When and why to get your gear serviced

You spent a lot of money when you purchased your scuba diving gear. So keeping it in good working condition is not only important for your safety, but also to maintain the investment that you've already made for the gear.

TANKS

Visual Inspection - must be completed every 12 months (takes about 1-2 days)

A visual inspection is required on cylinders on a yearly basis. An inspection by one of our qualified inspectors involves removing the valve and checking the inside and outside of the tank for damage, corrosion or flaws. The valve is also inspected at this time. If you are unsure when you tank was last visually inspected, bring it in and one of our staff will assist you. 

Hydrostatic Testing - must be completed every 5 years (takes about 1-2 weeks)

Tank hydro tests are required by law every five years. If your tank is due, bring it in and we'll test it for you. 

Tank Valve Cleaning & Rebuilding - done at time of hydro or sooner if damaged

Should be done when your tank is due for a hydro inspection or if it becomes contaminated or damaged.

What you can do to prolong the life of your tank

1. Store your tank with positive pressure. Having some air pressure in the tank will keep contaminates from getting into the tank. Make sure it still has a few hundred PSI for storage

2. Store your tank indoors. Having a scuba tank stored in a shed or unheated garage exposes it to big temperature swings especially in Alberta. The best place for it is a cool, dry place such as a basement, closet or storage room.

3. Get your airfills from reputable sources. Getting an airfill from an old or unmaintained compressor can lead to contaminated or humid air that can damage the tank interior.  

BCD

BCD servicing - should be completed every 2 years or every 100 dives (takes about 1-2 days)

It is important that your BCD not only hold air properly, but that other mechanisms, such as over-pressure valves and the power inflator, are functioning properly as well. A sticky power inflator could have dire consequences in the open water! This should be done if you notice any issues or damage or every 2 years or every 100 dives whichever comes first. BCD servicing Includes: overhaul of low pressure inflator, leak test on air bladder, cleaning & testing over pressure valves.

What you can do to prolong the life of your BCD

1. Rinse the inside of the air bladder. Make sure you drain the water out of the inside of your BCD then add fresh warm water through the power inflator and orally inflate a couple of breaths. Swish the water around the BCD and drain out the water. Repeat a couple of times if you have been diving in salt water.

2. Keep out of direct sunlight. Exposure to UV can start to break down and damage the material, keep it out of direct sun as much as possible.

3. Store in cool dry place. Store your BCD clean and dry, make sure any integrated weights are removed. Can be stored on a hanger or in a gear bag(make sure nothing heavy is placed on top)

REGULATORS

Regulator servicing - should be completed every 2 years or every 100 dives (takes about 1-2 days)

Your regulators should be inspected and serviced on a regular basis, annually is recommended. Dirt, sand, and salt can impede a regulator's performance. A free-flowing regulator at depth is the last thing you want to worry about while diving. Some manufacturer's will provide parts warranty for regulators that are serviced on an annual basis, check in-store for details. This should be done if you notice any issues or damage or every 2 years or every 100 dives whichever comes first. Regulator servicing includes cleaning all parts in an ultra sonic cleaner, replacement of the filter, all o-rings, high and low pressure seats, calibration, inspection of hoses.

What you can do to prolong the life of your Regulator

1. Rinse with warm fresh water. Make sure to rinse under hose protectors and run water through the second stages. Do NOT rinse the first stage unless the dust cap is in place.

2. Keep out of direct sunlight. Exposure to UV can start to break down and damage the material, keep it out of direct sun as much as possible.

3. Store in cool dry place. Store your regulators clean and dry. Can be stored in a gear bag or bin

DRYSUITS

Drysuit servicing - every 100 dives or if damaged (takes about 2-4 days)

 A sticky dry suit inflator can lead to an uncontrolled ascent. Servicing this can prevent a sticky inflator

Drysuit Leak Testing - as needed (takes about 2-4 days)

A leaky dry suit can make for some cold diving. We can test your suit to find where the leak is coming from and we can make the necessary repairs.

Drysuit Seal Replacement - as needed (takes about 2-4 days)

With use and age seals stretch out and need replacing over time. Seals also can need replacing due to damage or tears. Some suits have seal systems that you can change yourself, if you don't have one of these systems we can install new seals for you.

Drysuit Zipper Replacement - as needed (takes about 4-10 days)

A critical part of your dry suit is the waterproof zipper. Throughout the lifespan of a dry suit the zipper will wear out from use but we can replace most zippers in house.

What you can do to prolong the life of your Drysuit

1. Rinse the suit and valves with warm fresh water. Use a soapy cloth to wash neck and wrist seals to remove sweat, dirt and salt. Take a soft brush and brush the teeth of the zipper to remove old zipper wax and dirt.  

2. Keep out of direct sunlight. Exposure to UV can start to break down and damage the material, keep it out of direct sun as much as possible.

3. Store in cool dry place. If hanging use a heavy duty wide shoulder hanger or a hang from the boots upside down. Keep away from chemicals and car exhaust which can degrade the seals.