You've made your reservations, arranged for a friend to bring in your mail. Now don't let minor illness or injury spoil that long awaited dive vacation. With a few simple precautions and a well-stocked first aid kit, you'll be ready to handle 'most any minor mishap.

1. Drink only bottled water, juices and sodas while traveling. Avoid ice --- it's probably made with tap water. Eat only those fresh fruits and vegetables you can peel. If traveler's diarrhea strikes, Pepto Bismol or similar medications will help ease your symptoms. Drink lots of bottled water and unsweetened fruit juices to prevent dehydration. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.

2. Get any required vaccinations. To help avoid insect-borne illness, wear long sleeves (perferably dark colors), use insect sprays liberally and avoid scented soaps, shampoos and perfumes. Stay inside during peak insect feeding hours, usually around dusk. In some areas, sleeping under mosquito netting treated with long-lasting insect repellent is also recommended.

3. Quell the queasies. The lower down and closer to the middle of a boat you get, the less you will pitch and rock. Look forward and fix your eyes on a stationay object close to the horizon line. If you're prone to motion sickness, eat light and allow at least 1 hour between breakfast and boarding the boat or plane. Avoid heavy, greasy foods. Over-the-counter and prescription mediations can help, too. Just use them with caution the day you'll actually be diving.

4. Heads, you lose. Improperly adjusted or too-heavy gear, dehydration, sun glare--all these can cause headaches from making you miserable, make sure you're diving within your capabilities. Divers generally stop getting tension headaches as they become more comfortable in their environment and learn to relax. For sinus headaches, long-lasting decongestants can help. Just be sure to make slow descents and ascents, equalizing often. (If neurological symptoms accompany a headache, don't try to treat yourself. Seek medical attention immediately.)

5. Be prepared. Always carry a personal first aid kit to help you deal with minor cuts, scrapes and other ailments. You can buy a prepackaged mini first aid kit or put together your own.

Include: Sterile wipes, butterfly closures, peroxide, adhesive bandages, first aid cream, baking soda, first aid manual, iodine, asprin, dramamine, emergency ID card, gauze pads, tweezers, tape, sudafed, tape, magnifying glass, sunblock and water.

DAN has a personal first kit which can be obtained by contacting DAN or Omni Divers Underwater Services, L.L.C.