How to organize a cleaning dive

A cleaning dive needs more than divers and bags: the site, permits, safety plan and waste route must fit together before anyone enters the water. Start by securing the diving location and checking requirements, then book support, define the route and collect participant details. In the final week, pair divers, inspect equipment, confirm the forecast and arrange waste containers. On the day, use a registration desk, clear surface markings and a short safety briefing to keep the cleanup controlled.

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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

1
Reserve diving location
2
Check permits
3
Book diving center
4
Arrange waste processing
5
Prepare safety plan
2 people
6
Determine the dive route
2 people
7
Set the meeting point
8
Send invitations
2 people
9
Process registrations
2 people
10
Register diving experience
2 people
11
Collect dietary requirements
12
Check contact details
13
Create buddy pairings
2 people
14
Inventory diving equipment
2 people
15
Check trash grabbers
2 people
16
Check first aid supplies
17
Finalize shopping list
18
Do the shopping
2 people
19
Arrange waste containers
20
Check the weather forecast
21
Inform participants
2 people
22
Collect scuba tanks
2 people
23
Fill coolers
2 people
24
Bring materials to the venue
4 people
25
Set up the registration desk
2 people
26
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
27
Build party tents
4 people
28
Set up waste stations
3 people
29
Lay out diving equipment
4 people
30
Set up safety equipment
2 people

Event

31
Receive participants
3 people
32
Register attendance
2 people
33
Hand out diving equipment
4 people
34
Give the safety briefing
2 people
35
Brief buddy teams
3 people
36
Mark the dive route
3 people
37
Supervise the cleaning dive
6 people
38
Sort waste ashore
6 people
39
Separate hazardous waste
3 people
40
Collect the diving equipment
4 people
41
Help participants change
2 people
42
Refill handwashing station
43
Serve snacks
3 people
44
Serve drinks
3 people
45
Refill drinks
2 people
46
Weigh and record waste
2 people
47
Take group photo
48
Thank participants
2 people

Aftercare

49
Secure the waste containers
2 people
50
Wash dishes
2 people
51
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
52
Take down party tents
4 people
53
Clean the venue
4 people
54
Reload materials
4 people
55
Clean diving equipment
3 people
56
Take out the trash
3 people
57
Return dive tanks
2 people
58
Return rented equipment
2 people
59
Dry and store equipment
3 people
60
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 and permits before sending invitations. Some sites require approval for diving, collecting waste or placing surface markers, so allow several weeks for checks and replies.
Record each participant’s diving experience, contact details and dietary requirements as registrations arrive. Use this information to create buddy pairings rather than assigning pairs at the last minute.
Plan the waste route before the dive: decide where filled waterproof bags and trash nets will go, arrange waste containers and confirm who will process the collected material afterward.
Inspect every item before transporting it to the venue, including cylinders, breathing apparatus, flotation vests, masks, fins, grabbers and first aid supplies. Replace or repair missing equipment before event day.
Check the weather forecast again the day before and on the morning itself. Set up the registration desk, attendance lists, name stickers, safety vests and surface markings before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a cleaning dive?: Start at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Use the first 2 weeks for the location, permits, diving center and waste processing, then leave the final week for equipment checks, pairings and participant updates.
How do you make a cleaning dive safe?: Prepare a written safety plan, define the dive route and assign buddy pairs before the event. Check first aid supplies, life rings, whistles, flotation vests and surface markings, then give a briefing before the first dive.
What equipment is needed for a cleaning dive?: Plan both diving and collection equipment: suits, masks, snorkels, fins, gloves, boots, cylinders, breathing apparatus, buoyancy equipment, litter pickers, trash nets and waterproof bags. Inspect the inventory at least 3 days before the dive.
How do you handle the waste after a cleaning dive?: Arrange the waste-processing route before invitations go out and place containers at the agreed collection point. Assign a person to move filled bags from the water’s edge to the containers immediately after each dive.

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