Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about renting diving equipment from Helavu. Our team is here to help you prepare for your underwater adventures.

We offer a comprehensive range of diving equipment suitable for various experience levels and conditions. Our inventory includes full scuba sets with regulators, buoyancy control devices (BCDs), wetsuits in multiple thicknesses, drysuits for colder waters, masks, fins, snorkels, dive computers, underwater torches, and safety equipment such as surface marker buoys.

All equipment is regularly serviced and maintained to manufacturer specifications. We stock brands known for reliability and performance, ensuring your safety and comfort underwater. Whether you need a single item or complete gear for a diving trip, we can accommodate your requirements.

Rental costs vary depending on the type of equipment and duration of hire. A basic scuba set including regulator, BCD, and tank typically starts from £35 per day. Wetsuits range from £15 to £25 per day depending on thickness and type. Complete packages for weekend diving trips offer better value, starting from £120 for three days.

We provide discounts for longer rental periods and group bookings. Students and diving club members receive a 10% discount on standard rates. All prices include basic insurance coverage. Additional items such as dive computers, underwater cameras, and specialty equipment are priced separately. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific needs.

Yes, a valid diving certification is required to rent scuba equipment. We accept certifications from all major training organizations including PADI, SSI, BSAC, NAUI, and equivalent qualifications. You will need to present your certification card when collecting equipment.

The certification level determines which equipment you can hire. Open Water certified divers can rent standard recreational gear, while advanced equipment such as technical diving sets, rebreathers, or deep diving configurations require appropriate specialty certifications. This policy ensures your safety and complies with industry standards. If you're planning to learn diving, we can recommend local training centers in London and surrounding areas.

We recommend booking at least one week in advance, particularly during peak season from May to September when demand is highest. For popular holiday periods such as bank holidays or summer weekends, booking two to three weeks ahead ensures availability of your preferred equipment sizes and types.

Last-minute rentals are sometimes possible depending on current availability, but we cannot guarantee specific equipment or sizes. Group bookings for diving clubs or organized trips should be made at least three weeks in advance. You can reserve equipment through our website, by phone, or by visiting our London location. A deposit is required to confirm your booking.

All our equipment undergoes thorough inspection and maintenance after each use. Regulators are serviced annually by qualified technicians following manufacturer guidelines. BCDs are pressure-tested regularly, and all safety equipment is checked before every rental. We replace items that show signs of wear or reach their service life limits.

When you collect your equipment, we conduct a pre-dive briefing and demonstrate proper use. You can inspect all items and request replacements if anything doesn't meet your expectations. We maintain detailed service logs for each piece of equipment, which are available for review. Your safety is our priority, and we never compromise on equipment quality or maintenance standards.

Yes, we allow equipment rental for international diving trips. Many divers prefer traveling with rented gear to avoid airline baggage fees and the hassle of transporting heavy equipment. You must inform us of your destination and travel dates when booking, as this affects insurance coverage and rental terms.

Additional documentation may be required for customs purposes, which we provide at no extra charge. Extended rental periods for overseas trips are available at discounted weekly rates. The equipment must be returned within the agreed timeframe, and you are responsible for any damage or loss during transport. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that covers rented diving equipment for complete peace of mind.

Normal wear and tear is expected and covered in the rental price. However, damage beyond reasonable use will incur repair or replacement charges. Basic insurance is included with all rentals, covering accidental damage up to £500. For more expensive items or complete sets, we offer enhanced insurance options at a small additional cost.

If equipment is damaged, inform us immediately. We assess the damage and determine whether it falls under normal use or requires additional charges. Minor issues like scratched masks or small tears in wetsuits are typically covered. Major damage such as broken regulators, torn BCDs, or lost equipment will be charged at current replacement cost minus depreciation. Keep all equipment secure and handle it with care to avoid unnecessary charges.

Yes, we offer delivery and collection services within London and surrounding areas. For locations within a 10-mile radius of our Elm Park Road address, delivery costs £15 each way. Longer distances are charged at £1.50 per mile. This service is particularly convenient for group bookings or when renting multiple items.

Delivery is scheduled during business hours, and someone must be present to receive the equipment and sign the rental agreement. We can also deliver to hotels, dive centers, or marinas if you're heading straight to your diving location. Collection is arranged for a mutually convenient time after your trip. For standard rentals, equipment can be collected from and returned to our London shop during opening hours at no additional charge.

We maintain an extensive inventory covering all standard sizes from XS to XXL for both men and women. Wetsuits are available in various thicknesses including 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm to suit different water temperatures. We also stock shorties, semi-dry suits, and drysuits in multiple sizes. For children, we have equipment suitable from age 10 upwards.

Proper fit is crucial for comfort and safety underwater. When booking, provide your height, weight, and body measurements for accurate sizing recommendations. If you're unsure about sizing, visit our shop for a fitting session before your diving trip. We can adjust equipment or provide alternatives if the initial selection doesn't fit perfectly. BCDs and fins are also available in various sizes to ensure optimal performance and comfort.

Yes, we require a security deposit for all equipment rentals. The deposit amount varies based on the total value of rented items. For basic equipment packages, the deposit is typically £100. More expensive items such as dive computers, cameras, or complete technical diving sets require deposits ranging from £200 to £500.

Deposits can be paid by credit card, debit card, or cash. The full amount is refunded when you return the equipment in good condition and on time. If equipment is returned late, damaged, or incomplete, appropriate charges are deducted from the deposit. Any remaining balance is refunded immediately. We process card refunds within 3-5 business days. The deposit system protects both parties and ensures responsible use of equipment.

