Gear and Maintenance

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bulletRegulators
bulletBCDs
bulletKnives
bulletLights
bulletGloves

Regulators

        DO NOT ATTACH THE LOW PRESSURE HOSE TO A HIGH PRESSURE
        OUTLET FOR THE SUBMERSIBLE TANK PRESSURE GAUGE.
        
        The O-ring sealed hose fittings will seal with hand tight
        pressure and they should be snuged up gently with a small
        wrench.
        
        A regulator is a precision piece of equipment. The diver's 
        safety and enjoyment depends on its proper operation. It is
        up to you to maintain this critical life system. With proper
        care, the regulator will last you a lifetime.
        
        IMPORTANT! TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE
        SEAT, ALWAYS DEPRESS THE PURGE BUTTON ON THE SECOND STAGE
        BEFORE OPENING THE TANK VALVE TO PRESSURIZE THE REGULATOR
        SYSTEM. SLOWLY RELEASE THE PURGE BUTTON AFTER THE SYSTEM
        IS FULLY PRESSURIZED.
        
        NEVER LEAVE A REGULATOR SYSTEM PRESSURIZED FOR LONGER
        THAN IS NECESSARY. IF YOU LEAVE YOUR REGULATOR
        UNATTENDED, SHUT OFF THE TANK VALVE AND DEPRESSURIZE
        THE SYSTEM USING THE PURGE BUTTON.
        
        LEAVING A REGULATOR PRESSURIZED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME
        WILL SEVERELY SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE SEAT.
        HIGH TEMPERATURES (OVER 90°F) ALSO TEND TO SHORTEN SEAT
        LIFE. TO MAXIMIZE SEAT LIFE, AVOID PROLONGED
        PRESSURIZATION, AT HIGH TEMPERATURES AND HIGH PRESSURES.

        Dry the protective storage cap and fit it into place in
        the first stage. Tighten the yoke screw enough to keep it
        in place sealing the high pressure air inlet.
        
        Rinse the regulator thoroughly after every dive and flush
        clean, fresh water through the mouthpiece and out the
        exhaust ports. This is especially important when the
        regulator is used in chlorinated water (swimming pools)
        because of the detrimental effects that the acids and
        chlorine may have on the materials in the regulator.
        
        Don't use a high pressure hose to rinse the
        regulator. The force of the water could dislodge the
        exhaust valve or damage the diaphragm.
        
        Avoid depressing the purge button while rinsing. If the
        purge is depressed during rinsing, the regulator should
        be pressurized and purged again with tank pressure to
        expel any water that may have entered into the demand
        valve, hose or the first stage.
        
        Annually, or more frequently if the regulator is used on
        a daily basis, the regulator should be returned to an
        Authorized Dealer for your brand of regulator for a 
        performance check and servicing.  Only qualified personnel
        should work on your scuba gear repairs.
        
        Allow the regulator to dry completely. Then store in a
        cool, dry location away from sun, smog or other
        contaminants that can deteriorate rubber components.

        TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR ILLNESS, DO NOT USE ANY
        PETROLEUM BASED OILS OR GREASES ON OR AROUND YOUR
        REGULATOR.
        
        Typical servicing includes lubrication of all O-rings,
        general cleaning, part replacement when needed, and a
        performance evaluation. Because special components and
        tools are required, it is imperative that only Authorized
        Technicians perform this service. This yearly service will
        insure longer regulator life, as well as meet the 
        requirements of your warranty.

Regulator tips are borrowed from the SCUBAPRO web site.
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BCDs

        BCD's are almost maintenance free. It should be rinsed in clean
        fresh water after use, just as should any diving equipment. 
        Water entering the buoyancy bag during normal operations should 
        be drained out after each dive by holding the Jacket upside down
        and opening the Inhalation Valve held below the Jacket. Rinse 
        the inside of the Jacket with fresh water by opening the Inhalation 
        Valve and running water through the mouthpiece. Then drain the
        water out. 

        BCD's must have special preventative maintenance when used in 
        chlorinated water (swimming pools) because of the detrimental 
        effects that the acids and chlorine may have on various materials 
        used. After each use in a swimming pool, the BCD's must be thoroughly
        rinsed in fresh water and allowed to dry completely before storing.

        TO HELP PRESERVE THE RICHNESS OF THE FABRIC COLOR,
        STRENGTH AND INTEGRITY OF THE MATERIAL, YOU SHOULD ... 
        
        RINSE THE JACKETS IN FRESH WATER AFTER USE IN 
        CHLORINATED WATER (SWIMMING POOLS) BECAUSE OF THE
        DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE ACIDS AND CHLORINE.
        
        THOROUGHLY DRY YOUR JACKET AND STORE IT IN A COOL,
        DRY AND UNLIGHTED AREA.
        
        KEEP YOUR JACKET OUT OF SUNLIGHT AND AWAY FROM
        SUNLAMPS OR FLORESCENT LAMPS WHEN NOT IN USE,
        TO REDUCE FABRIC FADING AND DETERIORATION.

        REPAIRS may need to sent to your manufacturer or you
        may be able to utilize other sources depending on the
        nature of the repair.
       
BCD tips are borrowed from the SCUBAPRO web site.
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Knives

        Always rinse in fresh water after use.
        Dry with a cloth, paying particular attention to the metal surfaces.
        Apply a thin coat of oil or silicone to the metal parts.  WD40 or vaseline
        can be used.
        Avoid storing with damp gear.
        Disassemble and clean any internal parts after several dives. 
          -- Apply oil or silicone to threads.        

Knife tips are courtesy of SEAQUEST knife owner's manual and myself.
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Lights

        If your light beam is adjustable, adjust it before you enter the water
          so that you won't accidently unscrew it too far and let water in.
        Do no touch the bulb.  Skin oils can damage the bulb.
        Install batteries in proper polarity (+/-) postion. 
        Rinse with fresh water after diving.
        Periodically inspect the O-ring for contaminants, wear, and damage. 
        Lubricate the O-ring with pure silicone grease.        
        Periodically inspect the gas absorbing catalyst for moisture. 

Light tips are courtesy of SEAQUEST light owner's manual.
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Gloves

        Rub a thin coat of AquaSeal into the fingertips of your gloves with a knife or
          paper towel. This will create a protective seal against abrasion and will
          greatly lengthen the life of your gloves.  Do not leave any excess AquaSeal
          on the glove as this will create stiffening. 

Glove tips are courtesy of my personal experience.
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Contact me:Randy Everette, SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor #7260

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Page created 24 Feb 1998.  Last Updated: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 04:43 PM.

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