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So here's the deal, I am a newer diver and I am deploying to Afghanistan soon, I need to know the best way to store my gear while im gone. I have the basics, 2 tanks, reg, BC, computer and wetsuit, nothing fancy. the gear has only seen the water Approx. 20 times. Also, would i need to have it serviced when I return in 12 months? Thanks in advance.
I would make sure everything was clean and dry, hang the wetsuit in a closet, and store the other stuff in one of those big plastic tubs with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the cylinder valves are fully closed and lay them on their sides. Everything should be stored in a cool dark place: Plastic and rubber do not like heat, sunlight or ozone.
After 12 months everything should be still fine, but you will need to VIP the tanks and I would have the regs checked out.
Additionally, recommend rubbing down all silicone parts with food grade silicone spray. All the silicone parts should be soft & supple before being put up. (hoses, masks, BC inflation hose)
Recommend keeping everything at room temp under heat & air.
Godspeed keep safe. You got all good advice here. Store in cool,dark,dry place, suit(s) hanging, tanks pressurized, standing upright. Silicone spray from dive shop not auto parts store, spray on all rubber, hoses, regs, fins, marks, consoles.......lube zippers, stick disposable drinking cups with the bottoms cut out in the ankle part of the boots and the wrist part of the gloves keeps the shape and lets air flow. Do something to protect the shape of the foot pocket of your fins.
My gear was stored for more than 10 years like this, I'm using most of it today. The wet suit shrunk!
Why "hang" a wetsuit? Roll or fold up and put into a plastic bag. I've got several of them that I store in this fashion with no problems at all. Regs go in a sealed cardboard box and the rest of the stuff in the back of the closet.
All good advice on the storage techniques, and I can't add a thing other than to disassemble your dive knife (if you use one and it can be taken apart), clean it thoroughly and give it a light oiling.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your service. God go with you, bless you and keep you and your brothers and sisters in arms safe. As said before, keep in touch with us here at SB during your deployment when you have access to a computer. It's not diving, but it does help scratch the itch to get underwater to some extent!
Why "hang" a wetsuit? Roll or fold up and put into a plastic bag. I've got several of them that I store in this fashion with no problems at all. Regs go in a sealed cardboard box and the rest of the stuff in the back of the closet.
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