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Scuba Gear – Mask Cleaning and Maintenance

January 20, 2009 By

By Anne Clarke

Scuba gear, like many other forms of sport and exploratory equipment, requires care and maintenance in order to last. Ideally, these items will not only last many years, but will also continue providing service which is as good as new.

Although not the most complex article of diving equipment, a scuba mask is no exception. It is a vital item which allows for underwater vision, whether the diving is taking place near Maui, Hawaii or Yongala, Australia.

Here are a few tips for taking optimal care of these items and retaining clear and comfortable sight for many dives to come:

  • First time cleaning - Many new articles of scuba gear will come with labels which must be carefully removed. In addition to this, new masks in particular may have an oily residue or remainders of liquid silicone on their lenses or even their straps. Some of this material may be left over from the manufacturing process. The oily film may have been applied to the silicone to protect it during shipping. If left upon the lens, this film may cause the mask to fog up during dives. It may also prevent the mask from sealing to skin correctly, allowing it to slip off at inopportune times.
    To clear away these residues, there are a few cleaning solutions available. The first is a store-bought mask scrub. Be certain to read their instructions closely, as some are harmful for plastics. Other possibilities are to use a non-abrasive liquid dishwashing detergent, or even toothpaste. When toothpaste is utilized, it is important that a gel variety is not selected.
    Follow any of these treatments by rinsing the mask fully in clear and clean water before wearing.
  • Travel care - Scuba masks commonly come in a protective case. These cases are ideal for their storage. Replacement cases are often available. For traveling convenience, a scuba gear bag may be purchased with a special pocket intended for holding the mask.
    Before leaving for a vacation which involves diving, it is wise to inspect the mask and ensure that it fits snugly. It (and all other gear) should also be inspected for any wear and tear. Ensure also that the equipment is fully dried before it is packed away.
  • General treatment - Avoid leaving the mask in direct sunlight, which can be drying and bleaching. Also, do not place it face down as this may encourage scratches on the lens surface. Always clean the mask with freshwater after use.
  • Defogging tips - Saliva and a toothpaste rinse are simple and generally readily available remedies to prevent the fogging up of diving lenses. There are also many commercially prepared defog solutions available for only a few dollars at any dive shop.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on parenting, recreation, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on scuba diving, please visit Scuba Gear, home to useful information on Maui scuba diving and much more.

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Pre-Dive Safety Check

January 11, 2009 By

How to perform a Buddy Check

One of the most important aspect of every dive is to perform a pre-dive safety check, which is known as a buddy check. Pre-dive safety checks are taught by most certifying organizations. You should always perform this check with your buddy before beginning any dive.

This pre-dive safety check has a few functions: you make sure that your buddy's equipment is working as it should. You should also familiarize yourself with your buddy's equipment. this familiarization will make you aware of how to release their weights, use their deflator, and use their alternate source of air, all of which may be necessary in the event of any emergencies during the dive.

This check should always be performed once the equipment has been donned, with the exception of the mask and fins. It's ideal to perform this check while on the boat before entry or on the shore before any shore dives. If this check does slip you mind, it can be performed during decent.

This safety check is broken down into several components which are abbreviated with the acronym BWRAF. There are many mnemonics that can help you remember the steps in this safety check. You should use whatever you'll remember best. Here are some of the most common mnemonics.

  • Begin With Review And Friend
  • Because We Really Are Friends
  • Bunnies Will Run Away Fast

Buoyancy

You want to ensure your buddy's BCD is working properly.  To do this, begin by inflating their BCD.   Do not infate it complely   You will also want to deflate the BCD to ensure that the deflator is working properly.

Weights

Check your buddy's weight system.   How this performed will depend upon what weight system being used by your buddy.

  • Weight Belt: Check that your buddy's weight belt is on properly and secured.  Check that the quick release is free of obstructions and easily accessible.   Weight belts with excess length should should not be tied or tucked into the BCD or around the belt in such a way that it's difficult to perform a release.
  • Integrated Weights: Check that your buddy has their weight pockets in their BCD (with weights in them!), that they are properly secured, and that you know how to release them.   For those BC's that use Velcro for the weight pockets, make sure the Velcro is not to worn that it prevents the pockets for being properly secured.

