One of the more common questions we get from divers is, “Can I perform my own dive gear maintenance?” The answer to this oft-asked question is yes, as long as you do it correctly. Regular inspection and maintenance are imperative to the long life and proper function of your dive gear, not to mention your own life as well.
Before attempting to do your own dive gear maintenance, you must understand one very important thing: your SCUBA equipment is more than just sports gear. It’s your life support system whenever you are underwater. If something were to go wrong with your dive mask, regulator, BCD, or depth gauge, you could be in big trouble. For this reason, be sure you know what you’re doing before even thinking of doing your own dive gear maintenance.
One easy way to perform your own dive gear maintenance is to incorporate it into every dive, preferably before you head to the dive site. Inspect your fins, mask, and snorkel before each dive. If you use open-heel fins, stretch the strap and look for cracks. Slightly stretch and inspect your mask strap. Take a look at the mask skirt while flexing it to check for cracks. Inspect the flexible hose and mouthpiece of your snorkel. If you find cracks in any of these items, don’t dive until they are repaired or replaced. After each dive, rinse your mask, snorkel, and fins with fresh water and allow them to dry completely before stowing them away.
Gauges and regulators should be carefully examined and tested before any dive. Inspect all hoses, as well as the mouthpiece, for cracks and replace as needed. Check all regulator and gauge fittings for corrosion. If hoses are cracked or metal parts are corroded, your best bet is to take them to a dive shop for professional repair. After each dive, thoroughly rise your regulator and octopus in clear, fresh water. When rinsing the second stage of your regulator, ensure the purge valves are not depressed. Always allow your dive gear to dry completely before storage to avoid mold and mildew that could lead to a more serious problem down the road.
A word of caution: Doing your own dive gear maintenance in lieu of taking it to a dive shop professional may void any warranties you have, so be sure to read all documentation that came with your SCUBA equipment and accessories. Dive gear maintenance is an essential component of diving safely and responsibly — your life depends on it!
