Cleaning dive checklist and planning guide

A cleaning dive needs more coordination than a regular dive: you are managing divers, collected waste, safety equipment and disposal at the same time. Start with the location, permits and diving center, then build the route and safety plan around the site. Before the day itself, match buddies, check every item of diving equipment and confirm the weather. This checklist also covers registration, waste containers, coolers and the registration desk so the setup does not delay the dive.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve diving location
Check permits
Book diving center
Arrange waste processing
Prepare safety plan
2 people
Determine the dive route
2 people
Set the meeting point
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Register diving experience
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Check contact details
Create buddy pairings
2 people
Inventory diving equipment
2 people
Check trash grabbers
2 people
Check first aid supplies
Finalize shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Arrange waste containers
Check the weather forecast
Inform participants
2 people
Collect scuba tanks
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Bring materials to the venue
4 people
Set up the registration desk
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up waste stations
3 people
Lay out diving equipment
4 people
Set up safety equipment
2 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Register attendance
2 people
Hand out diving equipment
4 people
Give the safety briefing
2 people
Brief buddy teams
3 people
Mark the dive route
3 people
Supervise the cleaning dive
6 people
Sort waste ashore
6 people
Separate hazardous waste
3 people
Collect the diving equipment
4 people
Help participants change
2 people
Refill handwashing station
Serve snacks
3 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Weigh and record waste
2 people
Take group photo
Thank participants
2 people

Aftercare

Secure the waste containers
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Reload materials
4 people
Clean diving equipment
3 people
Take out the trash
3 people
Return dive tanks
2 people
Return rented equipment
2 people
Dry and store equipment
3 people
Share photos and results

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 8

Diving equipment

Diving suitsqty 20
Dive masksqty 20
Snorkelsqty 20
Diving finsqty 20
Diving glovesqty 20
Diving bootsqty 20
Diving cylindersqty 20
Flotation vestsqty 20
Breathing Apparatusqty 20
Lead beltsqty 20
Diving buoysqty 6
Surface markingsqty 6
Litter pickersqty 20
Trash netsqty 20
Waterproof bagsqty 20

Safety

Life ringsqty 2
Throwing hooksqty 2
First aid kitsqty 2
Thermal labelsqty 10
Safety vestsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 6
Whistlesqty 10

Registration

Attendance listsqty 4
Pensqty 20
Name stickersqty 50
Waterproof clipboardsqty 4
Diving logsqty 25

Equipment

Scalesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Rechargeable work lightsqty 4

Transport

Transport cartsqty 2
Tarpaulinsqty 6
Ratchet strapsqty 12
Cratesqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Pitchersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2

Cleaning

Trash grabbersqty 6
Work glovesqty 30
Bucketsqty 6
Broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Trash grabbers for the shoreqty 6
Clotheslinesqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the location, permits and waste-processing arrangement before inviting participants. These three decisions determine whether the dive can go ahead and where collected waste can be taken.
Record each participant’s diving experience, contact details and dietary requirements during registration. Use the information to create buddy pairings rather than assigning pairs at the last minute.
Check diving suits, masks, snorkels, fins, gloves, boots, cylinders, breathing apparatus and flotation vests as one inventory. Also test litter pickers, trash nets, waterproof bags and surface markings before loading the transport.
Prepare the safety plan with life rings, throwing hooks, first aid kits, safety vests, whistles and flashlights. Mark the dive route and meeting point clearly, and brief participants after the weather forecast has been checked.
Do the final shopping and arrange waste containers before bringing materials to the venue. Set up the registration desk with attendance lists, pens and name stickers so check-in takes only a few minutes per person.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a cleaning dive?: Start arranging the location, permits, diving center and waste processing at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Send invitations only after these practical details are confirmed.
What diving equipment is needed for a cleaning dive?: Plan equipment for every diver, including a suit, mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, boots, cylinder, breathing apparatus and suitable flotation equipment. Add collection gear such as litter pickers, trash nets and waterproof bags.
How do I prepare the safety plan for a cleaning dive?: Define the route, meeting point, surface markings and buddy pairings before the event. Check life rings, throwing hooks, first aid kits, safety vests, whistles and flashlights at least once before departure and again during setup.
When should I check the weather for a cleaning dive?: Check the forecast the day before and again on the morning of the dive. Use the final check to decide whether participants need updated instructions or whether the activity must be postponed.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.