Time to service
Having an annual service is top of the list. So many divers stash their kit away until the spring, then decide, like everyone else, to drop it at their Local Dive Centre( LDS) a week before the Easter Bank Holiday. I always try to have my regs done during the off-season. For one, you’ re less-likely to be disappointed that it won’ t be ready due to the resultant Easter backlog. Two, your LDS will be grateful for your custom in what is a traditionally slow time for them.
If you give the off-season a complete miss and the regulators stay dry for the whole of the winter, then they’ re ready to go when diving starts anew. If there’ s the chance to get a‘ cold one’ in then you know they’ re up to the task.
Cylinder testing is another thing to check. Depending on their date of manufacture it’ s not always possible to align the periodic test with the winter months, but I’ m lucky that the majority of my own coincide nicely with Jan / Feb. Any scuffs or scratches can also be attended to.
It goes without saying that all kit should be thoroughly rinsed, dried and stored after every dive, but during a busy summer there’ ll be the odd thing here and there that may escape attention. Therefore a final clean and a good once-over is definitely recommended before it goes into kit hibernation.
If your regulators aren’ t due a service then it’ s important to check for any leaks. Set everything up as if you’ re going for a dive: regs, BCD, drysuit; then look for wear and tear on hoses, particularly connections such as pressure gauges and hosemounted computers. Regulator servicing and maintenance should be left to the professionals.
Internal cleaning of regulators should be left to professionals unless you are specifically trained
Check your cylinder test dates
45