GUE Base Equipment Configuration Checklist

Diving with Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) requires specific gear to ensure safety and efficiency. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for your dive.

Tanks/Cylinders

1. Single Tank/Cylinder:
   • Single- or dual-outlet valve.
2. Dual Tanks/Cylinders:
   • Dual-outlet isolator manifold (for two first stages).
   • Dual-outlet non-isolator manifold (recreational diving only, an alternative to a single tank/cylinder).
3. Size Requirements:
   • Consult course-specific standards and instructor.

Regulators

4. Single Tank Configuration:
   • Primary second stage via 5 to 7 ft (1.5 to 2 m) hose.
   • Necklaced backup second stage via short hose.
   • Analog pressure gauge.
   • Inflation for the buoyancy compensator (BC).
   • Inflation for a drysuit (if applicable).
5. Double Tank Configuration:
   • One first stage supplies primary second stage via 5 to 7 ft (1.5 to 2 m) hose (7 ft/2 m hose required for all cave classes).
   • Inflation for the buoyancy compensator (BC).
   • The other first stage supplies necklaced backup second stage via short hose.
   • Analog pressure gauge.
   • Inflation for a drysuit (if applicable).

Backplate System

6. Held to the diver by one continuous piece of adjustable webbing secured at the waist with a buckle.
7. Crotch strap attached and looped through the waistband to prevent the system from riding up.
8. Five D-rings:
   • Left hip.
   • Right collarbone.
   • Left collarbone.
   • Front crotch strap
   • Back crotch strap
9. Small restrictive bands for backup lights.
10. Minimalist design for efficiency and ease of movement.

Buoyancy Compensation Device (BC)

11. Back-mounted and minimalist.
12. Free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other materials.
13. No restrictive bands or elastic affixed to the buoyancy cell.
14. Wing size and shape appropriate to the cylinder size(s) used for training.

Additional Equipment

15. Time/Depth Measuring Device: At least one.
16. Wrist-Mounted Compass
17. Mask
    • Low-volume mask.
    • Backup mask

18. Fins: Rigid, non split fins
19. Cutting Device: At least one.
20. Wetnotes with Pencils
21. Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) with Spool:
    • Appropriate for environmental conditions.
    • Spool with at least 100 ft (30 m) of line.

21. Exposure Suit: Appropriate for the duration of exposure.

With this checklist, you can ensure that your GUE diving setup is complete and ready for safe and effective dives. Proper equipment configuration is key to enjoying your underwater adventures while adhering to GUE standards.

If you’re interested in becoming a GUE diver, consider taking a GUE Fundamentals course here in Toronto to learn more about GUE equipment and configuration. Happy diving!

Alain EID

GUE Instructor

Alain began his diving journey in 2010 and is now a highly qualified instructor, certified by GUE (Global Underwater Explorers) in both Fundamentals and Recreational diving. He has been teaching with GUE since 2018 and is experienced in Cave, CCR, and Technical diving. Alain finds great joy in sharing his knowledge and passion for diving through transformative courses that empower divers to reach their full potential.