The first trip out in late spring, early summer to Marmora usually
signals to divers that the season is indeed open. All of the excitement and anticipation of
being able to dive comes with but a few challenges.
Whatever the reason is to get out and dive that first weekend, don’t wait to get your gear, inspected, repaired and in working order; by the time that weekend arrives, Dive shops will be overrun with requests, orders and repairs.
- Have you had a yearly checkup and are in good health to dive?
- Did you remember to have the tanks inspected?
- Did you check your wetsuit to ensure it fits…still?
Whatever the reason is to get out and dive that first weekend, don’t wait to get your gear, inspected, repaired and in working order; by the time that weekend arrives, Dive shops will be overrun with requests, orders and repairs.
This makes the situation most stressful when waiting for
equipment to be repaired the week before the dive trip. Hoping and praying that your equipment will
be ready and that you won’t have to rent unfamiliar gear.
First Checks
All equipment is different and requires annual/semi-annual
safety inspections, replacement parts and preventive maintenance. If unsure
check with the manufacturer. Some certifying
agencies also put out a ‘suggested’ preventative maintenance schedule. My Regs are in the shop once a year at the end of September for their annual checkup. I only trust the professionals with my regs. They can test, adjust and replace. I can always rest easy knowing I'm diving with full functional equipment.
‘Personally’ speaking, I like to start with my lights, and work my way
around the things that I can check myself.
Lights: At the end of every season, I take out my rechargeable
batteries and put them into an air-tight bag for the next dive. As we take them
out in the spring, I fully charge and test the batteries; I like to leave my
light on for 1h to ensure that the batteries are still fully functional.
Exposure Suit: If
you’ve already washed and pretreated your wetsuit from last season, then the
only thing to do is to re-lube and test the zippers, do an inspection of the
zippers and Velcro, check all the seams for small tears – use chalk to mark
area’s that need repair prior to taking it into the shop.
*Small
tip? Most tailors can repair/replace
zippers – which might be a less costly option.
Knives and Dive Tools:
Clean and sharpen – If you don’t know how, seek out professional
help. A sporting goods store was able to
sharpen a serrated blade for me, and also provided a silicone spray to help
protect my dive knives/tools from rusting.
Fins: Pull on the
strap, adjust it, and inspect it for cracks.
Clean and treat the silicone, and moving parts. If you’ve had to use your ‘spare’ strap
during previous dives, then perhaps it’s time to order new straps. Spring straps will also benefit from silicon
lube spray.
If you have camera gear – clean, or replace o-rings and
re-silicone in a clean environment. A
new o-ring for your camera might cost $5.00, but could save that $1000 camera
from a leak.(the same goes for the o-rings on dive lights/torches)
Dive computers – Check and replace battery if needed. Ensure the date and time is correct.
Patricia Sideris, ASC Communications
Some expert Tips From our Equipment Manager Joe;
We are well into the New Dive Season! Have you checked your dive gear
YET?????
The following is a good start:
Mask, fins and snorkel:
·
Examine
all straps for cracking or faulty latches.
·
How is the
fit of your mask? Does it seal properly? Look for any cracking around the
skirt.
·
Inspect
your snorkel for cracked or ripped mouth piece. Look for tears or cracking on
the webbing that holds the snorkel to the mask.
Regulator set:
Have they been maintained based on the manufacturer’s requirements? If
so, the following additional checks should be made:
·
Check the
mouth piece for cracking or tears. Replace if necessary.
·
Inspect
hoses for defects on the exterior. Pull back hose protectors and look for
cracking, bubbling or tears.
·
Verify
that your compass and gauges are in good working order. (Make sure that the
compass is properly seated in boot or gauge set! More than one has popped out
at the wrong time!!!!)
·
If your
gauge set is equipped with a computer, now would be a great time to replace the
battery if it’s getting questionable! Many a dive has been lost due to a failed
computer….
BC’s
·
Verify the
exterior is in good condition with no tears etc.
·
Manually
inflate your BC. Will it hold the pressure for 20 minutes?
·
Check the
waist straps and latches for proper operation.
Tanks
·
Up to date
Hydro and Visual inspection (Remember, Hydro is good for 5 years and the visual
inspection is required every year.)
·
If
equipped, check under the plastic tank boot for debris and / or corrosion.
·
Check for
damage to the tank o ring. Replace if necessary.
Last but not least, check your exposure protection for proper fit! MANY
have been known to shrink over the winter for unknown reasons. (Suit
manufactures are still trying to fix this problem!!)
Have a safe and enjoyable dive season all!
Joe Pascoe, Equipment Manager
More information about Diving, upgrading your current skills,
or to try out diving in a pool during one of our Discover Dives simply contact
us using the information below, it’s that easy!
Also, if you learn to Scuba Dive with us, your membership is included
for your first year of diving.
We also
welcome Divers certified by any recognized SCUBA training agency.
Just contact us:
info@ajaxscubaclub.on.ca or call
(905) 619-2159 and leave a message.
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