If you are serious about scuba diving, chances are, you have invested money to buy your gear and know the importance of properly maintaining these scuba diving equipment. Not only is it imperative to ensure it lasts longer but more importantly, it is what keeps you safe and breathing while under water for a long time.

Taking care of your diving equipment is easy and inexpensive if doing so is done regularly, before and after diving. There are pre-dive and post-dive steps to follow to ensure safety while underwater.

Snorkels, Fins and Mask

On predive, ensure that all the rubber materials are free from cracks and tear. These include the mask, fins and snorkels. Check on the heavy rubber straps on fins with open heels for cracks. This will be the benchmark of damage in the rubber and will need to be replaced. You also need to check the hose, mouthpiece and silicone of your mask skirt as well as the buckles and mask frame.

After the dive, rinse your gear in fresh water before packing them properly and loosely to avoid bending the fins blades.

Regulator and Gauges

Before diving, connect your regulator to a tank and take a few breaths for the octopus and check for accurate reading of the SPG. Ensure that there are no cracks on the hoses and tears in the mouthpieces. Metal fittings should also be inspected for corrosion. Also, check the regulator if it works properly. If you use a computer, check for battery life to ensure it does not drain on you while diving.

After diving, rinse the regulator and check the purge valves on the second stages. The first dust cover should be in place. Rinse the second stages with warm water running from the mouthpiece and out of the exhaust diaphragm. Lastly, using warm water, rinse the fitting of the low-pressure inflator.

Of course, your wetsuit should also be checked for tears, cracks and cuts to ensure water will not seep in. After your dive, wash your wetsuit depending on the instructions. For components that need inspection from a qualified technician, ensure that you have them checked. Your buoyancy inflator and tank should be checked as well.

Taking care of your diving gear and equipment is important to ensure safety while enjoying your favorite watersport.