Diving is fun, losing gear sucks. When people gravitate to the same brands and types of diving gear, getting your gear taken by another diver by accident is actually a lot more common than you think. However, not knowing how to label your diving gear is what usually makes you fall victim!
Keeping track of your gear and hoping for the best isn’t enough to prevent confusion (and awkward confrontations). Learning how to label your diving gear can make all the difference in keeping your dives from turning into a financial nightmare. Most people think that labeling is boring and tacky, but we’re here to show you that it doesn’t have to be.
We’re here to keep your gear safe and recognizable — here are the best ways to label your gear so it stays uniquely yours!
Best methods for labeling your diving gear
Personalized stickers and decals
Worried about longevity? Getting waterproof stickers is a cheap and durable option for those who want an easy way to mark their gear with their name and phone number. It’s easily recognizable and all you have to do is stick it on your gear and forget about it!
Pros:
- Professional-looking and customizable
- Great for hard surfaces like tanks, dive lights, and cameras
- Can be designed in different colors for visibility
Brightly colored tape or reflective strips
For those who want a flashier alternative, using brightly colored tape or reflective strips will make fellow divers know that you own the gear they were probably about to take. Getting high-visibility neon tape is also perfect for nighttime dives where it might be more difficult to differentiate between diving gear.
Best for:
- Fin straps
- Regulators
- BCD hoses
Pro tip: Use different colors or patterns for different pieces of gear to avoid confusion and get creative with it! add an element of your own personality when labeling your diving gear.
Fabric and permanent markers
Don’t want to spend too much on labeling your diving gear? A simple and cheap solution is to use fabric markers and permanent markers! Using white paint marker on black gear and black permanent marker for lighter-colored diving gear adds contrast and makes sure that your label is recognizable.
Best for:
- Fins
- BCDs
- Wetsuits
Pro tip: Marking the inside of your wetsuit collar prevents rubbing off while keeping the exterior looking clean.
Cable ties & colored zip ties
Want to know how to label your diving gear without using large labels? Try using zip ties as a discreet method. This is perfect for gear that have zippers or parts where you can place them more discreetly.
Best for:
- Wetsuit zippers
- Boot straps
- Dive bags
Engraving for Metal Gear
This one is for the serious divers who want a permanent solution for their diving gear labeling needs! Engraving your name (or initials) on your dive knives, tank bands, and even metal buckles is a fool-proof way of ensuring that mix-ups don’t happen during dives.
Pros:
- Cannot fade or peel off
- Permanent identification method
Custom embroidery for soft gear
Stitching on embroidery on soft gear like wetsuits or gear bags is a stylish and effective method of labeling your diving gear. Not everyone knows how to embroider their gear though, but don’t worry! A lot of diving shops offer embroidery services if you’re willing to pay the extra fee.
Best for:
- Wetsuits
- BCD straps
- Gear bags
Bonus: labeling tips and best practices
- Think longevity: Avoid paper-based labels that can degrade quickly in saltwater.
- Place labels strategically: Hide identification inside gear to prevent tampering but keep some visible for easy recognition.
- Use a combination: Labeling methods aren’t perfect, but mixing it up and using different types of material for your labels at least makes identification a lot easier.
- Keep it classy: Know when to stop labeling your gear! Doing too much can make your gear look cluttered. Strike a balance between recognizability and aesthetics.
Keep your gear, keep your sanity
Your dive gear is an investment and losing it (or getting it mixed up) is a headache that no diver wants. Knowing how to label your diving gear and personalizing it ensures that your kit stays yours.
Make your diving experience smoother while also giving your gear more personality during your underwater experiences. Next time you brave the waters, rest easy knowing that your diving gear is safe and sound!
