1. Equipment General Concerns

2. Objectives • State four important criteria for selection of your equipment. • Identify desirable vs. undesirable features. • Describe, in general terms, proper maintenance for scuba equipment. • State proper inspection schedule for each item. • Select appropriate gear based on #1+2 above.

3. Selection Criteria • Quality • Doesn’t have to be the most expensive but make sure it will do the job • Comfort • It takes a while to figure what comfort means when wearing scuba gear. • Function • The gear must function properly and safely for scuba diving.

4. Selection Criteria Continued • Fit • The equipment must fit you properly for scuba diving. • If the gear doesn’t fit you, it won’t do the job no matter how well it meets the other criteria. • Appropriate for • Activity • Environment • Features (see examples in discussion) • Should be appropriate for your dive style and activities

5. General Maintenance • Fresh water rinse and soak • Store in cool dry place • Special considerations • Specific to the piece of equipment

6. Inspection and Service • Manufacturer's recommended schedule • Lifetime service contract • Industry standards for specific items • Prior to every dive

7. Advantages to owning your own gear • Know it fits you • Familiar with it’s operation • Know it has been properly maintained and serviced • More likely to have more good dives and fewer bad dive experiences

8. Gear Identification • Mark your gear to prevent loss through confusion or theft. • Make the markings obvious so it is easy to identify your gear even in a disorganized pile of equipment. • Serial numbers

9. Objectives • State four important criteria for selection of your equipment. • Identify desirable vs. undesirable features. • Describe, in general terms, proper maintenance for scuba equipment. • State proper inspection schedule for each item. • Select appropriate gear based on #1+2 above.

10. Your gear can make or break an enjoyable dive, not to mention the safety issues. • Don’t expect your gear to take care of you, but if you select the right gear and take care of it, you should enjoy years of trouble free diving.