Scuba gear is a significant investment, and proper maintenance ensures safety, reliability, and longevity. Whether you’re diving every weekend or just a few times a year, taking care of your equipment is essential. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your gear in top condition.
1. Regulators: The Lifeline of Your Dive
Estimated Cost for Service: $75 - $125 (Annual Servicing) Your regulator is your direct connection to your air supply, so ensuring it functions properly is crucial. Salt, sand, and debris can build up in the first and second stages, leading to poor performance or failure. Annual servicing by a certified technician helps maintain smooth airflow and prevents mechanical issues.
2. BCD (Buoyancy Compensator Device):
Estimated Cost for Service: $25 - $100 (Annual Check-up) Your BCD allows you to control your buoyancy, but leaks or stuck valves can cause serious issues. Rinse your BCD thoroughly after every dive, paying attention to the inflator hose and dump valves. Store it partially inflated to prevent the bladder from sticking together.
3. Dive Computers:
Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $30 - $100 Dive computers track depth, time, and no-decompression limits, making them essential for safe diving. Always rinse your computer after dives, replace the battery as recommended by the manufacturer, and check for software updates. High-end models like the Garmin Descent MK3i and Suunto Ocean also offer GPS tracking and air integration, requiring occasional firmware updates. Ensure that lithium batteries are not fully drained, as this can impact performance and battery longevity.
4. Wetsuits and Drysuits
Estimated Repair Costs: $20 - $200 (Depending on Damage) Rinse your wetsuit or drysuit thoroughly with fresh water after every dive to remove salt and bacteria. Store it on a wide hanger to maintain its shape, and check for tears or zipper issues. For drysuits, inspect the seals and waterproof zippers regularly.
5. Dive Lights:
Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $20 - $80 Even if you’re not night diving, a dive light is useful for exploring crevices and wrecks. Keep the O-rings lubricated, avoid opening the light in humid environments, and store it with fully charged or removed batteries to prevent corrosion. Lithium batteries should not be fully drained, as this can shorten their lifespan.
6. Fins, Masks, and Snorkels: The Essentials
Rinse fins, masks, and snorkels with fresh water after each dive, especially if used in salt water. Store masks in a protective case only when they are completely dry to prevent mold and mildew. UV exposure is a gear killer—minimize direct sunlight exposure to extend the lifespan of your equipment.
7. Tanks:
Estimated Hydrostatic Testing Cost: $65 (Every 5 Years) Visual Inspection: $25 (Annual Check) Scuba tanks require regular inspections to ensure their integrity. Annual visual inspections check for internal corrosion, while hydrostatic tests every five years confirm that the tank can withstand pressure safely. Store tanks upright in a cool, dry place and avoid draining them completely to prevent moisture buildup inside.
Final Thoughts
Proper maintenance of your scuba gear not only extends its lifespan but also ensures your safety on every dive. Having the right equipment is great, but knowing how to use and care for it is just as important. We encourage all divers to master their skills and know their gear inside out—both above and under the water.
If you ever have questions about gear maintenance or want hands-on guidance, come by the shop. We’ll be happy to assist you over a cup of coffee or in our pool, where you can learn more about keeping your equipment dive-ready.
Blog by Oz
MSDT, Scuba 2000
