Saturday if you missed the Equipment Maintenance Seminar, you missed a lot of great information. Now with most dive get-togethers, there is food.
12 People were in attendance. 
Proper maintenance of your equipment is essential, but don’t worry if you weren’t able to attend, here is some very useful information that you can apply to your Scuba Diving Gear. 
Regulator 
- Annual or every 2 years service (this is done by a certified tech).
- Replace o-rings, clean, and adjust the system as a whole unit.
- Clean only while under pressure.
- Run fresh water over the system especially after saltwater use.
- NEVER dunk entire regulator in rinse tank after dives
- Especially after saltwater due to contaminants in the rinse tank.
- Leaving salt water residue on a system could pit the chrome plating on the brass causing permanent damage. Wipe hoses down with silicone pump spray for neat look and protection
- NEVER attempt to do your own extensive repairs to 1st or 2nd stage of your regulator.
- Know your systems working capabilities. Is it piston or diaphragm – balanced or not. Is it good enough for deep diving?
- Check your system out before leaving on a trip. Replace computer batteries, check hoses, is everything working properly!! Check hoses, hose wraps can conceal damage. We can pressure check your 1st stage while you are in the shop.
- Remember this is a life support system (try breathing underwater without it.
- Storage – Change how you coil to prevent damage to hoses.
Buoyancy Compensator
- Always rinse BC after lake or saltwater dives.
- Clean Bladder well after saltwater use.
- Annual service of Air 2 or similar octo/inflator combos.
- Check straps and buckles for proper operation, replace if needed.
- Store unit partially inflated in a cool dry place and out of sunlight.
- Visual every year.
- Hydro every 5 years.
- Always store with at least 500 PSI and secured vertically in a cool dry place.
- Handling – Avoid damage from rough handling, dents. Be alert to the sound of escaping air, valves can sometimes open slightly during transportation.
- If cylinders are totally empty of air they must be visually inspected as water could leak in.
- If you suspect damage to the cylinder. Immediately drain and contact your visual inspector.
And by all means, if you have questions, give Extreme Sports Scuba a call or better yet swing by the shop and they’ll be more than happy to assist you to help keep your equipment in tip-top condition.