Whether you’re an experienced or new scuba diver, you need to care for your scuba gear and store it properly when not in use. This ensures the equipment stays in top shape when you’re ready to venture into the water. Aquatic Center of Rochester, the most trusted scuba instruction and safety center in Henrietta, NY, shares some tips below to help you store scuba equipment properly.

3 Tips for Storing Scuba Equipment

1. Rinse in Fresh Water

Rinse the equipment, especially after an ocean dive. Salt has a corrosive effect on scuba gear, so cleaning everything in fresh water removes all the salt. Wetsuit shampoo can also be used to get the suit completely clean. To get inside of the buoyancy control device (BCD), submerge it in a bucket of fresh water and open the "Deflate" button. Slosh water around the inside for 30 seconds and drain. You can also use a cleaner to help eliminate salt and odor-causing microorganisms.

2. Dry Everything in the Shade

The sun's UV rays bleach the colors of scuba gear and cause the flexible rubber of the wetsuit, mask, and fins to become brittle. To extend the life of your equipment, set it out to dry in the shade. Shake out your regulator mouthpiece, which traps water droplets. Do not pack your suit or gear away until everything is completely dry. Mold and mildew could grow on damp gear.

3. Tuck & Fold

When everything is completely dry, start the "tuck and fold" process. On your BCD, tuck away all straps and hoses before storage to protect them. Place the BCD, mask, regulator, and other equipment in your dive bag to keep it together. To store the wetsuit, hang it in a closet or fold it. To fold, lay it flat on the floor, a bed, or a table and double fold the arms across the chest. Then fold the legs twice and place them on the arms. Put the wetsuit on top of your dive bag. Do not set anything heavy on top of the suit.

Aquatic Center of Rochester is the premier scuba instruction facility in Henrietta, NY. They sell top-quality equipment and will help you repair and maintain your current scuba gear. Visit the Facebook page to see their business hours, or call (585) 334-1670 to discuss your needs with a friendly, knowledgeable representative.