Releases

Check that all of your buddy's releases are properly secured.  This includes, but not limited to Velcro waist bands, shoulder clips, boot straps, and etc.   Many BCDs will have a chest and stomach clips. It's a good idea to touch each clip as it is checked.  Remember to check the tank strap and clip as well. You can do this by placing one hand on the bottom of the tank and the other on the first stage regulator and trying to move the tank up and down to see if the moves up and down in the secured tank strap.   If the tanks slides while doing this, resecure the tank.   It is often a good idea to wet the strap before securing it to the tank.

Air

Check that your buddy's air is turned all the way on and half a turn back. Have your buddy take one or more breaths from their regulator while you watch their SPG. While you look at the SPG, ensure that the tank is full (approximately 200 bar or 3000 psi) and that the needle doesn't dip as they breathe. If the needle dips this is a sign that the air isn't turned all the way on or there is a problem with the regulator. You should also test your buddy's alternate air source by taking two breaths from it.

Final OK

Check that your buddy has all other necessary equipment such as mask and fins. Ask your buddy if they're ready to go and if all is ok you're ready to dive.

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Tips for Night Scuba Diving

July 3, 2008 By

By Dianne Rein

Are you thinking of trying a night dive? It can be a little scary at first but once you try it, you'll be hooked. It's a whole new world down there. Here are some tips to make that first night dive go smoothly:

Keep it Shallow

A night dive is typically a shallow dive. I would say 60 feet is probably max with 30-40 feet more the norm. On our night dives we typically had a maximum depth of 35-40 feet.

Dive a Familiar Site

If this is your first time scuba diving at night, try and go to a site you are familiar with. In the Caribbean, many dive operators will do a night dive at a dive site that they went to during the day.

If you are thinking of doing the night dive, sign up to do a dive at the night dive site during the day. This way you will have some idea of what the area is like and may feel less apprehensive.

Get Some Light

You obviously need some dive lights when you are doing a night dive. It's best to have a primary light and a backup light in case the first light fails. The secondary light can be small and could fit into your pocket.

You don't need the biggest and brightest light you can find. In fact, it is fun, once you get accustomed to diving at night, to turn your light off and let your eyes adjust to the dark. You'll be amazed at what you can see. Of course, it is up to you and get the light you would feel comfortable with while diving at night.

If you don't want to turn your light off underwater (I've never had a problem turning it back on but you never know) you can always face it into your BC so you get the same effect.

Many dive operators will also attach a glo-stick or something similar to your tank. This makes it easier to spot someone underwater. One dive group may have one color, another group a different color or the divemaster will have a different color so it is easier to tell who is who underwater.

Please note that some areas do not allow the use of glo-sticks due to their chemicals. In this case, another device, such as a light, can be put on the tank.

Get Familiar With the Hand Signals

When you are night scuba diving, you need to discuss the hand signals before you begin your dive. Since it is dark down there, your buddy won't be able to see your hands.

If you are on a dive boat, the divemaster will probably tell you what signals to use. If they don't, just ask. There is nothing wrong with that.

A typical way to use hand signals is to shine your light on your hand so your buddy can see them. Another common night diving signal is to move your dive light in a circle to signify "OK." Moving it up and down or back and forth can signify yes or no. Whatever you choose to use, just make sure you clarify before you begin the dive.

Take it Slow

There is alot to see at night. You will see a whole different world underneath at night than during a day. Take your time and look in those nooks and crannies.

The reef also looks brilliant and colorful in the beam of your light. Much different than during the day when you are diving deeper and the colors are absorbed.

Watch Where You Aim That Light

Be aware of where you aim your dive light. If you put the full force of that light beam into somebody's eyes, you can momentarily blind them. It will take a little while for that diver to adjust his night vision again. So be careful.

I hope these tips will help make your first night dive a comfortable experience.

Have a great dive, Dianne Rein from www.scuba-diving-smiles.com.

