Before the trip

Inter-Ocean Tours

Trips for Divers

P.O. Box 27116
Oakland, CA 94602
travel@interocean.com
510-638-3448 / 800-345-7159
510-638-1741 Fax

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New rules about lithium batteries

Effective January 1, 2008, the following rules apply to the spare lithium batteries you carry with you in case the battery in a device runs low:

Spare batteries are the batteries you carry separately from the devices they power. When batteries are installed in a device, they are not considered spare batteries.
You may not pack a spare lithium battery in your checked baggage
You may bring spare lithium batteries with you in carry-on baggage – see our spare battery tips and how-to sections to find out how to pack spare batteries safely!
Even though we recommend carrying your devices with you in carry-on baggage as well, if you must bring one in checked baggage, you may check it with the batteries installed.

For the detailed information and to track changes, go to http://safetravel.dot.gov

Passport

Where to apply passport

Fees

Passport Agency

If your passport is expiring, start renewing process approximately 7 months prior to the expiration date. Some countries require you to have at least 6 months before the expiration.

If your passport has less than 2 Visa pages, it is time to add some pages. Some countries would not admit your entry with full passport (without Visa pages). It only takes less than 2 weeks, but you need to mail your passport and the form. No fee is required.

How to add Passport pages

Certification card

You do not have time? Some agencies have expedite service you can use. Otherwise you can call your agency to fax the verification to your dive operation. Remember they are closed on weekends.

If you are taking the referral course on your trip, you need a referral form from your instructor.

Dive Insurance

Do you have a dive insurance?
It is a good idea to have one. Evacuation and the treatment for the diving emergency could be very expensive. Although some medical insurance covers the cost, so check with your health insurance company.

Dive Assure Divers Alert Network
Travel Insurance

If you are booking an expensive trip in advance, it is a good idea to buy a travel insurance.

Divers Alert Network
Dive Assure (Offers combination of diving and multi trip insurance.)
Travel Guard

Health Concern

Do you know what is required for preventive medication or vaccination to the region?

Department of Health and Human Services will give you the information.

What to bring on the trip

The law for what you can bring in the airplane is now constantly changing. For current information please visit web site for US Department of Transportation at http://safetravel.dot.gov/

Suggested Gear List is to help you remembering things you do not want to forget.

Credit card can be used to pay in most regions, but there may be an extra fee involved in over seas. Certain amount of cash and/or traveler's check is necessary.

Electricity and plug configuration could be different over seas. Current Solutions has a list by the country.

Luggage Restricition

There is no universal rule any more. Before you start packing you need to check with your airline. Following table is a guideline as of October 16, 2008. Please click the Airlines for their current luggage information.

Airlines	Number of luggages Domestic	Number of luggages Caribbean, Central America, South America	Weight of luggage
American Airlines	$15 for 1st & $25 for 2nd	2	50 lbs
Continental Airlines	$15 for 1st & $25 for 2nd	1	50 lbs
Delta	1	2	50 lbs
Frontier	$15 for 1st & $25 for 2nd	$15 for 1st & $25 for 2nd	50 lbs
Mexicana		1 & $15 for 2nd	50 lbs
Qantas	1	2	44 lbs or 70 lbs
Southwest Airlines	2		50 lbs
Taca		2	50 lbs
United Airlines	$15 for 1st & $50 for 2nd	2	50 lbs
US Airways	$15 for 1st & $25 for 2nd	$15 for 1st & $25 for 2nd	50 lbs