A Simple Guide to Diving Equipment Maintenance

If you are a SCUBA diver, then it is of utmost importance that you participate in the proper diving equipment maintenance so your equipment stays in good condition.

Diving equipment maintenance is an essential step to keeping your gear in good working order that should not be ignored. You will find that when taken care of it will not only last longer but will be much safer for you to use. Most pieces of gear are made out of plastic, rubber, and certain metal parts that can become oxidized and decay. There are many different things in the water that can cause damage such as salt, dirt, dust, and heat not to mention the ultraviolet rays and ozone.

As a diver it is your responsibility to make sure that your gear always stays in the best possible condition. The first piece of equipment that we will look at for diving equipment maintenance is the regulator. Once you have finished using it immediately soak it in a bucket of clean, fresh water for about an hour. It is also a good idea during this time to work the buttons, levers, and knobs to loosen up any pollutants that could cause them to stick later. Next you can rinse off the first and second stages to loosen up any dirt that may be inside. When soaking your regulator you want to make sure that no water gets into the first stage, so leave it connected to the pressurized tank.

The tanks must also receive the necessary diving equipment maintenance in order to keep them in good working order. Make sure that you rinse out the SCUBA tank cylinders thoroughly after each use after removing the tank boot and drying out the cylinder. Also be sure to open the valve for a short period of time in order to release any moisture that could be in the valve’s opening. Be sure to keep your air cylinders inspected regularly and make sure there is no corrosion or heavy wear on the outside of the tank. When storing, tanks should be pressurized to 25 psi.

Proper diving equipment maintenance also means taking special care of your diving masks. They typically come with protective cases for travel, so make sure you also use them. Before use, also make sure that the mask fits snugly and make sure that there is no wear and tear that could lead to performance problems later. Do your best to keep your mask out of the direct sunlight, especially for prolonged periods of time as this can lead to bleaching and drying. In addition, never place the mask face down as this could scratch the surface.

Finally, be sure to keep your wetsuit, boots, and gloves in good condition by soaking them in fresh water and rinsing them off thoroughly with each use. When you take part in the necessary diving equipment maintenance you will find that your gear will be safer and will last much longer.