Caring for your Scuba Gear

Introduction

Perhaps no other recreational activity demands quite as much technical know-how as scuba diving. It can be a frightening or even fatal experience should something go wrong. Reliable gear can make all the difference between diving pleasure, and diving disaster. Proper training, preparation, and confidence go a long way to having a safe and enjoyable journey through the underwater world.

Proper scuba gear maintenance is the key to extending the life of your quality scuba dive equipment. We've put together some scuba gear maintenance tips from a few diving experts. Always be sure to read your owner's guide, or consult your dive instructors for complete information on scuba gear care.

General care

A few basic tips for caring for your scuba gear for a safer, more fail proof and confident scuba diving experience:

• Carefully read and review instructions that come with your technical scuba gear.
• Take a good training course offered by one of the many reliable scuba diving clubs and organizations. Contact your local pool or recreational facility for information about classes.
• Wash and rinse your scuba gear with fresh water after every dive.
• Soak gear overnight if possible to eliminate damaging salts, chlorine, and other chemicals.
• Store your equipment in a cool, dry place.
• Do not dry your equipment in direct sunlight, to prevent damaging silicone and neoprene materials.
• Do not expose your dive gear to damaging oils and chemicals.
• Keep gear clips and attachments close to your body to avoid snagging, dragging, and getting dirty while diving.
• Keep a spare parts kit handy.

What follows are more detailed tips for caring for your scuba gear items such as wetsuits, regulators, tanks, buoyancy control devices, knives, fins, masks and snorkels. Again, please check your owner's manuals for complete and accurate instructions, or consult your dive instructor.

Wetsuits

There are all types of wetsuits, and they come in all kinds of materials. To keep your dive suit in top shape, follow these tips:

• Completely unzip all zippers after diving.
• Carefully remove layers and sections to avoid puncturing or snagging materials.
• Clip toenails and fingernails to avoid cutting or snagging inner materials.
• Thoroughly soak wetsuit in fresh water for at least 15-20 minutes to retain elasticity, and remove all salts and/or chemicals.
• Completely rinse after soaking.
• Hang to dry on a wide hanger making sure all zippers are wide open for good air circulation.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Do not place on or near heat sources.
• To store, lay wetsuit out flat if possible to avoid creases and keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, or car exhaust. Avoid exposure to oils, chemicals and aerosol sprays. Use wide, thick hanger if storage space does not permit laying flat.
• Do not use alcohol to clean, or oils to lubricate the materials.

Regulators

Dive regulators require very specific and technical procedures for care and handling before, during, and after use. For complete and accurate instructions, thoroughly read your equipment care guide or ask your dive instructor. Some general care instructions include:

• Handle carefully
• Rinse regulator in clean water while attached to the cylinder, but do not soak first stage regulator.
• Dry and replace the regulator dust cap before rinsing.
• Soak regulator in clean, warm water for at least an hour after diving.
• Cover gauges between dives.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Do not hang to dry.
• Store lying flat on a shelf or in a drawer.
• Do not store while attached to the cylinder valve.
• Carry in a protective bag, but do not store in one.
• Service at least annually for optimal performance.
• Avoid contact with solvents, oils, aerosol sprays or propellants.

Buoyancy control devices

• Rinse device inside and out, including oral inflator, and soak.
• Store half-full of air.
• Hang from a hook or special hanger in a dark closet.
• Service annually for optimal performance.
• Flush with special cleaner and conditioner.

Scuba tanks (cylinders)

• Handle with care.
• Do no leave or store standing up, to avoid damage to valves.

Knives

• Rinse well with fresh water, and dry after each use.
• Coat blade with a light layer of oil or silicone when storing.
• Some rust on stainless steel knives is normal, due to its high carbon content.

Masks, fins, and snorkels

• Inspect parts for damage, and replace any worn parts.
• Remove salt or sand from parts with a light brush, such as a toothbrush.
• Soak in warm fresh water after use.
• Rinse with clean water after soaking.
• Store in a protective case or bag in cool, dry place.
• Do not expose to direct sunlight.
• Remove strap from mask to retain its shape during storage.
• Store fins flat in a cool, dry place, with inserts inside of foot pockets.
• Before diving, remove thin film of silicone on mask lens using a mild abrasive scrub, such as toothpaste.
• Defog mask with a safe, anti-fogging solution, or saliva.
• Avoid exposure to chemicals, aerosol sprays, petroleum products, gasoline, solvents, and alcohol.
• Avoid storing near heat or in hot temperatures.

Conclusion

Scuba diving is a fun and safe recreational pastime, but is not without its risks. Diving involves a lot of training, technical know-how, and delicate equipment. Reliable equipment goes a long way toward reducing the risks and avoiding underwater worries or life threatening emergencies. Caring for your scuba gear is key. With proper maintenance, your scuba diving gear should reward you for years to come.