Purpose-made hangers are best for drysuits
Checking drysuit seals
Checking drysuit zip
shows any sign of going down, then it’ s time to get the soapy water out to track down the offending leak.
If it’ s a single bag design then you’ ll soon identify the problem. If there’ s an inner bladder, after unzipping the outer bag for access the procedure is just the same. There’ s nothing more annoying than a broken fin strap or buckle before or during a dive, so if there’ s any doubt regarding this high-use area, replace.
Electronics: Lights, cameras, strobes
Camera equipment should be meticulously prepared and cleaned before and after every use, but it’ s even more important to have it well-prepped for a winter of inactivity. As with regular scuba gear, soaking and rinsing in clean fresh water is the first step. It’ s ironic that camera kit which could cost thousands of pounds is protected from water ingress by a series of inexpensive rubber o-rings, costing coppers.
Underwater housings have many buttons and dials. These need to be worked in and out to dispel any salt residue that may build up and cause potential problems. If you’ re good with your hands and there’ s a sticky button or two, then it’ s a relatively easy matter to remove the split washer on the inside of the housing and push out the stem of the button, its o-ring and washer.
I have a small ultrasonic cleaner which is ideal for this purpose. Simply drop the components into the device and then replace them in reverse order after lubricating or replacing the o-ring.
The main housing and ports o-rings should be removed, inspecting the channel for any grit or damage. Store the housing
and port sans o-rings and come the spring replace with new ones. Batteries for vacuum pumps and leak detection should be removed to prevent corrosion. If there’ s a general neglect to your housing maintenance then perhaps a better plan is to send it off for a manufacturer’ s service prior to the new season, though servicing is not cheap.
Soak your camera housing in fresh water after your last dive
Strobes and video lights( along with dive torches) should receive similar treatment. A good rinse in water, moving any dials or buttons as you go. Then dry fully then take out any removable batteries. If the power source is built-in, then fully charge. Depending on how long before it’ s used it’ s always worth checking / charging again.
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