CCR Class Equipment Guide
Below is a list of equipment for use in your CCR training. Please do not shop based on this list alone! This list is generic as a checklist before your course. I suggest buying equipment from your local dive store whenever possible which is why this list doesn’t recommend brands or models. Please contact me with questions regarding purchasing new gear so I can set you up for success. The specific equipment I use is listed on my recommended gear page.
If you purchased you unit new the upgrades/additions I suggest are:
- Pull dump
- Dive Rite Choptima spares kit
- Counterlung caps for cleaning
If you’re purchasing a used unit please ensure:
- Unit is in current service (annual) or will be before class
- Cells are in date
- Calibration caps are included
- Two masks, ideally low profile
- Stiff “tech style” fins
- Dive Rite, Deep6, scubapro jets, etc.
- Exposure protection adequate for 60+min dives in the water temperature we’re diving in.
- Hoods are preferred.
- If you’re using a drysuit you must have extensive experience using it.
- Any dives on shipwrecks require gloves.
- Suit must have at least one attached pocket or techpants.
- We will be using your core platform (single, doubles, sidemount) with
- Additional LPI hose or QC6 hose
- 2xUpper drings – suggest small fixed d-rings
- 2xWaist d-rings – suggest Dive Rite sliding d-rings
- Your existing core platform must have:
- 2x second stages
- SPG or transmitter
- BCD with power inflator
- Wing appropriate for configuration – no singles wings on doubles setups
- Decompression cylinder(s) for Air Dil Deco/helitrox
- Oxygen clean regulator.
- Button gauges are appropriate for deco cylinders.
- Suggest using standard style rigging for deco cylinders.
Decompression cylinder with standard rigging and markings.
- Cutting device
- Dive computer with CCR mode
- Wrist slate (elastic attachment) AND/OR Wet notes
- Lights are recommended for deep dives.
- Oxygen analyzer kit – 2 per team during classes
- I will provide 1 analyzer for class
- Every CCR diver should own an analyzer – at least an oxygen analyzer. As long at at least 1 diver on the team brings one and I bring one then we’re covered for the class but I encourage everyone to own an analyzer
Examples of common accessories for CCR dives.
- Surface marker buoy with reel or spool.
- Reel or spool needs enough line to blow a lift bag from depth.
- Backup surface marking device and line.
- Strobes are optional but encouraged for wreck diving.
Examples of signaling devices for deco diving.
- Calibration kit (included with new units)
- Manufacturer recommended lubricant – trilube 71 (included with new units)
- Microfiber towels and/or sham-towel for cleaning and drying
- Coleman air mattress pump
- Box for unit storage
- Manufacturer’s predive checklist
- Manufacturer’s build checklist
- Extra double ender boltsnap
- Proper clips and storage for all accessory equipment on you body – thigh pockets or “tech shorts”.
- You want the least amount of things clipped outside your pockets.
- Christmas tree (pocket dump) approach is the best method for pocket use.
- I highly encourage thigh pockets and strongly discourage buttpouches.
- Proper storage for all equipment (bag, crate, etc) that can be easily stowed on the vessel.
A thigh pocket with bungee or paracord reduces the chance of losing accessories and allows for a quick pocket dump.
Be sure to label your gear – tech divers tend to have a lot of the same stuff. Some examples of labeling:
- At a minimum, have all gear initialed.
- Electrical tape is a great way to mark your clips.
- Diving Labels (https://www.divinglabels.com/) are great because they’re reflective.
Often overlooked – the most important piece of gear is you and your body.
- Show up rested, hydrated and clear headed.
- Bring a water bottle.
- Dive site comfort items (be prepared for sun, heat, rain and always have a snack!).
- Drybag
- Hat/reef-safe sunscreen/sunshirt
- Motion sickness medication
Save a dive kit
Every diver should have backups but boat diving doesn’t allow for an entire toolbox of gear. At a minimum:
- Batteries for backup lights, computer, etc
- DIN o-rings
- Wrenches and allen keys
- Tape and sharpies for labeling.
- Zipties
- Mouthpieces
- Extra boltsnaps and double enders
Things to Avoid
CCR diving is a niche activity. There are items which are not appropriate for this environment.
- Split fins
- Snorkels
- Retractors
- Tank bangers/noise makers
- Integrated inflators/alternate air source
- Cave cookies/arrows – not necessary in the ocean.