To extend the life of
your equipment and to minimize the chance of diving accidents, it is critical
that your equipment be in top working order for every dive. Whether you own
just a mask, snorkel and fins, or a complete set of scuba gear, every diving
dollar you invest will be maximized through proper equipment maintenance
procedures and annual servicing.
The technical aspects of
maintaining, storing, transporting and handling scuba
equipment must be part of every diver's fundamental knowledge of the sport.
Each year, too many diving excursions are upset by
last minute equipment malfunctions, by a lack of spare parts for field repairs,
or simply by a lack basic knowledge regarding the operation of scuba equipment.
For those of you
new to servicing your equipment it’s not important to take your gear in on the
anniversary of its purchase. If you take it in early your warranty will not be
penalized. There will only be a problem
if you skip it all together. If you are
the original owner, Aqualung, Apeks, and Scubapro among others will cover your annual service parts
provided you purchased the equipment from an authorized shop and do not skip
the servicing. Other manufacturers cover
equipment from 2-5 years. Check with
your LDS if you are unsure of the warranty status of your equipment. Make sure you bring all warranty paperwork
with you when you drop off the gear so there’s no question about the status
when the gear is being serviced and you don’t receive any bills for parts that
should be covered under warranty.
Your serviced equipment should be returned with a copy of the repair order
showing what was done, what parts were replaced and the pressures that the
regulator was set to when it was initially inspected and the pressures it was
set up to after the service. Depending
on the policies of the shop performing the repairs, your old parts may be
returned as well, although for liability purposes you will likely not be allowed
to keep them. Before you take possession
of your gear, check the hoses and make sure they are tight on the 1st and 2nd
stages. Take all your gear to the pool
before you use it in open water and give it a test run. Many times the seats in the second stages will
“seat in” during the first dive and have to be re-tuned afterwards. If you aren’t happy with the results, return
it to your LDS to have it re-adjusted.
This servicing, like changing the oil on your car, is imperative to maintaining
safe, functional equipment that will maximize the enjoyment of the sport.
Kanata
Diving Supply offers key support in the subject of equipment selection, repair
and maintenance, dealer upgrades, and safety and education. We carry a large
selection of spare parts and our certified technicians perform a variety of
in-shop repairs. Our visual tank inspection programs and equipment overhaul
services will keep you diving safely and comfortably all year round.