Scuba Equipment Maintenance and Care

Scuba Regulators

It is important to provide the proper preventative maintenance in order to ensure the maximum performance and life of your scuba regulator. The following procedures should be performed routinely after each use to ensure that the regulator is cleaned, inspected and prepared for the next use or for storage.

1. When the regulator is removed from the SCUBA cylinder valve, it is important that the dust cap or protector cap is installed over the first stage regulator inlet fitting or threaded DIN connector. This is critical to prevent the entrance of moisture into the first-stage. This cap or protector is normally attached to the first stage regulator and may therefore be wet. Wipe or blow the cap or protector completely dry before securing it over the inlet fitting or threaded DIN connector.

2. As soon as possible after diving, the regulator should be rinsed thoroughly with clean fresh water while attached to a cylinder and pressurized with air.

3. Rinsing alone will not sufficiently clean the regulator properly. To clean the regulator as thoroughly as possible, it should be soaked in warm (not over 48c/120º F) tap water.

The preferred method is to attach the regulator to a charged SCUBA cylinder, open the cylinder valve to pressurize the regulator, and thoroughly soak both the first and second stages. Pressurizing the regulator will effectively prevent moisture or contamination from entering the regulator while it is soaking. While the regulator is soaking, depress the second stage purge button several times to agitate the water inside the second stage. This will help loosen any mineral deposits that may have adhered to internal components.

We service all popular brands of scuba regulators first and second stages.

You should also turn the adjustment knob several times to loosen any mineral deposits that may have settled around the shaft. Agitate the entire second stage regulator while submerged to allow the warm water to flow in and out of the housing, this will further loosen any mineral deposits and help flush them out. Also agitate the first stage regulator to ensure water has entered the ambient water ports. If the regulator is equipped with an alternate air source, gauge console, and inflator hose, soak these and agitate as needed.

If soaking the regulator while pressurized is not feasible, it may be soaked unpressurised. Be sure the dust cap or DIN protector cap is secure over the first stage inlet or threaded connector. DO NOT depress the purge button or turn the adjustment knob or lever while regulator is submerged.

NOTE: When soaking or rinsing the regulator unpressurised, check to ensure that the second-stage adjustment knob is turned completely “in” (clockwise) to prevent moisture from entering the valve and LP hose.

CAUTION: DO NOT depress the purge button. Loosen the first stage yoke screw, or turn the second stage adjustment knob all the way “out” if the regulator is submerged unpressurised. Doing so will allow water to enter, and will require that the regulator be returned to an Authorized Scuba Equipment Dealer for a service.

4. If regulator has been soaking in water, remove the regulator and cylinder from the water bath and wipe the regulator as dry as possible. Next, depressurize the regulator by turning the cylinder valve hand wheel off (clockwise). While looking at the submersible pressure gauge face, depress the purge button, continue to depress the purge button until the gauge reads zero and air flow can no longer be heard. Remove the regulator from the cylinder valve.

5. If the regulator is to be stored for a long period, it is good practice to wipe the hoses and rubber gauge boot with a light film of non-aerosol silicone grease, using a soft cloth.

6. The regulator should be stored with the knob or lever turned all the way out. This will help extend the life of the low pressure seat.

7. When the regulator is completely dry, store it in a clean equipment box or sealed in a plastic bag. DO NOT store it where it may be exposed to excessive heat or near an electrical motor, which produces ozone. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat, ozone, chlorine, and ultraviolet rays can cause premature degradation of rubber parts and components.

8. Never store the regulator while it is still attached to a cylinder.

9. Do not use any type of solvent or petroleum based substances to clean or lubricate any part of the regulator. Do not expose any part of the regulator to aerosol sprays as some aerosol propellants attack or degrade rubber and plastic materials.

HAVE YOUR REGULATORS SERVICED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR WITH JOEY RIDGE.

YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND THE MECHANICAL INTEGRITY OF YOUR REGULATOR MAY DEPEND ON IT.

DO NOT attempt to perform any disassembly or service of your regulator. Doing so may cause the regulator to malfunction, and will render the warranty null and void. All service must be performed by an Authorized Scuba Dealer and Trained Technician Joey Ridge in Cyprus.

Buoyancy Compensator

With proper care, your BC will provide many years of reliable service. The following preventative maintenance must be performed to extend the life of your BC:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat. Nylon fabric can quickly fade when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and extreme heat may damage the welded seams of the BC’s air cell.
• Avoid repeated or prolonged use in heavily chlorinated water, which can cause the BC fabric to discolour and decay prematurely.
• Do not allow the BC to chafe against any sharp objects or rough surfaces that could abrade or puncture the air cell. Do not set or drop heavy objects such as block weights on the BC.
• Avoid any contact with oil, gasoline, aerosols, or chemical solvents.

To preserve the life of the air cell, thoroughly rinse it inside and out with fresh water after every day of use, following these steps:

1. Pressurize the power inflator with low pressure air via the LP hose.
2. Using a garden hose, direct water through the oral inflator to flush the interior of the air cell, and then thoroughly rinse the exterior of the BC. Before rinsing, ensure that the power inflator is pressurized with air. This will prevent debris and contaminants from entering the inflator valve if the inflator button is accidentally depressed.
3. Completely drain the air cell of water through the lower OPV/dump valve by pulling the ball/cord assembly.
4. Fully inflate the BC, and allow it to dry inside and out. Then store it partially inflated, away from direct sunlight, and in a clean, dry area. Do not store the BC in an enclosed space, such as a car trunk, where it may be exposed to temperatures below 0º F (-18º C) or above 120º F (49º C).
5. To avoid stress on the air cell or harness assembly, remove all weight from the trim weight and X-Lock™ releasable compartments before storing the BC. Soft weights especially, can discolour the BC over time.

CAUTION: DO NOT attempt to perform any disassembly or service of your BC. Service requiring disassembly must only be performed by a factory trained technician. To obtain any service or repair, it is important to bring your BC to an Authorized Trained Technician at Easy Divers.

Wetsuits

Clean your wetsuit after every use. Hand wash in fresh water and rinse thoroughly. Air dry by hanging out of direct sunlight. Never put your wetsuit in a washing machine or dryer. This will cause damage. Do not expose to detergents or chemicals. Chlorine and sunlight will cause fading to the colour of the fabric. Store properly using a wetsuit hanger in a cool and dry place.

Mask and Snorkels

After each use, rinse mask/snorkel with fresh water and air dry in a cool area out of direct sunlight. Store your mask in the box it came in. Do not leave it in hot places like the boot of your car, etc.

Learn PADI Scuba Equipment Specialist with Joey Ridge

If you are unsure about any type of diving equipment, please contact me for my professional service and advice.