Scuba Diving Equipment Spare Parts
Every Diver Should Carry A Spares Kit For Sudden Equipment Failure
Aug 24, 2008
The regulator hose failing as a diver rolls over the side. Or a mask strap breaks as it’s being pulled on. Caring for scuba equipment with regular maintenance and servicing is the best way to reduce chances of failure on a dive trip. But if unforeseen failure does occur, having a well-equipped spares kit could ensure a unique dive is not missed.
Don’t Rely On The Divemaster
Every scuba divemaster will have, or should have, a spares kit that will cover most problems, but it is not wise to rely on the divemaster for everything. There might be two broken hoses on a trip and the divemaster has only one spare. Someone will miss out! This doesn’t mean rushing out and spending a fortune on spare parts.
The type of diving will determine the extent of a spares kit. If moving up to divemaster or instructor levels, a spares kit is essential. If diving once a month and equipment is well maintained and regularly serviced, then only a simple kit will suffice.
Building Up The Spares Kit
Start out small with the essentials: a few ‘O’ rings of suitable sizes; a spare mouthpiece and cable ties to secure it, spare mask and fin straps and a snorkel keeper. Even if gear is kept in perfect condition, a strap can be accidentally cut, stretched, or broken in the rough handling on a boat. These items don’t cost much and are a good start on a spare parts kit.
During a scuba diving career, certain pieces of equipment wear out and need replacing. Hoses need renewing every two or three years. When getting a hose replaced, and this should be before it fails completely, ask the service technician to return the old hose. It won’t be suitable for regular diving, but could be perfect as a spare if something untoward happens to the main hose.
The scuba spares kit can be slowly built up with items like silicon lubricant, wetsuit repair kit, spare exhaust valve, and a spare oral inflator valve. Some tools are also vital: a small shifting spanner, screwdrivers, and suitable sized allen keys if required.
The best tool for digging out broken ‘O’ rings from the valve stem is a dentist’s probe. A roll of strong, waterproof tape always comes in handy. Spare batteries for torches and dive computers should be added in the kit.
First Aid Kit
Every scuba diver should also have a personal first-aid kit with items such as seasickness pills, sunburn cream, headache remedies, vinegar, bandages and antiseptic. This can easily be incorporated in the personal spares kit.
Keeping The Spares Together
A container to keep everything together is vital. If thrown in the gear bag it will get lost or damaged. Plastic fishing creels with fold-down shelves are popular. On a smaller scale, a small plastic food box or even a plastic bag with a zip-lock seal could suffice.
Spares Kit On Long Dive Trips
If going on an expensive overseas scuba dive trip, or away from a dive shop for any length of time, a comprehensive spares kit is vital. After spending a fortune on the cost of the trip, the spares kit becomes more of an ‘insurance kit’.
Diving is a team sport and if both partners of a buddy pair have a spares kit then most problems can be overcome. If a spare mask strap is able to help a buddy have a dive he or she might otherwise have missed, that buddy will be a friend for life.
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