A dive vacation is all about blowing bubbles and relaxation, so the last thing you want is to worry about items getting stolen from your room or dive bag. Theft is rare at most dive resorts, but it can and does happen. Usually these are crimes of convenience — someone snatching cash or other valuables left unattended — which means making just a little effort to keep your things secure can go a long way toward preventing the most common occurrences.

1. Lock It Up

Passports, cash, jewelry and electronics are easy targets for thieves, and losing them can cause you serious headaches. At check-in, ask about secure storage at the resort. Most offer safes in the rooms, while others might have a hotel safe in the office where they secure guests’ belongings. You can make a copy of your passport to have with you if needed, and carry only small amounts of cash or a single ATM or credit card.

2. Keep the Small Stuff

If you plan to leave your gear with the dive shop, it’s a good idea to hang on to small, fragile items, like your dive computer, or items that can’t be easily replaced, like a mask with prescription lenses. Even if they’re safe from theft, they could still get dropped, knocked around or otherwise broken.

3. Stash Your Scuba Gear

Most resorts and dive shops offer storage so you can keep your scuba kit safe without lugging wet gear back and forth to your room. Some have gear lockers — check beforehand if you need to bring your own lock — while others offer a communal shelf or room in the shop where you can stash your dive bag between dives. A zipper lock for your dive bag adds an extra level of security.

4. On the Boat

Most divers know not to bring unnecessary items like jewelry or electronics on the dive boat, but you’ll likely still want to carry a few things on board, like a camera, sunglasses and some cash. Along with your dive bag, bring a small backpack or dry bag, then ask the crew about the boat’s dry storage. There’s usually a shelf at the forward of the cabin or a small closet belowdecks where you can keep things safe and out of the way during your dives.

5. At the Pool or Beach

For those times you’ll be in the water not diving, whether at the hotel pool or the beach, it’s best to leave as few things sitting onshore as possible. Leave all but the most necessary items secured in your room. If you’re with other people, you can use the buddy system, with each person taking turns staying onshore while the others go in the water. Otherwise, consider getting a small waterproof container or wallet that can hang around your neck or zip inside a swimsuit pocket.

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