How to Care for Your Dive Gear After Every Trip

Salt, sun and sand are hard on dive gear. A few minutes of care after every trip protects your investment and, more importantly, keeps your equipment working when you need it.

Rinse everything in fresh water

Soak your gear in a tub of fresh water as soon as you can after diving. For regulators, make sure the dust cap is on the first stage so no water enters. Press the purge button briefly while rinsing to clear salt from the second stage.

Wetsuits and drysuits

• Rinse inside and out, then hang on a wide, padded hanger in the shade. Direct sun damages neoprene.
• Lubricate drysuit zips and check seals for tears or stickiness.
• Do not fold neoprene for long-term storage, as it creases.

BCD

Flush the inflator and the inside of the bladder with fresh water, then drain and dry. Store partly inflated to avoid the inside sticking together.

Masks, fins and computers

Rinse masks and snorkels, and store them in a box so the skirt keeps its shape. Soak dive computers in fresh water and dry gently. Check the battery and charge it before a trip.

Servicing

Follow the manufacturer’s service interval for regulators and BCDs, usually annual or based on number of dives. A certified technician should do this. Keep your service records.

Store smart

Keep gear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, chemicals and electric motors, which produce ozone that perishes rubber.

Restock cleaning supplies and storage in Accessories & Maintenance.