Will your integrated weight system stay secure?
Drysuit boot replacements are best left to the professionals investigated via the soapy water method or a suitable water-filled container, paying attention to the dump and inflation / deflation valves. Immersing the inflator in warm water can often dissolve any salt residue if there’ s any bubbles in that area.
If the BCD has an inner bladder, punctures can be repaired by unzipping the outer cover for access and using a patch. A single-bladder jacket is just as straightforward to repair, only with the patch on its outer side. Check each
individual dump is functioning, along with the condition of its pull cord. Make sure that the corrugated hose is undamaged and any cable tie fixings are secure. Check webbing, straps and clips for security and ensure your cylinder is kept securely in place by its cam band. If integrated weights are a feature, give them the once-over to ensure they click in place and release efficiently.
Regulators
While much of the above is well within the reach of the average diver, any problems regarding the functionality of a regulator’ s first or second stages should be handled by trained technicians. Check over the individual hoses for wear and replace if necessary. Mouthpieces should be inspected for damage and replaced if split or perished. Also check second stage casings for any cracks, as they’ re prone to bangs or knocks in use.
Pressure gauges often leak where joined to their high-pressure hose, while another common failure point is the tiny swivel joint O-ring, which either dries out or become damaged. If you’ re happy to do so, this can be addressed by unscrewing, cleaning and replacing the guilty O-ring. The beginning of a season is also as good a time to replace the batteries on wireless air-integrated transmitters.
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