Equipment Care
Suggested Care & Maintenance Tips
Regular Care of Dive Gear Saves You Money & Gives Peace of Mind
Suggested Care & Maintenance Tips
Regulators
Most manufacturers require their regulators be inspected annually & serviced every 1-2 years. This is because the primary seals like o-rings, low & high pressure seats wear with use and age.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each dive.
- Inspect the mouthpiece before storing.
- Inspect that all hoses are secure and in good shape.
- Store when thoroughly dry in a clean regulator bag.
Dive computers
A dive computer has very little service requirements except to clean as necessary and to change the battery. If the battery becomes low during a trip to your favorite tropical island it could cause a loss of carry-over dive inforamation from earlier dives on your vacation. Schedule your dive computer battery change when you service your regulator.
BCDs
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each dive, inside & out.
- Ensure the inflator mechanism is thoroughly rinsed and free of debris (sand, salt crystals and small sea creatures).
- Fully drain BCD interior of water.
- Allow to dry completely while partially inflated to keep the bladder from sticking to itself.
Wetsuits/Dive Skins/Booties/Hoods/Hats/Gloves or other neoprene items
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each dive, inside & out. (Noticing a theme?)
- Over time, additional neoprene-specific cleansers can be used for additional cleaning and conditioing. There are also separate disinfectant/deodorizers should you not like the smell of neoprene in the morning. ;-)
- Hang to dry on a wide hanger to avoid creases in the material, which over time can degrade the integrity of the neoprene .
Masks
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each dive, inside & out. (Surprise!)
- Use a mild detergent or mask-specific cleanser available at the shop.
- Inspect the mask lens for white debris or heavy water spots. Usually this is dried defog which can be cleaned with the mild cleanser and a soft (baby or child's) toothbrush.
- Inspect the skirt and strap for wear or damage.
- Consider getting corrective lenses if your vision has changed.
Snorkels
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each dive, inside & out. ;-)
- Use a mild cleanser as with your mask and the same toothbrush if needed.
- Allow to dry thoroughly in a cool place out of the sun.
Fins
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each dive.
- Inspect buckle mechanism to be sure it is free of debris (sand, salt crystals and small sea creatures).
- Allow to dry thoroughly in a cool place out of the sun.
- Reinsert pocket stiffeners before storing.
Mesh & Other Gear Bags!
Bags are often forgotten. Care for all your gear bags just like your primary equipment.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each dive.
- Use mild cleanser, if necessary, after a trip before you store the bag.
- Ensure bag, closures and any pockets are free of debris (same debris we've already mentioned).
- Allow to dry thoroughly in a cool place out of the sun.