Module Two 

You have many options in choosing a gear bag with respect to straps, configuration, pockets and wheels available at your PADI dive shop. Choose your gear bag based on your preferences, but also based on size. Select a bag slightly larger than you need for all the gear you have, because you tend to add gear as you gain dive experience, and this gives you room to grow.

Dive tool – This is generally a dive knife with the sharp tip replaced with a prying tool. Other than that, dive tools have the same general options as dive knives. Local authorities may or may not classify them as knives.

Shears – Dive shears are especially suited to cutting fishing line and net. They are popular with divers likely to encounter monofilament line and net, particularly on wrecks. These are not usually restricted legally.

Z-knives – Z-knives are hooks with a blade specifically for cutting fishing line or net. They let you cut quickly, and their shape reduces the risk of accidentally cutting yourself or your equipment. Because they’re not useful for heavy rope or other purposes, you generally carry a z-knife in addition to a dive knife or tool.

Mounting Cutting Tools

Cutting tools have sheathes you can mount many places based on your preferences, such as on your BCD hose, on a waist strap, strapped inside your leg, attached to the back of a console or on your wrist. Many divers like to have two – a dive tool and a z-knife. Wear your tool where you can reach it with either hand so it is accessible with either arm entangled.

Module Two