A couple of years ago, as we began the preparations for what would become the "Friends, Not Fish" annual dive excursion, I created an almost foolproof checklist for dive trips. The idea was to create a checklist that would work for most dive trips, and would not get confusing if conditions or needs changed (i.e. warm vs. cold water). I've sent this checklist out to many friends in preparation for trips, but decided to post it here for everyone...and for future reference for my dive buddies...current and future.
It's fairly self explanatory, but here is an explanation anyway. Each line on the checklist needs to be checked off in some way, wether you have packed the item (TAKE column), wether you are going to rent the item at your destination, or its provided by the boat/dive operator (RENT column), or wether you won't be using this item on this trip (LEAVE column). This way there is no ambiguity as to wether you've got a particular item. If each row is checked and crossed off, you are good to go. I usually decide before packing what I will be taking, renting, or leaving behind and check those boxes. Then I cross off each line that is checked as RENT or LEAVE. Then I proceed to pack my bags, and as I pack each item, I cross of that line. I only have to worry about lines that haven't already been crossed off. Simple. Foolproof. I've even left blank lines in each section to account for last minute or unique items. Finally, since the checklist is in Word format, it can be customized for each diver (or even type of trip). For example, if you are a hunter, items can be added such as 'pole spear', 'cleaning knife', etc., or if you are a pro photographer, maybe even a separate checklist for each piece of camera gear.
Anyway, no one wants to show up to a boat and realize 12 miles out to sea that they forgot their fins, regulator, or whatever...so use a checklist that is hard to mess up.
Okay, so here it is. This document is in Word 2007 format. If you have an earlier version of Microsoft Word, make sure you have the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack installed, and you should be good to go. If you don't have Word at all, you can download and install the Microsoft Word Viewer for free (you won't be able to edit the document...but you can view it and print it out).
If you have ideas for additions, changes, or come up with new ideas, please post them in the comments below and/or contact me through my contact page.
Enjoy.