5 Ways to Care for Your Scuba BC
Sport Diver Staff PhotographerIf you are a serious diver, you've probably made a significant investment in your dive gear, including purchasing a BC. Here's how to keep it in tip-top shape so that it's always ready for your next dive.
Do you know how to properly clean your BC after a dive? Here are five easy tips for washing your BC, inspecting the hardware and ensuring a long life for the centerpiece of your rig.
1. Start the cleaning process with a hearty washdown using a freshwater hose. This will knock off any big chunks of sand and dirt, as well as residual salt.
2. Fill a tub with fresh water. Add a small amount of unscented shampoo or a dive-gear wash solution to the rinse water. Dunk the BC repeatedly, and then leave it to soak for about five minutes. Pull out the integrated-weight pockets, and soak them separately. Afterward, remove the BC from the tub, and give it another quick hose rinse.
3. Direct a low-pressure water stream into the power inflator with the deflate button depressed so the bladder fills with fresh water. Rotate the BC, enabling the water the slosh around inside the bladder. Then drain the bladder using each exhaust valve so their internal parts get a decent flush.
4. Inspect the BC’s corrugated hose and hardware for cracks and signs of wear, check valve caps to make sure they’re tight, and check the integrated-weight system for tears, broken zippers or cracks in the buckles.
Sport Diver Staff PhotographerWhen your BC has been thoroughly rinsed, inflate the BC to about 50 percent of its volume and let it air-dry away from direct sunlight.
5. Make sure everything is in working order by reinserting the weight pouches (store the weights separately) and locking them in place, fully inflating the bladder and checking for leaks, and then pulling the corrugated hose dump and remote exhaust-valve cords to make sure they work (sand and grit lodged here can create havoc). Partially inflate the bladder to give it some shape, and hang-dry the BC out of direct sunlight. When you're ready to dive again, check the cummerbund, waist strap, shoulder straps, tank band and all the buckles. Inspect for signs of corrosion and rusting of metal buckles. A buildup of a white chalky substance or green powder in addition to rust are indications of corrosion.
Courtesy CressiDon't forget to check your BC before you dive, too. Look for signs of corrosion or rusting.
Use a stiff brush and a little white vinegar to eliminate minor corrosion. Rinse afterward so the vinegar is thoroughly removed. A quick spray of food-grade silicone will help prevent future corrosion. Get in the habit of applying after your equipment is clean and completely dry.
Want more tips on caring for your dive gear? How To Care For Fins | 3 Ways To Care For Masks And Snorkels | Maintain Your Wetsuit
