How redundant is TOO redundant?

In the world of diving, safety should be everyone’s number one priority. Although a relatively safe sport nowadays, dive accidents can and do occur, whether due to negligence or pure bad luck. With that said, there are several things that divers can take with them as backup systems to increase safety. But which of these do you really need, and which could you forgo?

Let’s start with the obvious: an extra regulator is a must. This is your life support, after all, and if you’re in a situation where your buddy is out of reach, it could mean your life. So this is obvious. What about tanks? Unless you’re diving independently, or doing multistage decos, you don’t necessarily need a pony bottle or spare air. Again, a good thing to have for the more timid diver, but by no means a necessity. What about computers? Well, we’ll tell you at the shop that we almost always try to talk divers out of it. They can be expensive and unnecessary if you’re diving with a buddy. And, at worst, what do you do if your computer fails? That’s right: end the dive!

Do you have redundant gear that you swear by? Let us know below!