Health, Travel Documents and Gear - Step 6

• Check with your doctor or local health clinic to see how your health is and if you may need any special medication.
• Check with CDC(Center for Disease Control) to see what potential health problems may be present at the destination of your trip. They will let you know what immunizations that may be required.
• Make sure you have a valid passport. Driver licenses and birth certificates are being eliminated as proof of identification around the world. It must be valid for more than six (6) months from when you try to enter a country. Some countries may require visas; most operators and airlines offer to take care of these.
• If you don't have your passport or it is out dated, there are several ways to obtain a new passport. See section on Passports.(U.S. Passport)
• If you are bringing your own gear, it is recommended, make sure it is serviced prior to departure. Make sure you do this, weeks before your trip. Sometimes parts are required and it may take time to get them. Obtain extra parts if you know that they may not be available where you are going. Put together a save a dive kit. Bring adaptors for INT connectors and DIN fittings.
• Check and see what time of wet suit is required; .5 ml, 1.5 ml, 3 ml, 5 ml or 7 ml. See if you can layer the suits. Remember as the week goes on, you acclimate to the water and you can get colder.
• If you wear a prescription mask, you may want to bring a second one in case of one getting lost or damaged. Same with you own personal glasses, a second pair may be handy.