When you go diving, go with confidence in your equipment. When you know it has been routinely serviced and maintained properly, you can totally enjoy your diving experience. After all, that’s why we dive, right? Here are Rec Diving’s tips for the things you should do to maintain your life support system.
Dive equipment manufacturers recommend that the regulator and alternate air source be serviced on an annual basis by an authorized dealer. Between overhauls there are some important care and maintenance procedures to follow. Probably the most important one is to thoroughly rinse the entire system with clean, fresh, water soon after every dive session. Properly done, the first step is to dry the first stage inlet protector and secure it in place with the yoke screw. Rinse the first and second stages thoroughly, allowing water through the mouth piece, exhaust ports and ambient air holes in the first stage body (these holes will not be visible if your first stage is environmentally protected with a S.P.E.C. boot.)
If you have been diving in salt water, a chlorinated pool, or shore diving where sand or silt is easily stirred up during entries and exits, we suggest a warm water “bath” with a small amount of mild dish soap. The warm, soapy water will allow you to gently pull the hose protectors a few inches away from the first stage. This will allow the metal hose fittings to be cleaned and to have a chance to completely dry. Totally submerge the system and let it soak for thirty to sixty minutes. Follow up the “bath” with a thorough rinse. If possible, at this time, attach the regulator to a scuba tank and turn the air on. Purge the second stage hoses of any water vapor that might have accumulated. Turn the air off, purge, and remove the system. Next, lay the entire system out flat on top of a towel where it will be undisturbed for a day or two. If you have an instrument console that will allow you to easily remove the pressure gauge, compass, and bottom timer or dive computer, then do that as well. Trapped salt water and sand can be harmful to these instruments over a period of time. Run warm water over the compass while rotating the bezel. It should ratchet freely in both directions.
Allow the system to dry completely, and then store it in a cool, dry place. Lay it out flat, away from sunlight, heating elements, furnaces, and water heaters. An empty dresser drawer or closet shelf works well. Do not store your life support system in a sealed, plastic bag or regulator bag. Regulator bags are for transport only! From time-to-time it is a great idea to slick down all external rubber parts with a clean rag sprayed with a food grade pump silicone product. This will extend the life of these rubber parts as well as keeping them in good looking condition. Your buoyancy compensator deserves just as much attention. It too should be rinsed thoroughly inside and out with clean, fresh water. B.C. cleaning products are readily available to help keep it clean and smelling good inside and out. Store your B.C. half full of air, fully dried, preferably on a B.C. or large coat hanger in a cool, dry place. If your regulator system has an octopus as its alternate air source, then most likely your B.C. has a power inflator. Your power inflator deserves annual inspection and/or service, as well. Don’t take this piece of equipment for granted. We can only imagine the feelings you would have after servicing most of your dive gear, arriving at one of your dive destinations, being surrounded by crystal clear water and marine life every color of the rainbow, pushing the power button to adjust your buoyancy and having it stick open, sending you to the surface. All of a sudden, you’re having a bad day in paradise and your dive buddy isn’t happy anymore. Don’t let it happen to you!
Care of scuba cylinders and valves is more basic, but equally important. They should be rinsed with clean, fresh water. Crack the valve open to remove any water vapor that might have gotten into the opening. Always try to store cylinders upright in a cool, dry place. Always maintain positive pressure in the tank. For long term storage, keep the pressure between 300 and 500 psi.
Rec Diving’s recommendation for buoyancy control device, and regulator care and maintenance:
- B.C. Life by Aquaseal: A buoyancy compensator cleaner and conditioner
- Food grade Silicone Pump by Trident: A preservative for regulator hoses and outside rubber surfaces