August 20, 2023

Scuba diving is an exhilarating experience, but maintaining your gear is crucial for both safety and longevity. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, understanding how to clean and service your equipment can significantly extend its life and ensure you're always ready for your next underwater adventure. In this guide, I'll walk you through the essential steps to keep your gear in top condition.

1. Maintaining Your Mask, Fins, and Snorkel

Your mask, fins, and snorkel are fundamental components of your diving kit. Regularly inspect them for potential issues such as cracks, tears, or signs of wear. After each dive, rinse them thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, chlorine, and other contaminants. Allow them to air dry in a shaded area.

2. Dive Gear Storage: Choosing the Right Hanger

Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your dive gear. Invest in a good-quality hanger designed specifically for dive equipment. These hangers are built to support the weight of wet gear, ensuring they retain their shape and dry effectively.

3. Cleaning Regulators, Gauges, and Computers

Your regulators, gauges, and dive computers are sensitive pieces of equipment. After each dive, soak them in fresh water for about 20 minutes. Ensure that the dust cap is securely in place to prevent water from entering the first stage. Gently shake to remove trapped water and allow them to air dry.

4. Sanitizing Your Regulator

Given that your regulator goes into your mouth, it's essential to sanitize it regularly. A simple solution of Steramine can be used to disinfect your regulator mouthpiece, ensuring it's free from harmful bacteria.

5. Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD) Maintenance

Your BCD is exposed to saltwater, chlorine, and other contaminants during dives. Rinse it thoroughly inside and out after each use. To clean the inside bladder, use a BCD water hose attachment to fill it with fresh water, swish it around, and then drain.

6. Wetsuit Care

Your wetsuit, booties, hood, and gloves require special attention. After each dive, rinse them with fresh water to remove salt and other residues. For a deeper clean, use a wetsuit shampoo or a dedicated cleaner. Ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew.

7. General Maintenance Tips

Regularly inspect all your gear for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged parts promptly and consider investing in a "Save a Dive Kit" which includes essential replacement parts.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of your scuba gear is not just about prolonging its life but also ensuring your safety underwater. By following these steps, you can enjoy countless dives without worrying about equipment failure.

Resources

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Note: This blog post is a summarized version of the video "The RIGHT Way to Clean Your Scuba Gear" by Circle H Scuba. For a more detailed account and to watch the full video, check out the link here.

Disclaimer: Scuba diving requires proper training and certification. Always dive within your certification limits and seek training from certified instructors. The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not replace formal training.

Thomas Hughes is a Professional Scuba Instructor (PADI # 526968) and Veteran. As owner of Circle H Scuba, he aims to education, inspire, and inform scuba divers of all levels from beginners to advanced, and those who are interesting in getting scuba certified.

*Disclaimer: Circle H Scuba and Thomas Hughes believe you can not teach someone how to dive, nor certify them for diving, through the internet. Ensure you seek proper training through an instructor who is active and certified through a recognized agency and always dive within the limits of your certification.

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