ghiannis D, Sha'ab Abu Nuhas
Wreck of the Ghiannis D, Sha'ab Abu Nuhas, Egypt - 19th November 2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAOJCgG6-S4&list=UUW0g38UPL6IAzcqqx1D2yCA&index=17)
Note: Boat crew couldn't find the dive leader and cheer at the end when they find him, footage doesn't do justice to how big the waves were...

Shark Reef and Yolande, Ras Mohammad - 750m deep ravine and beautiful wall
Shark Reef and Yolande, Ras Mohammad, Egypt - 21st November 2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxfubKJcdhw&list=UUW0g38UPL6IAzcqqx1D2yCA&index=10)

[holly]

thanks for posting those links irnbru, i cant wait to go on holiday, fingers crossed its not as choppy as some of your dives

[Mrs Calamity]

were both AOW, Deep and Nitrox cert'd so we're going to make the most out of our holiday for sure :)

Don't feel you need to do every dive sit out an occasional one....

A week of diving 4 x per day... you wouldn't do that level of diving at home.

The chamber are excellent in Sharm as are the boat team and retrieval team if you do get it but why push it ?

[holly]

Don't feel you need to do every dive sit out an occasional one....

A week of diving 4 x per day... you wouldn't do that level of diving at home.

The chamber are excellent in Sharm as are the boat team and retrieval team if you do get it but why push it ?

i know what you mean on our last holiday we did 2 dives a day for 6 days and by the end of the holiday i was starting to feel the cold and get tired, i plan to stay hydrated, nap lots and wear 2 wetsuits...in july...im not planning on heading to the chamber but its nice to know its there if needed

[Little Mermaid]

Some great tips for my first Red Sea liveaboard next week. Thanks guys.

[holly]

I really didnt know those little flashy things used for night diving were called strobes, what a numpty

[londonsean69]

I really didnt know those little flashy things used for night diving were called strobes, what a numpty

What did you think they were called?


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[holly]

What did you think they were called?


Sent from my iPhone by the power of Rah

I really havn't given it much thought apart from 'now where did i put that little flashing light that i use for night diving?' but now i know

[stafforddiver]

I would also take some spray on plaster if you cut yourself, its great and totally waterproof and stops cuts getting all manky as the week goes on.

[Nitnab Nhoj]

For all liveaboards, I find the unique properties of Compeed plasters a Godsend. Last week I was with a friend on his first diving trip abroad ever and he was getting lots of small abrasions that were not healing. I broke out my precious supply of Compeed plasters for him and he was an instant convert. They are watertight and do the job of a scab so that when they fall off, you're totally healed.

[Rich]

I really havn't given it much thought apart from 'now where did i put that little flashing light that i use for night diving?' but now i know

Better if they were called "flashing lights that I keep in case of an emergency on the surface at night, otherwise firmly switched off in a pocket..." They are very annoying for other divers and unnecessary in the clear waters of the Red Sea (in fact anytime). ;-)

[holly]

Better if they were called "flashing lights that I keep in case of an emergency on the surface at night, otherwise firmly switched off in a pocket..." They are very annoying for other divers and unnecessary in the clear waters of the Red Sea (in fact anytime). ;-)

to be honest i think i've used it once, in the uk, in shite vis (oh well we're in now, might aswel carry on now the gears wet) and never actually thought about taking it to the red sea

[Intranicity]

What to take on a Red Sea Liveaboard.... ME Please lol

[holly]

lol :D

[OJSimmonds]

Sorry to hijack the thread but we are off to Egypt at the end of August. Thanks for some great tips so far but I just wondered if those used Nitrox took an analyser or was there one to use on the boat? How did it work? We are going with BO2.

Thanks
Olly

[Mal]

Sorry to hijack the thread but we are off to Egypt at the end of August. Thanks for some great tips so far but I just wondered if those used Nitrox took an analyser or was there one to use on the boat? How did it work? We are going with BO2.

Thanks
Olly

they have one for sure

i always take my own cos I am anal like that .... Plus you don't have to wait.

hth
Mal

[stathis]

i always take my own cos I am anal like that .... Plus you don't have to wait.

+1

[Adrian]

they have one for sure

i always take my own cos I am anal like that .... Plus you don't have to wait.

hth
Mal

Yup.

[David D]

Sorry to hijack the thread but we are off to Egypt at the end of August. Thanks for some great tips so far but I just wondered if those used Nitrox took an analyser or was there one to use on the boat? How did it work? We are going with BO2.

Thanks
Olly

I've been on a few trips with BO2; they have always had two working analysers on board.

The issue on a BO2 boat is that nitrox is a binary state; you either have it or you don't. Requesting a particular percentage is a waste of time, you'll get 30ish percent, so unless you're planning to max out your ppO2 I wouldn't worry too much about analysers.

[holly]

we had 32% all week,

didnt really have an issue with waiting for a analyzer as half of the muppets onboard couldnt get to grips with the bell system so when it rung to check kit, only a few of the divers would bother.

[OJSimmonds]

Thanks for the comments, might get mine out and if I have room take it just in case the wreck is a little deeper (close to MOD)

Cheers

Olly