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GEAR CARE GUIDELINES
As divers, we’re all familiar with the demands of traveling with dive gear. Luckily, routine maintenance
and careful storage of gear can not only make your diving safer, but it can make your trip planning
easier. The following guidelines will help you make sure your gear is ready to go when you are:
Item(s)
Before you Dive After you Dive
Storage
Professional
servicing
Mask, snorkel
and fins
Keep well
organized to
minimize the risk
of their being
kicked, stepped
on or tripped over.
Rinse and dry
well.
Pack and store
carefully so they’re
not crushed by
heavier gear.
Not applicable.
BC/BCD
Test before you
dive.
Rinse the outside
and flush the
bladder with fresh
water. Hang to dry.
After drying,
partially inflate
jacket for storage.
Have professionally
inspected annually;
remember the low
pressure hose and
dump valve.
Regulator
Test function as
soon as you set up
your gear.
Rinse and clean
while still connect-
ed to cylinder and
pressurized. Leave
out to dry.
Keep dust cap
in place and
secured. Store in
a regulator bag.
Service at least
once a year.
Wetsuit, boots,
gloves and hood
If necessary,
lubricate zippers.
Rinse, turn inside
out, and hang to
dry. If wetsuit has
an unpleasant
odor, use wetsuit
shampoo in
postdive rinse.
Store in the shade,
as neoprene is
susceptible to UV
damage.
Not applicable.
Dive computer
Check battery
icon.
Rinse and dry.
Store in a dry,
cool, ventilated
area.
Service every one
to two years, or per
the manufacturer’s
recommendation.
Cylinder
Handle with
extreme care,
as a pressurized
cylinder presents
a risk of explosion.
Secure tightly for
transportation.
Rinse thoroughly
and let dry.
Regularly remove
tank boot to
prevent a buildup
of salt and debris.
Never drain
completely of gas.
Reduce pressure
to the lowest
reading on the
pressure gauge.
Keep a clean,
dry dust cap on
cylinder valve.
Make a visual
inspection once a
year.
Perform a
hydrostatic test
every five years.