We know that SCUBA diving without equipment is impossible, in a sport that's wholly reliant on equipment - what are the do's and don'ts of your equipment?
So each element of your equipment has specific requirements.
Exposure Suit
Cylinder
BCD
Regs
Gauge
Mask
Snorkel
Fins
The good news is, there is plenty that you can do yourself to keep costs down!
Exposure Suit (Wetsuit or Drysuit)
A wetsuit needs very little to be looked after, it must be washed in freshwater to remove all of the salt and then be fully dry before storing for any length of time, a wetsuit will last for years if it's looked after. A Drysuit has a similar maintenance regime, the expensive part of a Drysuit is the zip, it's crucial that the zip is kept waxed (https://www.thescubagroup.co.uk/the-dive-shop) to ensure it moves smoothly, zips start from £200 so it's worth spending a couple of minutes waxing! Valves are the other failure point, they dry out if in storage for prolonged periods and become prone to sticking. If in any doubt, bring them in and let us have a look at them for you!
Cylinders
SCUBA Cylinders MUST be tested periodically, (https://www.thescubagroup.co.uk/cylinder-testing) any cyinder that presents without a test stamp on it will not be filled by any dive centre, since you can't dive without any air it's common sense to make sure that you get any cylinders you own serviced regularly!
You may find that despite your best efforts that you're just not diving enough to justify owning your own cylinders. Lots of people buy all their own equipment and rent cylinders as and when they want to go diving, less to store, less to get tested and you don't even have to worry about getting them filled!
We ALWAYS have cylinders full and ready to go so take a look at renting cylinders from us on either a case-by-case or through one of our membership options.
BCD
You should treat your Buoyancy compensator as you do your exposure suit Exposure Suit (Wetsuit or Drysuit) make sure it's fully dry and clean of any salt before storing it. Make sure that valves are fully tested prior to using it after prolonged storage and if in doubt have it checked over by us!
Regulators
Arguably the most important piece of equipment used during SCUBA Diving! Reg's are also the most complicated and with the most moving parts!
It's vital that you know what the manufacturer reccomends for the servicing of your regs, we would always advise an annual service or every 100 dives depending on which comes first. Aside from the moving parts, there are the o-rings which are made of either Rubber and on newer regulators it will be EPDM (Oxygen Compatible to 40%).
After a year the integrity of the o-rings start to diminish and the lubricants start to wear down and become stale.
So it’s not a matter of “Oh but I only dove with it 4 times so I can service it in another year”, it’s a time issue.
Gauge
Taken care of as part of your regulator service, it's important that your dust cap goes back on after every dive and moisture is kept out of the 'dry' system. Moisture in the gauge can cause false readings to both the pressure gauge and the depth meter. We don't need to explain how dangerous that is!
Mask
After each dive, rinse your mask with fresh water and dry it. You can use dish soap and water to remove deposits, or soak it in warm water to dissolve salt crystals. You can also use a commercial mask cleaner, or a small amount of toothpaste or Softscrub on the lenses. Avoid using whitening toothpaste that rely on crystals, as the crystals can scratch the mask.
Keep your mask in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. You can store it in the original box it came in, or in a protective case to prevent scratches. Don't hang your mask by the straps, as this can stretch them out.
Snorkel
After each dive, rinse your snorkel with fresh water and dry it.
Make sure to check any valves for function ahead of it's use in case they've dried out but in the cheaper simpler versions - there is very little go go wrong!
Fins
Similar to snorkels, at their most basic there is very little to go wrong, leaving them stood on their end may lead to the blades deforming and bending so try to hang them up or lie them flat.
If they're plastic check for scratches, cracks and any damage as this will get worse quickly!
TLDR; what SCUBA equipment needs to be serviced;
You MUST get the following serviced regularly;
Regulators
Follow your manufacturers' recommendation, if in doubt annually or every 100 dives. We have divers using regs that are over 10 years old by looking after them.
Cylinders
It's impossible to get an out of test cylinder filled, if you want to go diving then you'll need a cylinder in test - simple!
You SHOULD get the following serviced if you've not used them recently;
Exposure Suit
Look after it, treat it well and it will continue to perform for you. If you're putting it away damp for months on end then yes, it will fail and you'll need a new one!
BCD
As the exposure suit, make sure you look after it and a BCD will last years!
You DON'T need to bring this stuff to us unless it's broken or your worried;
Mask
Just make sure it's not left squashed in a kit bag and it will serve you well for years, clear silicone does show dirt and mould though so be aware that you'll need to clean it!
Snorkel
At it's most basic, it's a tube we use to breathe through on the surface! As long as it's not covered in crap or cracked then it'll work just fine!
Fins
Like the snorkel, there is very little to go wrong with your fins, look after them and they'll see you right for years!
Have more questions or want to know more?
Get in touch with any questions you may have, or have a look at the equipment specialist course which covers the basics of equipment maintenance and goes into depth on the problems that can be overcome at the dive site so you needn't miss a dive ever again!
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