Equipment Maintenance

Proper scuba equipment maintenance is very important. Diving equipment is regularly submerged in salt and chlorinated water (pool) so unless it is properly cleaned, maintained and stored, it will start to decay or rust and become unsafe. Also the heat and direct ultraviolet light can affect the longevity of your gear.

Well maintained equipment is not only safer to use, but it will last longer and maintain its value. Now we will provide you useful information on how to keep scuba equipment in good shape.

Diving Equipment maintenance in general

• After diving, always clean well all your equipment in fresh water. This will remove all the sediments like sand, salt and dirt.
• Remember to dry your equipment out of direct sunlight.
• When you store your gear make sure it is completely dry and enclose to prevent damage from pets, other animals and insects.
• Avoid exposure to hydrocarbons such as oil, petrol, grease, suntan lotion etc.
  
• Avoid contact with any underwater obstacles (rocks, wrecks, corals, sand, etc.).
  
• Perform regular visual inspection.

Equipment Maintenance for Mask

Regularly inspect your mask and the strap for any sign of wear and tear. Sunlight and stretching easily damage your mask so you might need to replace them sooner than expected. It's a good idea to store the mask in its original box. When storing your mask avoid hot places.

Clear mask (silicone) provides more light but this material needs more maintenance and care. So, prevent any silicone parts from contact with black rubber and avoid direct sunlight for long periods to prevent discoloration.

Always have extra straps for the mask. They tent to break easily.

Equipment Maintenance for Fins

Fins are made from a hard plastic. The most sensitive area is the foot pocket and the straps for fins with straps. It's a good idea to stuff the foot pocket with an insert that prevents the pocket from losing shape. Sunlight and stretching easily damage the end of the foot pocket and straps. So remember to regularly inspect them for any signs of wear and tear.

Once the foot pocket has damage and start cracking there is little you can do to save your fins. Straps can be easily changed in case of damage. Buy extra strap for fins at the first sign of wear and tear.

Equipment Maintenance for Diving Wetsuit, Booties, Gloves and Hoots

Any neoprene or similar material should be soaked and rinsed thoroughly with fresh water after use. While soaking, work the zippers, back and forth to prevent sticking material and to remove any foreign particles from them.

Allow wetsuits, booties , gloves and hood to drip dry on appropriate hangers that prevent creasing of the neoprene. After wetsuit is dry do not leave it hanging. This will stretch the material. It is better to store in a folded position in a sealed plastic container.

Equipment Maintenance for Dive Computers

Dive computers and instruments are extremely sensitive. Soak them in fresh water as soon as possible after use. Work all moving parts while soaking to loosen any salt and sand deposits. Annual service is recommended to ensure the longevity of delicate and expensive equipment. Be sure to follow any and all manufacturer's recommendations and consult the owner's manual before attempting replacement of the batteries.

Equipment Maintenance for Diving Regulators

Use clips and other attachments to keep all hoses and gauges close to your body while scuba diving. This prevents them from dragging tough the floor and across sharp rocks, coral or get in-tangled. This also keeps them from getting snagged or dirty.

Avoid any water entering the first stage. Do so by while attached to the tank allow pressure on the regulator and at the surface the dust cap of the first stage must always be in place. Dust cap must be dry and dust free before putting it in place.

Store the regulator in a cool dry place, away from dust, light, heat and fumes of any kind. Ideally, the regulator can be kept in a plastic bag. Store the regulator with little or no stress on the hoses to avoid cracking.

When stored for long periods perform regular visual inspection. Check for signs of wear and damage on the rubber straps and hoses (cracking effect). All movable parts must work properly and if not, clean the regulator in fresh water again to help remove the residues.

Mouthpieces can be easily changed at the first sign of wear and tear. In case of damage buy extra mouthpieces and some lock-straps and changed your self.

All regulators should be serviced according to manufacturer's suggestions, which is usually once a year.