Hi, I’m Maëlly, an underwater videographer, content creator and PADI AmbassaDiver since 2023.
I started diving in 2018, following in the footsteps of my late mother, who was also a diver. I grew up in Corsica, where the sea was always close, and even though she was “only” an Open Water Diver, her love for the ocean was enough to pass that spark on to me. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a passion, and after several years of training, diving and a lot of hard work, I eventually became a dive professional.
Becoming a PADI Pro completely changed my life. I learned more about myself, more about the ocean and a lot about dive gear.
So, when PADI asked me what’s in my dive bag, I replied in about 10 minutes. Gear is one of my favorite topics.
I’m not someone who buys things without thinking. Every piece of equipment I own has a purpose. If I don’t use something anymore, I sell it or give it away. Good dive gear is an investment, and taking care of it is not only important for safety but also for the ocean. The less we waste, the better.
My Dive Bags
I usually travel with two bags:
- A waterproof dry bag backpack for travel
- And a sturdy mesh bag for day-to-day diving
If I had to recommend just one “must-have” piece of luggage for divers, it would be a mesh bag. It lets water drain out, doesn’t get ridiculously heavy and makes life so much easier on boats and at dive centers.
The Core Gear I Use on Almost Every Dive
We all need gear to use on every dive. Here’s what comes with me every time I slip beneath the surface.
Mask
I dive with a frameless black mask. I prefer black skirts because they reduce glare and reflections, which helps a lot when I’m filming. It also just feels more comfortable and focused for me underwater.
Dive Computer
My main computer is a Shearwater Teric. Before that, I used my first-ever dive computer for six years. It went through all my early training and hundreds of dives with me and is still going strong. On that note, I’m a big believer in servicing equipment regularly. Gear lasts longer, performs better and it’s safer for you and the environment.
Fins
I’ve been using the same pair of Apeks RK3 fins for about six years, and I bought them second-hand. They’ve survived wrecks, rocks and even a few curious triggerfish. They’re still going strong, and while I sometimes think about trying something new, I’m so used to them that it’s hard to imagine switching.
Boots
Because my fins aren’t full-foot, I dive with low-profile boots that feel almost like neoprene socks but still have a solid sole. Comfort matters a lot, especially when you’re diving and working every day.
Snorkel
This isn’t the most exciting piece of gear, but it’s absolutely essential, especially for teaching, rescue courses and swim tests.
Regulators
My regs have been with me since the very beginning of my professional journey. I bought them second-hand in almost-new condition before I even went to Thailand for my training. They’ve been serviced regularly and taken on countless dives, and they’ve never let me down. Some pieces of gear become more than just equipment, they become part of your story.
BCD
I currently dive with a Scubapro Hydros BCD that I adapted to fit me better. It works great, although like many divers, I’m always curious to try new setups and see what else is out there.
SMB & Reels
I always carry an SMB with a 30m (100-foot) reel and double-ender, plus an additional longer reel for deeper or wreck dives. These are non-negotiable safety tools.
Torch
I always have a torch (flashlight) with me, whether it’s for wrecks, night dives or just looking into holes and crevices during the day.
Spare Mask
I usually carry a compact backup mask in my pocket. It’s small, fits different face shapes and is also handy for underwater photo or video shoots if someone forgets theirs.
Exposure Protection: Wetsuits for Every Condition
I dive in a lot of different conditions, so I have a small collection of wetsuits:
- A lightweight shorty for very warm water
- A 3mm full suit for sun and skin protection
- A 7mm super-stretchy wetsuit for cooler water
- And a couple of fun, colorful suits that also happen to be extremely comfortable
At this point, the only thing missing is a drysuit — which is definitely next on my list.
The “Save-a-Dive” and Personal Kit
In a small box that travels everywhere with me, I keep:
- O-rings
- Electrolytes
- Painkillers
- Bandages
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
I also always pack a towel poncho and a change of clothes — nothing beats getting warm and dry after a long dive day.
The Camera Gear
Because creating content is a big part of my work, my camera kit is always with me, too. My main setup is now a Sony camera in a Nauticam housing. I also often carry action cameras to mount on my rig or hand off to my boyfriend, so we can capture different angles at the same time.
And one of my favorite little content-creator tools? A small, sticky mount on my phone case — perfect for filming quick, behind-the-scenes clips while setting up gear or getting ready.
Final Thoughts
This is what my dive bag looks like today. It took many years of diving, learning, breaking things, fixing things and figuring out what really matters underwater.
Every diver’s setup is different. That’s part of the beauty of diving: you slowly build a kit that fits your diving, your environment and your goals.
Ready To Turn Your Passion Into a Profession?
Becoming a dive professional changed my life in ways I never expected, from how I see the ocean to how I travel, work and create. If you’ve ever imagined spending more time underwater, helping others discover diving or even building a life around the ocean, there’s a clear path to get there.
Whether your dream is to become a Divemaster, Instructor, underwater photographer or ocean advocate, the journey starts with your next certification.
This article was written by PADI AmbassaDiver Maelly Faure (@the.scubagirl). Raised on the islands of Corsica and Réunion, Maelly has always been deeply connected to the ocean. Now living and working as a professional underwater videographer, photographer and social media content creator, her passion for the sea shapes every aspect of her life.
