Salt water is hard on equipment. When seawater dries, salt crystals remain in zips, buckles, valves and moving parts. Regular rinsing and sensible storage help equipment last longer and make small problems easier to notice before the next trip. Basic care is something every diver can learn, but maintenance is not the same as technical servicing. Regulators, cylinders, BCD components and other life-support equipment should be serviced according to manufacturer guidance by appropriately qualified technicians. Rinse equipment with fresh water After diving, rinse equipment in clean fresh water as soon as practical. Soaking can help dissolve salt from areas that a quick splash misses, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each item. Regulators need particular care Keep water out of the regulator first stage while rinsing. Make sure the dust cap and sealing area are clean and dry before protecting the inlet, and do not press purge buttons while an unpressurised regulator is submerged unless the manufacturer specifically permits that procedure. If you are unsure, ask a technician to demonstrate the correct method for your regulator model. Rinse and operate BCD components gently Fresh water should remove salt from inflator assemblies, dump valves and the exterior of the BCD. Some manufacturer procedures also include rinsing the inside of the bladder. Follow the instructions for your specific BCD rather than improvising. Masks, fins and snorkels These are simple pieces of equipment but still benefit from a thorough rinse. Check mask skirts and straps for cracking, inspect fin straps or bungees and allow everything to dry away from intense direct heat. Wetsuits and boots Rinse neoprene thoroughly and allow it to dry in a ventilated area out of strong prolonged sunlight. Avoid folding a wetsuit into a tight shape while it is wet. Wide hangers designed for exposure suits can reduce stress on the shoulders during storage. Dive computers Rinse the computer and its buttons or contacts with fresh water according to the manufacturer’s guidance. Check battery status and inspect straps before the next trip. If the computer uses a rechargeable battery, store and charge it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Dry before long-term storage Storing equipment damp encourages odour, corrosion and material deterioration. Allow items to dry fully in shade with reasonable ventilation before packing them away. Inspect while you clean Look for cracked or hardened hoses. Check mouthpieces and cable ties. Inspect straps, clips and buckles. Look for damaged seams or zips. Check O-ring areas for visible contamination without dismantling equipment unnecessarily. Note anything that behaved unusually during the dive. Know what not to service yourself Life-support equipment deserves specialist attention. Do not dismantle a regulator, cylinder valve or BCD inflator simply because an online video makes it look easy. Use authorised or properly trained technicians and follow service intervals appropriate to the equipment. Learn with rental gear before buying everything Beginners do not need to purchase a full equipment set before certification. Phoenix Divers’ beginner diving courses allow new divers to learn how equipment works before deciding which personal items are worth owning. Good care starts with understanding what each item does. Clean it, inspect it and treat the manufacturer’s instructions as part of your diving knowledge.