If it is your first time on a live-aboard trip, our essential guide will help you get the most out of your trip.

WHAT TO TAKE

As with most boats, storage space is always limited. We suggest you pack a small bag with items you require for the duration of your live-aboard trip and leave your main luggage at your resort; better still, most dive operators have a secure customer luggage room in which you may store your belongings during your trip, as well as a safe for any valuables you may wish to deposit.

Items you should take with you are:

• Diver certification cards & Log book
• Swim-wear (two sets – one to wear, one to hang up to dry!)
• Towel*
• Tee shirts and a long-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt for the evenings
• Shorts
• Sun tan cream, sunscreen with high spf
• Toiletries, rubber bands for long hair, and any special medications you require
• If you wear contact-lenses, bring an extra set
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Camera
• Reading material
• A waterproof ocean-bag, should you wish to take any possessions onto the islands with you.

*most mid- to high-budget boats supply at least one towel, but for some of the budget boats you will need to take your own.

• Passport and 1 x photocopy of passport photo page, 1 x photocopy of Thai entry visa page
• 2 x Passport photos
• Visa fees USD 200 per guest to be paid in cash in USD only. We recommend that guests obtain cash for the visa fees in their home country before departure.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

If you have any health problems, are taking any form of medication, are recovering from any illness or are allergic to any forms of medication, be sure to let the boat staff know prior to departure. If you are in any doubt about your health in regards to diving, consult a physician before the trip to provide you with the necessary medical statements.

Illnesses that prevent you from diving include: asthma, diabetes, thyroid disease and hypertension. Although dive staff are trained in basic first aid and all boats carry first aid kits, staff cannot treat these serious medical problems if they occur. It is also advised to obtain any medical statements from your home country and not to use local doctors unless they are an accredited hospital or surgery.

FLYING AFTER DIVING

For your own safety do not fly for at least 24 hours after your last dive. Most live-aboard boats return to Thap Lamu, Khura Buri or Phuket harbour between 2:00 and 7:00 pm. Thailand Dive and Sail can advise you on safe times to book flights depanding on your chosen live-aboard trip.

TDS can highly recommend local excursions and adventures for you to do whilst waiting for a safe time to fly, such as kayaking and elephant trekking in Khao Sok National Park or a visit to the beaches of Phuket are highly recommended.

Overland travel is possible directly after a live-aboard trip; Krabi Town, Surat Thani, Phuket, and many other destinations are easily reachable via bus, mini-van or taxi. Please feel free to contact Thailand Dive & Sail for further information regarding excursions, travel or entertainment before or following your live-aboard safari.

A FEW EXTRA TIPS FROM THAILAND DIVE & SAIL

• All live-aboards offer complimentary water, coffee, tea and soft drinks; beer is also available at local prices. Remember to drink LOTS of water. If you prefer juices, wine or spirits, it is recommended you take your own. Please remember that in the interest of your own safety, dive staff on your boat will limit alcohol consumption to after your last dive of the day.
• Most live-aboards will NOT supply cigarettes.
• Food is plentiful and always available on board. However, if you feel you will miss your favorite snacks, such as chocolate, take some with you. Most boats have cold storage for such items.
• As the food is freshly-prepared, most live-aboards can accommodate special dietary requirements, but be sure to let the dive operator or boat staff know in advance.
• Simple games, such as Backgammon or Scrabble, are usually available on board, as are fish-ID books.
• If your own equipment requires the use of specialist tools, be sure to pack these with your dive equipment. Live-aboard boats usually carry essential spare parts and tools, but only for maintaining and fixing their own brand of rental equipment.
• Most rental equipment sets will include the use of a 3-mm shorty wetsuit. If you know that this is of insufficient thermal protection for you, be sure to either bring your own appropriate wetsuit, or let the dive operator know in advance – sometimes wearing two shorties over each other will solve the problem.
• If your rental equipment includes full-foot fins, you may want to bring a pair of socks with you to ensure a more comfortable fit.
• You will need to bring some cash with you if you wish to purchase alcoholic drinks, t- shirts, logbooks, DVD's of the trip, etc. Most boats also offer further diving education courses and camera rental at an additional cost. It is recommended to bring local currency, although some operators accept U.S. Dollars and Euros.
• If you know that you would like to purchase a DVD from your videographer on board, let him/her know in advance – they will make sure that you are filmed frequently!
• Remember to tip your local crew upon disembarkation if you were pleased with the service provided.