How to Store Your Scuba Gear

You’d love to go scuba diving every week but unfortunately, most of us have other priorities that get in the way (you know, like work). So, how should you store your scuba gear when it’s not being used? Here, we break down how to keep your kit in tiptop shape so that it’s ready to go when you are.

The most important thing to keep in mind when storing your diving gear is to avoid sun, salt and water. Sunlight can bleach colors and make fabrics and rubber stiff, whereas salt can break down materials and oxidize metals thereby causing rust. That’s why it’s best to always clean your gear before storing it, making sure to wash off any saltwater and let it dry out of the sun.

STORING YOUR WETSUIT, MASK, SNORKEL AND FINS

First, wash your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water and then hang it up to dry (but remember, keep it out of the sun). Once it’s completely dry, you can hang it up or loosely roll it and store in a cool, dry location. Make sure you don’t put anything heavy on top of your suit. Same rules apply for your fins, mask and snorkel—rinse items in fresh water and allow them to dry. Don’t store your fins standing up since this can warp their shape (lie them flat instead).

STORING YOUR BCD

Thoroughly rinse your BCD, either by running a hose over the entire thing or dunking it in a bucket or tub of fresh water. Take special care to wash any clips, pockets, buckles and velcro straps. While the water is running (or the BCD is in the tub), push all of its buttons to get rid of any residue. While pressing the deflator button, run fresh water through your inflator hose and into the bladder inside your BCD. Swish the water around the bladder, empty it and repeat a few more times to make sure that all of the inside has been rinsed. Hang the BCD on a hanger and allow it to dry thoroughly. Store in a dry place that’s out of the sun.

STORING YOUR REGULATOR

To maintain this important piece of equipment, check out the instructions from your regulator’s manufacturer which should tell you how often yours needs servicing. And after every dive, make sure to clean it thoroughly. The best way to do this is to rinse the regulator while still attached to the scuba tank with pressure in the hoses. This will prevent water from entering the first stage. If it’s not attached then make sure the dust cap is screwed into place and rinse—don’t submerge—the first stage in fresh water (hoses and second stages can be submerged, however). Hang your regulator to dry, making sure you gently shake out the mouthpiece so that small pools of water don’t accumulate there. Once dry, store in a loose coil in a dry place that’s out of the sun.

STORING YOUR COMPUTER

If you have your own dive computer, rinse it after every dive with fresh water. Press the buttons a couple of times to get rid of any sand or saltwater. Allow it to dry and store with the rest of your gear.

STORING YOUR CAMERAS AND DIVE TORCHES

Rinse items in fresh water (or leave them to soak for 30 minutes). Remove camera from its housing once dry and remove batteries from all items since keeping them in can drain their juice.