| One of the most important things you can learn from | | | | Step two as mentioned is the internal of the BCD, |
| scuba diving is to wash your equipment and gear. Its | | | | this will need to be done as small quantities of |
| very important to maintain your gear to get | | | | saltwater will enter while diving, and this will turn to |
| maximum life span and ensure your gear performs | | | | salt crystals which over time will cause the values to |
| safely when diving. | | | | malfunction and the internal bladder to tear. |
| Washing Station Setup | | | | So here is how to do it, Press the deflate button on |
| The simplest way to prepare your washing station is | | | | the BCD and allow freshwater to enter to |
| to fill a large bathtub at home which will be filled with | | | | approximate 25%, afterwards shake the BCD and |
| fresh water. If no bathtub then a simple hose or sink | | | | allow the water the wash around all corners. Once |
| will work just as well. Many dive shops or resorts will | | | | you are happy you have washed the internal the |
| have two tubs; one tub will be water for general | | | | best method is to use the exhaust values to empty |
| gear such as wetsuits and other equipment while the | | | | the water which at the same time will clean them |
| other will be for specialist equipment such as cameras | | | | too. |
| and diver computers and any other sensitive gadgets. | | | | Now slight inflate the BCD to ensure the internal |
| Where possible if your gear has a lot of sand on it is | | | | bladder does not stick together when drying and |
| to hose it down before dunking it in the tub. | | | | hang out to dry. |
| Regulator | | | | Dive Computer and Camera |
| The first thing before you start to wash your | | | | Wash your dive computer in clean freshwater and |
| regulator is to ensure your dust cap is secure as any | | | | not the same water you have washed your other |
| water that enters the first stage will cause water to | | | | gear as detergents and sand will damage your |
| enter the internal parts and cause damage. | | | | sensitive equipment. Soak this equipment for a longer |
| Before you replace the dust cap you will need to dry | | | | time and press all the buttons ensure there is no salt |
| the dust cap and the opening of the first stage. The | | | | trapped. If possible brush the surfaces with a |
| easiest way is to use your tank to blow air onto the | | | | toothbrush to hep clean it better, but don't use on |
| two components and this will dry the parts | | | | the sensors or lenses area as it could damage it. |
| adequately, alternatively you may use a dry cloth to | | | | Wetsuit, Booties, and Gloves |
| do the job. | | | | Your wetsuit, booties, and gloves need to be |
| Once this is done you need to place the regulator in | | | | washed in freshwater and you may also like to add a |
| freshwater for 5 minutes, avoid pressing the purge | | | | wetsuit detergent. Submerge the items in the water |
| button as this will allow water to enter the first | | | | and turn them inside out too and keep washing until |
| stage. It best to rotate any moving parts to ensure | | | | clean. Once clean hang out and allow to dry. |
| there is no salt which in the long run will rust. Once | | | | Fins, Mask, Snorkel, and Other Equipment |
| Its been soaked and cleaned hang it up and dry. | | | | All other equipment should be submerged in fresh |
| BCD | | | | water, dunked up and down until clean and hung up |
| Washing a BCD comes in two parts, the internal and | | | | to dry. |
| external of the BCD. The external is straight forward | | | | Tips: to prolong the life of your gear don't hang out |
| and can be dunked and soaked in a tub of | | | | in direct sunlight as it will make the equipment |
| freshwater to wash any salt off the BCD. | | | | discolour and reduce the life span. |