If you're about to book your first liveaboard, you're right to be excited. You're about to have an incredible experience! A big part of enjoying liveaboard dive travel involves proper preparation. While the company you choose to travel with is certain to provide you with specific information, this short guide can help you during the beginning stages of travel planning.
Seasickness Prevention
If you're prone to seasickness, you probably know it. If you've never spent a significant amount of time onboard a vessel in various sea conditions, then it is a good idea to pack some motion sickness medication, just in case. Be sure you choose a product that won't hamper your ability to dive safely. The good news? Most of the traveling is done while you're asleep, so you'll be spending most of your waking hours at the sites on your itinerary. Also, people who are prone to seasickness sometimes become acclimated to conditions. Don't let the fact you're prone to motion sickness stop you from enjoying liveaboard travel!
What to Pack
Items to bring along with you will vary depending on your destination, but it's important to keep in mind that while you can always wash the same few outfits and wear them over and over again, you can't bring a failed piece of equipment back from the brink. Therefore, focus on dedicating luggage space to redundant items you can't dive without. Pack an extra light, an extra regulator, and extra batteries for everything. If you're into underwater photography, check and double check that you've got all the gear you need, because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture amazing things for posterity. Finally, pack extras like defogger, mask straps, knives, and other items that are prone to loss or breakage. Finally, remember to pack emergency gear. DAN sells a nice kit that's great for all divers, and which will give you an extra bit of security when you're diving far away from civilization.
Make a checklist for yourself, and don't forget to heed any specific advice your liveaboard operator gives you.
Last, But not Least...
Get your dive gear serviced before time to go. Be sure your dive computer has fresh batteries, and be sure you have a wetsuit, even if you're going to be diving in warm water. You'll find that you will be prone to chilliness after repeated dives, and even though a wetsuit takes up valuable luggage space, you'll be glad you brought it along. Finally, ensure you have the right type of luggage. Often, you'll need to travel on small aircraft to get to the port you'll be departing from, and traveling light needs to be a priority if this is the case. Get yourself a good soft-sided bag, and practice packing it a few times before the real deal. If you don't dive on a regular basis, try to log some bottom time before your trip so you feel completely comfortable once you get to your destination.
Liveaboard travel is like nothing else, but it does come with some risks. Medical help can be far away, and so can recompression chambers. Carry dive travel insurance, be sure you have any necessary medications, and be sure you're up to date on your vaccinations. With just a little advance planning, you'll find the liveaboard experience is superb.