Top Tips

Here are some Top Tips to ensure your camera equipment is kept safe at all times:

• Insist on taking your camera equipment with you as cabin luggage on public transport.

• If you do need to put equipment in the hold of an aircraft, invest in a robust case such as Pelican or Storm or an Aluminium Flight case.

• Never leave your camera gear unattended - this a frequent source of theft claims.

• Wherever possible remove lenses when carrying the camera.

• Invest in a body cap to protect the shutter and electronic sensor when the lens is removed.

• Remove body o-rings from housings when flying, the change in pressure can pop lenses or lock a housing closed.

• Make a photo record and note serial numbers of all your equipment and keep both a hard copy as well as an electronic copy in a safe place at home away from your camera. These records are enormous help to police if your equipment is stolen.

• To avoid opportunistic thefts keep your equipment out of sight even in the home or office.

• Camera cases don't need to look like camera cases. If you are travelling or going somewhere out of the ordinary, it may be worth investing in this style.

• Try not leave your camera in a locked car. It makes your gear an easy target for thieves, and the extreme heat that can develop could easily damage delicate components and electronics.

• Consider uniquely marking or inscribing your equipment with your drivers license number to make it less appealing for thieves. If your camera gear looks distinctive it's far harder to sell. Datadots are a secretive way of doing this which overcomes having to engrave items and increases the chance of your gear being identified and returned.

• Contrary to what some might try and prove on Youtube, cameras out of housings are not waterproof, so even though a drink might be great, placing liquids near camera gear can be very risky, particularly onboard a pitching boat.

• Utilise a proper carry case with lots of padding at all times.

• Organise with the skipper for a safe spot to place underwater cameras, pitching boats, kitted divers and cameras in the same vicinity is asking for trouble.

• Pack camera drop lines with a bungee insert, that can be secured to the boat and allow you to get your cameras into the water away from other divers until you're ready for them. Also great for freeing your hands during deco stops if the line is long enough.

• Fold some sanitary napkins and place under your camera in its housing. They absorb a huge amount of water and will prevent water sloshing around in the event of a minor leak. Be careful they don't impede any o-rings and cause a leak. (A great idea from Jeff Mullins)

Our policy is the simple way to insure your underwater camera equipment against theft, fire and accidental damage through to events like dropping, falling objects and floods.

Averaging a claim turnaround time of under 48 hours, we insure over 25,000 pieces of equipment every year (including on overseas trips), protecting the photographic equipment of both keen amateurs and professionals.