The Six-ish Things About Gear Storage

On October 6^th I will do my last dive of the season. Getting my new hip on Monday October 7^th and my next dive will be in Curacao on January 12^th,2014.  Generally, as an instructor, the dive season may end but with try scuba and confined water classes my gear never really dries out. It gets used year round. I realize that for the first time in years my season really will end, or at least take a short break. So, like others that end the season I have to store my gear.  It brings me around to the six things that I must do with my gear to ensure it will be good to go when we head off to Curacao in January.

Number 1
Give your wetsuit, hood, gloves and booties a good washing with wetsuit cleaner and extended rinse in fresh water. As a last step, I recommend a 5 minute dip in Mirazyme to kill any residual bacteria that will cause it to develop a stink in storage. After it all is totally dry, inspect the gear inside and out. Look for loose stitching at the seams or tiny tears that could spell trouble down the road. As I teach in my Equipment Specialist class, I like to use Aqua Seal for these repairs. As they say a stitch in time saves nine. Hang your wetsuit on a wet suit hanger in a cool/warm dry place. The rest of the gear can be stored on a flat surface if you don’t have a gear hanger. Put the inserts in your booties.

Number 2
Give your regulator a total wash and rinse. Pour a little Listerine into your second stages to kill bacteria. Make sure to rinse the second stages well. Inspect the mouth pieces and replace if necessary.  Lastly, look at you hoses for cracks, splitting or kinking. Replace if necessary. I like to wipe the hoses with  UV TECH to keep them in shape and extend their life. If it’s time to have your regulator serviced bring it in. Don’t wait until 2 days before your leaving for your trip.

Number 3
Give your mask a good look. Check the straps, frame and lenses. Wash well with warm soapy water using a soft paint brush to get into the folds of the silicone skirt. Dry well and store in the box that it came in.

Number 4
Inspect your fins. Check the straps and clips. After washing in soap and water, wipe them down with UV TECH. It extends the life and color. Store your fins flat with the inserts in the foot pocket.

Number 5
Go over your BCD. Look at the stitching, clips, d-rings and straps. Check out the low pressure inflator. Give the mouth piece the same treatment as your second stages. Give the BCD a good wash and rinse inside and out. I use BC Cleaner on the inside of the bladder and rinse with clear water. To check if the bladder has any leaking problems fully inflate and set aside overnight. If it’s flat in the morning you should bring it in for service. After adding a little air hang your BCD on a BCD hanger next to your wetsuit.

Number 6
Don’t forget flashlights, knifes and computer. They should be washed, rinsed and hand dried with a soft cloth. Wipe the flashlight case with UV TECH and remove the batteries for storage. Nothing kills a night dive like exploded batteries in you flashlight. Pay attention to the knife sheath, making sure it is thoroughly clean. Oil the knife’s blade before storing. Make sure that your computer contacts are dry before storing. More computer battery life is lost by damp active contacts on land the diving underwater. Check your battery in your computer or replace before you travel or start a new season. Batteries usually last about two years, but replacing your battery before leaving for your trip, even if it has not been two years, is cheaper than losing a day of diving.  Remember that batteries discharge over time even when not in use.

Number 7?
OK , I said six things but it’s really seven: Check your travel gear bag. Look for tears, wear and broken straps.  Clean wheels and zippers to ensure smooth operation.  It’s also good to lube the zippers and wheels. WD40 works well on the wheels and we have Zipper Tech available at the shop.