How To Care For The Scuba Regulator
Ten Tips For Keeping A Scuba Diving Regulator In Working Condition
Nov 9, 2008
With the scuba tank, the regulator is the most important piece of dive equipment. It is the major life support item. All other equipment is worthless if the regulator cannot supply air at the right time in the right amount. It pays to care for the regulator; not only for economics, but also for personal safety of diver and buddy.
The following ten tips can help ensure a scuba diving regulator will provide many years of faithful diving service.
1) When not in use on a tank, ensure the dust cap is fitted correctly to the air inlet. Use the tank air to blow any moisture off the cap before fitting it.
2) Always rinse the regulator in fresh water after use. Fit the dust cap before rinsing to ensure no water enters the high-pressure side. If the regulator is not on a tank and pressurised, don’t depress the purge button on the second stage while rinsing, as water could enter. After rinsing, blow some air through to clear any water that may have entered the hoses.
3) Before storing the regulator, ensure it is completely dry. Do not dry it in the sun as the ultraviolet rays can harm the rubber hoses and plastic pieces.
4) The regulator should be stored laid out flat with no kinks in the hoses. It should be away from high heat, dust, wind or direct sunlight. Consideration should be given to the presence of any insects; ants building nests, or cockroaches eating silicon mouthpieces.
5) The regulator must be regularly serviced by a qualified technician. Ensure the technician uses the manufacturer’s spare parts. The interval between services depends on how much it has been used. Twelve months is a good average. Use the dive logbook to keep a record of when the regulator was serviced and by whom.
6) Always check the filter in the first stage. Any discolouration could mean a wet or contaminated fill. If this occurs have the suspect tank and regulator checked by a qualified technician.
7) When on a tank, don’t use the regulator as a carry handle.
8) Inspect the hoses regularly for the rubber perishing, tearing at the crimp joints or other signs of wear. If there is any doubt, have it checked.
9) While diving, ensure all hoses are secured; and use good buoyancy control to prevent the gauges and auxiliary air source from dragging in the sand or getting caught in crevices. This is also important when exiting or entering boats. A dangling alternate second stage can be easily damaged during a backward roll.
10) Take a few breaths on the alternate second stage during each dive to check it is still functioning correctly.
The service that a scuba regulator gives the diver is dependent on the service that the scuba regulator gets.
