Equipment Tip of the month
Your dive equipment
takes care of you, are you taking care of it? Taking the time to properly clean your equipment during and after your trip can add years of life to your gear.
While on vacation, take the time to rinse your equipment after every dive. The dive shop rinse bucket is a good place to start, but that fresh water rinse quickly turns into a salt bath if you are the last one in line. Adding a splash of Sink the Stink midweek can freshen up your wetsuit and booties, making them much more enjoyable to don.
Once home, plan on filling a large tub with fresh water (your bathtub is usually a good option). A sink or hose can work in a pinch. Ideally, you'll have one tub with fresh water and a detergent, such as McNett's BC Life or Wetsuit Cleaner. A second tub with just fresh water makes for the perfect post clean rinse. If you only have one, make sure to take the time to give your gear a good second rinse with either a hose or refill your tub.
The most important rule to remember with your regulator is ensuring your dustcap is in place. This keeps water from entering your first stage, which can lead to a need for service from the professionals. Ideally, regulators should be rinsed while under pressure from an air tank. If you don't have access to one, make sure to not depress the purge valves on any of your second stages. This could allow water to seep into your hoses through the mouthpiece.
Your BCD can handle a bit more rigorous cleaning - dunk it in the water several times to try and dislodge any salt crystals or sand particles. Next, you'll want to wash the inside of your BCD. Some can be accessed by unscrewing the Low Pressure Inflator from the shoulder mount. Others require you to go through the deflation valve while using a hose to pour fresh water through the hose. Stop in and we'll help determine the best method for your equipment. Make sure to empty the BCD completely; it's best to orally inflate your jacket several times, turning it upside down to drain the water. Once it is clean, partially inflate the jacket (a couple puffs will do), and hang it out to dry.
Wetsuits, booties and other items can be dunked several times, rinsed and hung or laid out to dry. Once complete, store your equipment in a cool, dark place until you need it for your next island vacation or its next annual service.
Want to learn more about keeping your gear in top shape? Consider completing the PADI Equipment Specialist course.
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