Extensions are possible subject to availability and must be arranged before your original return date. Contact us as soon as you know you need more time. If the equipment is not booked by another customer, we can extend your rental at the daily rate. For extensions of three days or more, we apply our weekly rate which offers better value.

Unauthorized extensions beyond the agreed return date incur late fees of £25 per day plus the standard daily rental rate. This policy ensures fair access to equipment for all customers. If you anticipate needing equipment for a flexible period, discuss this when booking. We can sometimes arrange open-ended rentals with regular check-ins, though these require a higher deposit and are subject to our discretion.

We stock specialized equipment for technical diving including twin-set configurations, stage bottles, redundant regulators, and technical BCDs. Cave diving equipment such as reels, line markers, and appropriate lighting systems are also available. These items require advanced certifications and additional safety briefings before rental.

Technical diving equipment rental requires proof of relevant training and recent diving experience in similar conditions. We conduct a more detailed assessment of your qualifications and diving plans. Due to the specialized nature and higher value of technical equipment, deposits are larger and rental terms are stricter. We recommend discussing your specific requirements well in advance, as technical gear availability is more limited than recreational equipment.

We accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Cash payments are also welcome at our London location. For online bookings, secure card payment is processed through our website. Bank transfers are accepted for large group bookings or extended rentals, though payment must clear before equipment collection.

A deposit is required when booking, with the remaining balance due when collecting equipment. For regular customers, we offer account facilities with monthly invoicing. All transactions include a detailed receipt showing rental items, dates, charges, and deposit information. We do not currently accept payment through digital wallets or cryptocurrency. VAT is included in all quoted prices.

Cancellations made more than 7 days before the rental start date receive a full refund minus a £10 administration fee. Cancellations between 3-7 days before the start date incur a 50% charge of the total rental cost. Cancellations within 48 hours of the rental period are non-refundable, though we may offer credit toward future rentals at our discretion.

We understand that diving plans can change due to weather, health, or other circumstances. If you need to postpone rather than cancel, we can often transfer your booking to alternative dates without penalty, subject to availability. For group bookings, different terms may apply. Travel insurance that covers equipment rental costs is advisable for expensive or long-term rentals. Contact us as early as possible if your plans change.

Yes, we rent snorkeling equipment including masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits. Snorkeling gear is ideal for surface swimming, exploring shallow reefs, or accompanying divers. No certification is required for snorkeling equipment rental. Daily rates start from £8 for a basic mask and snorkel set, with fins available from £6 per day.

We stock both adult and children's snorkeling equipment in various sizes. Full-face snorkel masks are available for those who prefer that style. For families or groups planning beach holidays with some underwater exploration, we offer snorkeling packages at reduced rates. All snorkeling equipment is sanitized and checked between rentals. While simpler than scuba gear, proper fit is still important for comfort and safety, so we provide fitting guidance when you collect your equipment.

Rented equipment can be used at any diving location in the UK. Popular sites include the Scilly Isles, Pembrokeshire coast, Scottish lochs, and numerous wreck sites around the British coastline. Many divers also use our equipment for inland quarry diving at locations such as Stoney Cove in Leicestershire or Vobster Quay in Somerset.

We can provide recommendations for diving sites suitable for your experience level and the time of year. Some locations require specific equipment such as thicker wetsuits or drysuits due to colder water temperatures. When booking, mention where you plan to dive so we can ensure you have appropriate gear. We also have contacts with dive centers and charter boats around the UK and can sometimes arrange introductions or group rates for our customers.

About Helavu

Your trusted partner for scuba diving equipment rental in London

Helavu scuba diving equipment

Our Story

Helavu was established in 2015 by a group of certified diving instructors who recognized a gap in the London market. Many aspiring divers and experienced enthusiasts needed access to reliable equipment without the commitment of purchasing expensive gear. We started with a modest inventory of 15 complete sets in a small warehouse in Chelsea.

Over the past eight years, we have grown into one of London's most dependable scuba equipment rental providers. Our facility now houses over 200 pieces of diving equipment, from regulators and BCDs to wetsuits and dive computers. We serve both individual divers preparing for trips and diving schools requiring equipment for their courses.

Professional diving equipment maintenance

Our Approach

We maintain all equipment according to manufacturer specifications and industry standards. Each regulator undergoes servicing every 12 months or after 100 dives, whichever comes first. Our BCDs are inspected after every rental, and wetsuits are professionally cleaned using specialized detergents that preserve neoprene integrity.

Our team includes three PADI-certified equipment specialists with a combined 35 years of experience. They personally fit each customer and provide guidance on equipment selection based on diving conditions, experience level, and body measurements. We stock equipment from Scubapro, Mares, Cressi, and Aqualung, ensuring compatibility with various diving styles.

8+ Years Operating
200+ Equipment Items
3 Certified Specialists
2400+ Annual Rentals

What Guides Us

Our work is built on three principles that shape every decision we make. These aren't abstract concepts but practical guidelines we follow daily in equipment maintenance, customer service, and business operations.

Safety Standards

We follow British Sub-Aqua Club guidelines and manufacturer maintenance schedules. Every piece of equipment is logged, tracked, and serviced by certified technicians using original parts.

Transparent Pricing

Our rental rates are clearly listed with no hidden fees. Prices include basic insurance coverage, and we offer detailed breakdowns of any additional charges before booking confirmation.

Equipment Knowledge

Our staff provides accurate information about each item's specifications, suitable diving conditions, and proper usage. We match equipment to your certification level and planned diving activities.