Aluminum and Salt Water

[H2Andy]

question:

how good an idea is to do salt-water diving with an
aluminum backplate, weight issues aside?

i am specifically thinking of corrosion.

if rinsed at the end of the day, would the backplate still suffer over the long haul?

 

[Wendy]

I have not had a problem with my al bp in salt water. I always rinse my gear good in the bath tub when I get home.

 

[cyklon_300]

I've been on liveaboards for as long as 11 days.

Even with almost constant exposure to salt water for that amount of time, the BP showed no signs of corrosion.

 

[H2Andy]

excellent, very good to know!

 

[gj62]

My understanding is that Aluminum Oxide (as forms on the exposed part of aluminum) is actually harder than the aluminum itself. After all, think of an AL80 tank - especially rental ones - and how long they last...

 

[H2Andy]

wow... good point, didn't think of that

 

[gj62]

The aluminum oxide is also self-sealing (if you get a scratch, the oxide will reform on the exposed AL). Of course, this assumes that no galvanic corrosion will be taking place, but for that you need contact with dissimilar metals and a current, so I really wouldn't worry about it for a BP. Bottom line - hope you last as long as your BP (or that you really do get to do enough diving to wear it out...)