Gear Maintenance and Annual Service! by:John Russell ~ Jan. 5 2005

The official dive season begins in May, usually the busiest month in this state for the dive industry. With that in mind it is now time to get your dive gear in shape for the season. Get your gear into the shop now and avoid delays caused by a busy May.

Regulators and BCDs should be annually serviced to maintain their warranty. Remember that dive gear is life support equipment and that it should be treated as such.

Proper cleaning after use is important in maintaining your gear. Here are a few tips.

Rinse the bladder of the BCD with two cups of warm soapy water after exposure to salt water. Better yet, use fabric softener in place of soap, it is pretty close to the same formula as Salt-X and cuts salt better than soap. Blow up the BCD and swoosh the solution around good. Hang the BCD upside down so the cleaning solution will soak the power inflator valve. Leave it overnight. Drain the cleaning solution, rinse with fresh water, slightly inflate and store. Once in a while use a diluted bleach to clean the inner bladder of mildew. Check the power inflator often, make sure the power button does not stick to avoid runaway inflation. Clean or replace as necessary.

Regulators should be cleaned with fresh soapy water after all dives. DO NOT SUBMERGE the first stage, the dust cover CAN NOT prevent water from getting into the first stage. Second stages and consoles can be soaked. NEVER press the purge button of the second stage while washing or rinsing... water can get into the hoses and into the first stage. If you are unable to clean your gear, keep a bottle of Windex in your gear bag and spray down your gear with it. Don't forget to clean the low pressure hose, the valve inside can corrode and cause the BCD to slowly fill. Listen to the power inflator before you dive to check for leaks.

Take an equipment maintenance course. Maintain your gear. Have it serviced annually

Dive Safe
Capt. John
Scubatampa.com ~ Sunsation Dive Charters