Gear Check and Maintenance

Gear Check and Maintenance

Last Updated: Februari 2024

Treatment of gear
The Renter is obliged to treat the gear responsibly. This is to ensure that the gear remains safe to use and to prolong the lifetime of the gear. Here, we define what is meant with treating gear responsibly. Tanks need to be laid down to prevent them from falling over. If tanks are standing up, keep a hold of the tank.

1. Before use:

  • Check the gear for any damage.
  • Do the buddy check.

2. After use:

  • Tank: The tank needs to be rinsed with water on the outside. DO NOT put water inside of the tank or in the valve. This will damage the internals of the tank and create corrosion after which the tank can no longer be used. 

  • Regulator: The regulators need to be cleaned. Put the dust cap on the first stage after you have properly dried and cleaned the first stage. Make sure that the first stage of the regulator does not get submerged in water when it is not attached to the cylinder of the tank. The second stage and octopus need to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water to remove all the salt water, dust and other foreign objects. Rinse the other hoses and make sure to put the gear away at a dry and secure place after washing. 

  • BCD: The BCDs need to be rinsed with water after the dive, this includes the dump valves and the inflator which needs to be rinsed to remove salt water and other residues. Check if there is water inside of the BCD. Water can be removed by holding the BCD upside down and pressing the deflate button. This is important to prevent algae from growing inside of the BCD. 

After having all water removed, the BCD should be slightly filled up with fresh, clean water by holding the deflate button and letting the water enter through the inflator hose. Now the slight layer of water in the BCD can be shaken thoroughly to clean the inside of the BCD as well. After this all water should be let out of the BCD again by holding the BCD upside down and pressing the deflate button.

  • Weights: The weights need to be rinsed. Check if all weights are still with you. 

  • Mask, snorkel, fins and neoprene: Rinse the mask, snorkel and fins to make them clean. The neoprene needs to be rinsed on the inside and outside to remove the residues from the ground and water. If the gear has been used in salt water, be sure to rinse thoroughly in order to remove all salt.

  • Computer: Rinse and immediately store at a safe place to prevent damage from falling or other forms of damage. Check if there is no damage through which water can enter the computer.

  • Compass: Rinse and immediately store at a safe place to prevent damage from falling or other forms of damage. Check if there is no damage through which water can enter the compass. 

3. How to return gear:

  • The gear should be rinsed after diving according to the rules and regulations mentioned above. 

  • Gear should be thoroughly dried before returning the rented gear.

  • A rented tank must be returned by car. The tank must be returned full.
    If you return it (partly) empty, you will be charged with the additional costs of filling and transport to the filling station.

W.S.D.A The Seadragons reserves the right to modify, amend, or revise this Gear Check and Maintenance at any time.
Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on the website.

Should you have any inquiries or concerns regarding our Gear Check and Maintenance, kindly contact us at the.seadragons@wur.nl