What do the majority of the people use to carry their gear on a dive boat.. I'm noticing that it's a fair amount of stuff and I can't imagine a bunch of bags laying around. I've heard milk crates mentioned but things may fall out??? What would be politically correct, I've never been on a dive boat and my time is coming. I wouldn't want to be THAT guy if you get what I mean..hahaha What works for you??

This is my way: My tanks are already setup with BCD/Regs/Light already attached. I carry my drysuit and undergarments in a duffel bag, which is normally stored in the cabin of the boat. The reminder of my gear is in the classic milk crate. Its as simple as that. There are two types of crates: The rectangle ones and the square ones. I've seen both, and think its about 50/50 as to who brings which type.

Don't worry about "having it right" on your very first boat trip. The more you come on the boats, the more cool ideas you will see from other divers. Learn from others and ask questions. We're a fairly friendly bunch.

So, go to your local stop-and-rob, go around back, and see what they have for the pickings.

Stop and rob....that's funny. When I was in high school I used to hit them hard for the milk crates..haha I used to DJ back when we use to still use vinyl and I would put my records in them..I had like 10 crates..LOL Do you normally carry one crate or two. I don't see needing more than one since I don't have all that TEC gear plus I imagine space is limited.

What do you think about the 14 gal rubbermaid totes? I think I have a few of those laying around. OK so I would hook up my single tank and pony, lights to my BP/W and have that ready and the other tank just get put on a rack.

Ok so since we are on this topic. I should probably make a check list to have and go over the night before a trip. What are the must haves on a charter. I'd like to make some kind of chart and maybe print it out and laminate it. Let's keep in mind that I'm no TEC REC guy as of yet hahaha so I wont be needing the five wrist computers plus the fact that I only have one anyway. Thanks for all your input...

Jay

I'm not a big fan of the 14 gallon totes, and there aren't too many seen on the boats (but they are out there). Most use the milk crates. As for a checklist, yes, this is a good idea. I try to visualize my setup and what I wear, and compare it to what I have in the crate. "gloves; check. hood; check. fins; check. lights; check." etc... I once actually left my drysuit behind while going to Dutch, only to be as lucky as they come to find the DUI demo day going on, so I just used one of theirs.

The majority of my gear is on my tank/BCD when I'm ready. My dive light, lift bag, reel, backup light, and regulators are all attached to my rig before I leave my house.

Ok milk crates are easy...I can get a couple from work down in the kitchen...... I'll get started on my check list.. I just picked up a used 10w Halcyon can light from nick on WV it used to be Rob's...I'll never find anything like that for that price and since I'm just starting out here in Jerzee it's not bad for a rookie. I'll step up to something new maybe next season.

I did the old stop and rob shuffle tonight at work...got me a nice milk crate from the convict kitchen area. It does look a little more compact than the 14 gal tote. It should be good especially if you hook up your tank to your BP/W with all the accessories clipped to it.

Should be getting my Dry Suit this week....Almost ready, some tanks and a little practice at dutch with the dry suit and a reel and hopefully I'll be good.

The milk crate also lets the water drain out. I do some advanced stuff and I have onough room.

Yes, I admit I was a Tupperware Diver for a while. The rectangle milk crate is what I eventualy resorted to. Everything I need will fit in it. Except polespear and drysuit. I even have my finns bungied to it. Easy to carry and will not crack or retain water.