Simon is certified ASSET Technician for quite a few years now and can service most makes of Scuba Regulators and Equipment. He is also a certified Oxygen Service Technician, Cylinder Technician and Gas Blender.
We interview Simon on…
What is happening to my equipment during a service?
“Regulator servicing is a very thorough process. When I receive a regulator, it is first visually inspected externally to check for leaks, cracks and damage to hoses. It is then put under pressure (200 bar) and the intermediate pressure is checked on the first stage, and the opening effort is checked on the second/alternate stages.” He says.
Continuing, “The regulator is then stripped to the bare bones, every removable part is broken down and either set aside to be replaced, or cleaned prior to re-assembly. O-rings are removed from hose ends (including HP hose and gauge) and are replaced with new once the hose ends have been cleaned. All parts are cleaned in an ultrasonic bath and then thoroughly inspected externally and also internally. The regulator is then rebuilt using genuine manufacturers service parts.”
“Any additional parts that may have been found “outside of specification” can be replaced subject to availability.
Finally, the regulator is tuned to the appropriate optimal performance settings as specified by the manufacturer.
Once the regulators have been re-assembled they are tested both in and out of water to ensure that they come back to you ready to dive.”
At the end he says; “All pressures both before and after servicing and parts used are recorded.”
Your regulators & servicing
SCUBA diving regulators are integral pieces of Life Support Equipment and should be serviced regularly. Some regulator manufacturers advise this period to be every year or every 50 dives, others advise every 100 dives or every 2 years.
You may think that just because your equipment was serviced and put in a cupboard afterwards then left for a year or more they should be fine to go straight back in the water…they may not!
When regulators any not used for extended periods, the O-rings can degrade and dry out. At the very least they should be fully tested but preferably serviced by a technician.
Remember too, if equipment isn’t maintained properly, then obviously problems can arise: Salt water can cause corrosion, a build-up of sand, gravel or salt crystals can result in free flowing regs or faulty dump valves.
O-rings and other seals stretch or become brittle over time, moving parts wear after repeated use, batteries need replacing, things just don’t work quite as reliably as they should…
If in doubt, get it checked! Give the Dive Centre a call
Please find the price list for servicing Regulators and BCDs below, pricing is inclusive of VAT.
Find our Reg & BCC price list here.