Rental Gear... Will you use it?

[Divin'Papaw]

I have been wondering the same. I haven’t used rental gear in over a decade but I know many do. I would want to understand the operators cleaning procedure first and foremost. Primarily for the reg & BCD oral inflator mouthpiece. If I was comfortable with that process I would use the rental gear.

 

[divinh]

I have been wondering the same. I haven’t used rental gear in over a decade but I know many do. I would want to understand the operators cleaning procedure first and foremost. Primarily for the reg & BCD oral inflator mouthpiece. If I was comfortable with that process I would use the rental gear.

From what I recall, fins, wetsuits and BC's get rinsed in one tub and regs get rinsed in another. I suppose every once in a while, things get a deeper clean with some kind of disinfectant/detergent, though I have no idea how often that may be at the places I've been.

 

[rhwestfall]

My only rental gear (aside from tanks and weights) was for my check-out dives 30+ years ago. I bought my own gear immediately afterwards, and again, and again, and again....

 

[Divin'Papaw]

From what I recall, fins, wetsuits and BC's get rinsed in one tub and regs get rinsed in another. I suppose every once in a while, things get a deeper clean with some kind of disinfectant/detergent, though I have no idea how often that may be at the places I've been.

Most of the shops down here in South FL are publishing details as to how they disinfect rental gear. Previously I believe few people gave it a second thought. However, it is now (or should be) foremost of everyone's mind who uses rental gear. The shops I am aware of have instituted revised cleaning procedures that comply with DAN and CDC recommendations. If you don't see it specifically called out on the shop's website or facebook page I would encourage any rental customer to inquire regarding the procedures.

 

[formernuke]

Nope, I didn't spend the the money on my own gear just to rent different gear. Besides most places don't rent bp/w, long hose etc.

 

[Ben_3]

I used rental gear for my OW classe. I then bought all my gear and prefer using mine. I would have no problem using rental gear except I would try and have my regs mask and wetsuit.

 

[CosbySweater]

I wouldn't rent any gear, personally but I've owned my own gear since I did AOW back in 2012. I think the risk of contracting the virus through SCUBA equipment is pretty low, especially if the dive op is following the DAN recommendations. However, dive shops should advertise their equipment cleaning procedures more openly, especially to prospective new customers considering OW training. It could be the difference maker for a shop.

All that being said, if you're more than a one-a-year vacation diver knowing that you're the only person who has used your gear is just another thing to add to the benefits of owning your own equipment.

 

[HavanaDaydreamin]

No point in guessing about it...
How long can the virus that causes COVID-19 live on surfaces?

 

[Kharon]

Never have (except tanks & weights), and now totally out of the question. Of course, I have no idea if I will ever get to dive again.

 

[Bigbella]

Having cultured out, some rather unpleasant stuff, some years back -- from enteric bacteria to yeasts -- on rental gear in the past, I won't touch the stuff. I just take along redundant equipment -- have, for decades . . .