What do you consider essential gear for an Ocean wreck dive.
It depends whether "wreck dive" means penetration, or not. A non-penetration dive needs no more logistics or equipment than an open-water dive to the same depth and conditions.
For a penetration dive, my list includes: redundant gas source, primary reel, safety spool, torch, 1-2 back-up torches, dsmb.
1. Spare mask - where do you keep it?
I see lots of divers rushing out to carry spare masks, but far too few divers properly configuring their primary mask. Get a velcro/neoprene strap and thread it directly through the mask strap attachment holes. Remove any attachments that can fail. There's really not much else on a mask that can fail other than the strap or attachment. If the mask develops leaks, replace it.
For non-decompression dives, a back-up mask is not critical equipment.
2. Whistle - Again where do you keep it.
Held snug and discrete on the LPI seems most common,
3. How many SMB/ DSMB's? I have one of each bungeed to my plate
1 for rec.
2 for tec
4. How many reels?
Penetration: 1x Primary and 2x Spool
Open Water: 1x 100-130ft (30-40m) Spool
what size reel?
What will the reel be used for?
is there a size that can both be used to launch a DSMB at depth and be used as a primary reel?
A single 200' reel is sufficient for recreational divers.
Side-handle reels are far superior (IMHO) to top-handle reels.
Carry a 100-130' finger spool as back up, for shallower deployments and for quick/short guideline tasks.
Honestly, most recreational divers never need more than a 100-130' finger spool, even as a primary.
I am trying to get away with not using hip pockets on my waist stap or leg
Thigh pockets on your exposure protection are probably the best all-round solution for back-mount diving. I don't know why you'd want to avoid them.
Clipping it off to a Dring seems like it is in the way. Any ideas?
'Danglies' from your rig is never a good option.
what is your config?
Backmount:
Virtually everything lives in thigh pockets.
- Right pocket contains all emergency kit: back-up DSMB and Spool, signalling kit, small slate with ascent plan (tec) etc
- Left pocket contains all routine kit: DSMB, spool, wetnotes, cutters/shears
- Small Ti knife on central waistbelt
- Backup torches on shoulder D-rings and secured to harness with rubber loops
- Primary reel and one spool on rear crotch D-ring
- Two trilobite cutters (one on each arm, attached to computer bungees)
Basically.... my backmount is very 'DIR'.
Sidemount:
DSMB and Spool on rear D-ring
Virtually everything else lives in butt pocket
- Wetnotes, arrows/cookies, diving 'star' tool and/or mini screwdriver, 2-4 double-enders
- Backup torch, backup DSMB and spool, backup tables, cutter/shears, small mirror.
Do you carry a signal mirror for worst case scenario..ie boat leaving without you.
Yes, if diving backmount (self-inspection) and offshore sites.
For offshore sites, I carry a 'drift kit' that includes varied visual and audible signalling methods and a small bag of water/juice.