Proper maintenance and care of the
scuba gear
ensures safer use and longer lasting, not forgetting that the equipments are crucial life support equipment. Divers should use good judgment in protecting their gear from substances like sand, salt, dust, dirt, heat, and fumes as these substances can be harmful to scuba diving equipment.
Most diving gear is made up of rubber, plastic and metal parts that are subject to oxidation and decay. One good thing about scuba gear is that it is waterproof and you can wash it. In fact, all scuba gear should be rinsed in clean, fresh water after every dive. Then, it should be dried before storing it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Regularly inspect mask strap, fin straps, snorkel and regulator mouthpieces and hoses for any sign of wear and tear. Sunlight, stretching and teeth can easily damage these items so you might need to replace them sooner than expected.
Use clips and other attachments to keep all hoses and gauges close to your body while scuba diving. This prevents them from dragging across sharp rocks or coral. This also keeps them from or getting snagged or dirty.
Put together a spare parts kit with the most commonly broken, lost or worn out items such as:
• Fin and mask straps;
• O-rings;
• Snorkel keeper;
• Silicone grease;
• Quick release buckles;
• Pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, Allen wrench and pocket knife.
Here are some general maintenance and care tips to keep your scuba gear in tip top shape:
Maintenance and Care of Wetsuit, Booties and Gloves
Soaked and rinse wetsuit, booties and gloves thoroughly with fresh water after use. While soaking, flex the material with a kneading motion to remove sand or any foreign particles from the material. Use wetsuit conditioner to control odors and prevent fading of the material. Apply a light coating of beeswax to zippers, and then work them back and forth to prevent sticking. Allow wetsuits, booties and gloves to drip dry on appropriate hangers that prevent creasing of the neoprene. Hang wetsuits inside out on a wide hanger.
Fins
Rinse fins in fresh water after use. Stuff the foot pocket with an insert (crumpled papers or cloth) to prevent the pocket from losing shape.
Masks
Spray masks with fresh water and dry them after use. Store the masks in its original box. Prevent any silicone parts from contact with black rubber to avoid discoloration.
Maintenance and Care of Regulators
Soak regulators in clean fresh water without any additives for an hour or so when you are done with diving. During the soak, work any buttons, control levers or knobs back and forth to loosen any particles that may have accumulated inside. Follow by running fresh water over the first and second stages to remove any loose debris. Remember to dry and firmly replace the regulator’s dust cap before rinsing the regulator to avoid any water entering the first stage. Leave the regulator connected to a pressurized tank to prevent water from entering the first stage while it is submerged. If this is not possible, be sure that the dust cap is in place and do not depress the purge button on the second stage. Blow or towel dries the dust cap before putting it in place on the first stage. Dry the regulator with a clean towel after rinsing, then store the regulator in a cool dry place, away from dust, light, heat and fumes of any kind. Ideally, keep the regulator in a plastic bag. Store the regulator separate from the tank in a position where there is little or no stress on the hoses and the second stage below the first with the mouthpiece facing down. All regulators should be serviced at least once a year or according to manufacturer's suggestions.
Tanks
Handle scuba tanks with care. They are heavy and you shouldn’t leave them standing up unattended for they can fall over and damage the valve or nearby toes. Rinse scuba cylinders in fresh water after use, then wipe to dry. Remove the tank boot and dry the cylinder completely. Open the valve briefly to expel any moisture from the valve opening. Inspect all compressed air cylinders regularly. Before diving, check for any corrosion or heavy wear on the outside of the tank. Carry out visual inspection annually or more frequently if used heavily, filled in a humid environment, or if the tank is drained completely. Remove any prior to a visual inspection. Test tanks hydrostatically once every five years to ensure the integrity of the tank walls.Before storing, be sure that the tanks are pressurized to at least 25psi to prevent any moisture from entering the cylinder. Store tanks securely and upright in a cool dry place.
Maintenance and Care of BCDs
Soak and rinse BCDs in fresh water after use. You should rinse both the inside and outside of your BCD. Rinse the inside to the air bladder especially if water was allowed to enter the BCDs. To do this, depress and hold down the oral inflator button and fill the bladder one third full with water. Allow the water to swish around inside by rotating the BCD several times. Then drain the water completely by turning the BCD upside down while pressing the oral inflator button. Store BCDs upside down and partially inflated. Service BCDs once a year or according to manufacturer's suggestions.
Weights
Rinse weights in fresh water after use.
Maintenance and Care of Lights & Cameras
Lights and cameras are extremely sensitive to water, sand and salt. Soak them in fresh water as soon as possible after use. Work all moving parts while soaking to loosen any salt and sand deposits. Allow the unit to dry completely after soaking before opening any compartments. Once dry, loosen all connectors so they do not freeze in place. Then remove batteries and film. Clean and lubricate all o-rings thoroughly before next use. Store the components in a protective case to prevent any seals from exposure to dust and dirt. Professional maintenance and pressure testing is recommended to ensure the longevity of lights and cameras. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Maintenance and Care of Dive Computers
Dive computers and instruments are extremely sensitive to water, sand and salt. Soak them in fresh water as soon as possible after use. Work all moving parts while soaking to loosen any salt and sand deposits. Service dive computers annually for ensure longevity. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations and consult the owner's manual before attempting batteries replacement.
Lastly, consider completing the scuba diving equipment specialist course to learn more about care of your scuba diving gear.
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