Dianne Rein runs an online scuba diving guide. You can read her complete list of night scuba diving tips on her website. You will also be able to find boat scuba diving tips and air consumption scuba diving tips to help improve your scuba diving experience.

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Dive Tips to Clear Your Ears

July 3, 2008 By

By Dianne Rein

We all know being able to clear your ears while scuba diving is very important. After all, if your ears don't clear you'll have to abort the dive. So how do you clear your ears?

The most common method is called the Valsalva maneuver. In this technique, you pinch your nostrils closed and gently blow through your nose.

If you are having problems, try these steps to help you descend safely:

  • Start Before You Go Below the Water

    • If you are using the Valsalva maneuver, gently blow through your nose while you are waiting to start your descent. This "pre-pressurizes" the ear and makes equalization easier upon descent. Start this before you even go under the water.

  • Equalize Early and Often

    • You've heard this in your scuba diving class. Begin equalizing as soon as your head goes underwater and continue equalizing every few feet. This is probably the most important step to descending without ear problems. If you are having problems clearing one ear, tilt your head - with the blocked ear toward the surface.

  • Descend Feet First

    • Your Eustchian tube is affected if you descend with your head first and it makes it harder to equalize your ears.

  • Ascend if You Have Problems

    • If your ears are not clearing properly, ascend a few feet to reduce the pressure. Try clearing them again. If it still doesn't work, ascend a few more feet and try again. Rinse and repeat until you have cleared your ears successfully.

  • Do Not Force It

    • If you have tried ascending and it is not working, abort the dive. If you force yourself down, you can cause permanent ear injury. In this same vein, if you are using the Valsalva method, do not blow forcefully. It should be a gentle blow. A forceful blow can also cause ear injury. It's better to forego a dive than have ear problems for the rest of your life.

  • Do Not Dive With a Cold

    • Another mantra you probably heard in your scuba class. Congestion can make equalization difficult. And even if you are able to ascend, you run the risk of having problems during ascent, a condition called "reverse squeeze." This can also be caused by medications wearing off during the dive. If you do take medicine, just be aware of the risks.

Follow these steps and you should be well on your way to having nice clear ears. Take it easy, take it slow and have a safe, comfortable dive.

Have a great dive! Dianne from www.scuba-diving-smiles.com

Dianne Rein runs an scuba diving website at scuba-diving-smiles.com You can read her full report on ear clearing tips as well as several pages of more scuba diving tips on her website.

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Regulator Clearing

January 12, 2008 By

Clearing a regulator while underwater using both the exhalation and purge button methods and resume breathing from it.

Reason to Learn

This basic skill is taught so that you know how to clear water from your regulator whenever you need to put it back in your mouth while underwater. You will need to do this while sharing air with a buddy or in the unlikely event that your regulator is knocked from your mouth.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: One minute or less

Here's How:

  1. Inhale normally from your regulator.
  2. Holding the regulator with your right hand (as pictured) remove it from your mouth. Hold it with the mouth piece facing down
  3. While the regulator is out of your mouth, slowly exhale by blowing small bubbles.
  4. Place the regulator back in your mouth.
  5. You will now clear the regulator using one of these methods:
    • Exhalation method: Sharply exhale into the regulator.
    • Purge button method: Use your tongue as a splash guard by placing the tip of your tongue on the top of your mouth behind your teeth, or by covering the hole in the regulator with your tongue. Push the purge button on the front of your regulator gently.

    Using either method, all of the water in the regulator will be forced out of the regulator's exhaust valves.

  6. Cautiously inhale. Normally the regulator will be clear, but there may still be a small amount of water in the regulator. Breathe carefully from the regulator just in case. If water remains, repeat step 5.
  7. If all is clear, breathe normally and give your instructor the OK sign.

Tips:

  1. Remember to continuously exhale while the regulator isn't in your mouth.
  2. If the regulator begins to free-flow (air comes gushing out) when you take if out of your mouth, either turn it so that the mouth piece is facing down or put your finger over the hole in the mouth piece. Using either method the free-flow should stop.

What You Need:

  • A full set of scuba gear.


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