How To Maintain A Scuba Buoyancy Compensator
Ten Tips For Keeping The Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) Working
Nov 9, 2008
The buoyancy compensator (BC), or buoyancy control device (BCD) is one of the most important items of equipment for sport diving. With its in-built backpack, power inflators, handy pockets, and straps for gauges and alternate air supplies, it is a necessity for sport divers.
The following ten tips can help ensure a buoyancy compensator will provide many years of faithful diving service.
1) Always rinse the buoyancy compensator in fresh water after use. This ensures no salt crystals form that can cut into the fabric. Put a small amount of fresh water into the bladder and rinse it out a few times. Salt water usually enters the bladder during a dive, and it should be removed before drying or else the salt crystals will remain behind.
2) Rinse the oral inflator in a mild antiseptic to remove any “nasties” germs that may have accumulated during the dive. This can be done by mixing up the mild antiseptic solution in a container and either dunking the inflator in the solution or pouring the solution over the oral inflator. Be sure to rinse the oral inflator with fresh water after the antiseptic.
3) Use the oral inflator a few times during each dive to ensure it is working under normal diving conditions. Do this even with a power inflator from the scuba tank attached to the buoyancy compensator. Some divers treat their power inflator as an emergency device only, stating that the air in the tank is for breathing, not for buoyancy control.
4) Dry the buoyancy compensator in the shade after rinsing. The ultraviolet of the sun’s rays can damage the material. Empty any water out from the inside bladder.
5) Put a small amount of air in the buoyancy compensator before storing. This ensures the rubber bladder doesn’t fuse together. Don’t squash the buoyancy compensator while stored; keep it in its usual shape.
6) Keep the zippers and Velcro fasteners free of sand or dirt. Lubricate the zippers occasionally with petroleum jelly or silicon grease.
7) While diving, use buoyancy control to keep from scraping the buoyancy compensator on coral or hard rocks. This not only damages the buoyancy compensator but also the marine environment.
8) Inspect the buoyancy compensator regularly for any damage. Cuts, tears or fraying stitching should be repaired immediately.
9) Regularly maintain the power inflator, dump valves and any auxiliary inflators.
10) Use the backpack to carry the tank and buoyancy compensator when on a tank. Don’t use the fabric of the buoyancy compensator as a handle.
The service that a buoyancy compensator gives the diver is dependent on the service that the buoyancy compensator gets.
