Regular servicing of your dive gear is essential for safety, reliability, and performance underwater. This article explains why servicing matters, which equipment needs attention, and how often your scuba gear should be professionally checked to keep you diving with confidence.

Scuba diving equipment is designed to perform in demanding environments, often far from immediate help. Regular servicing of your dive gear isn’t just about protecting your investment — it’s about safety, reliability, and confidence every time you enter the water.

Whether you dive occasionally or every weekend, keeping your gear properly serviced should be a non-negotiable part of your diving routine.

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What Does “Servicing” Dive Gear Mean?

Servicing involves inspecting, cleaning, testing, and replacing worn or ageing components to ensure your equipment operates exactly as the manufacturer intended. Most dive equipment relies on seals, O-rings, springs, and moving parts that degrade over time — even when the gear isn’t used.

A proper service ensures:

• Correct air delivery at all depths

• Reliable inflation and deflation of buoyancy devices

• Accurate pressure and depth readings

• Reduced risk of free-flows or failures

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Which Dive Gear Needs Regular Servicing?

Regulators

Regulators are life-support equipment and should be serviced at least once every 12 months, or according to the manufacturer’s schedule.

During a service, a technician will:

• Fully disassemble the first and second stages

• Replace O-rings, seats, and filters

• Ultrasonically clean internal components

• Reassemble, tune, and bench-test performance

Ignoring regulator servicing can lead to hard breathing, free-flows, or complete air delivery failure.

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Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs & Wings)

BCDs contain valves, inflators, and bladders that are constantly exposed to salt, sand, and moisture.

A BCD service typically includes:

• Inflator and dump valve inspection

• Leak testing of the bladder

• Internal cleaning to prevent mould and corrosion

Annual servicing is recommended, especially for frequently used gear.

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Dive Computers & Gauges

While dive computers don’t require mechanical servicing like regulators, they still need attention:

• Battery replacements (before they fail)

• Seal inspection to prevent flooding

• Function checks and firmware updates (where applicable)

Pressure gauges and hoses should also be inspected for cracks, corrosion, or leaks.

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Cylinders & Valves

Dive cylinders require formal inspections by certified testers:

• Visual inspection: annually

• Hydrostatic testing: every 2 years (NZ standard)

Valve servicing ensures smooth operation and prevents leaks or contamination.

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How Often Should You Service Your Gear?

As a general rule:

Heavy use, saltwater diving, or long storage periods may require more frequent servicing.

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Signs Your Gear Needs Servicing Now

Don’t wait for your annual reminder if you notice:

• Free-flowing or hard-breathing regulators

• Sticky inflator buttons or slow deflation

• Air leaks from hoses or fittings

• Corrosion, cracking, or unusual noises

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

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Why Professional Servicing Matters

While basic rinsing and care can be done at home, internal servicing should always be performed by a certified technician using manufacturer-approved parts and procedures.

Professional servicing:

• Maintains manufacturer warranties

• Ensures equipment meets safety standards

• Reduces the risk of in-water failures

• Extends the life of your gear

Cutting corners on servicing can cost far more in the long run — or worse.

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Preparing Your Gear for Service

Before dropping your gear off:

• Rinse and dry equipment thoroughly

• Remove personal accessories

• Note any issues you’ve experienced

Clear communication helps technicians identify and resolve problems more effectively.

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The Bottom Line

Your dive gear is your life support system underwater. Regular servicing isn’t optional — it’s a responsibility every diver shares.

Staying on top of servicing means:

• Safer dives

• Better performance

• Longer-lasting equipment

• Peace of mind on every descent

If you’re unsure when your gear was last serviced, now is the perfect time to check.

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