Last Updated: September 13, 2023
It is no longer enough to sweeten the neoprene, now we have to learn how to disinfect the scuba gear correctly if we want to avoid Covid-19 infections. At this point is where many questions arise, what products can I use to disinfect the diving equipment? What is the best procedure? What precautions need to be taken when disinfecting dive equipment?
In this article, I solve your doubts and teach you how to disinfect your diving gear properly.
Tips for Using and Protection of Your Diving Gear
In addition to disinfecting your diving equipment, it is advisable to take care of it with even more care. For this reason:
- Keep your equipment private if possible to avoid contamination.
- Reduce your equipment to the minimum necessary, you will save time when disinfecting your diving equipment and minimize the chances of germs spreading.
- Disinfecting your dive equipment is your responsibility.
- Remember that you must also disinfect its containers on a daily basis.
How to Disinfect Your Dive Gear
- Rinse your equipment – It should be done in containers with fresh water only and drained after each dive.
- Disinfect your wetsuit – Turn your wetsuit inside out and hang it somewhere outside to dry. Then apply a disinfecting solution on the surface (it is best to use a spray solution like Lysol Disinfectant) and let it dry. When dry, put it back on the right side to use it on your next dive.
- Disinfect your snorkel, mask and regulator – After rinsing in fresh water, spray them with disinfectant and let it dry. It is very important to apply the disinfectant directly into the mouthpiece of the second stage regulators to reach every little space inside.
Read Next: How to Clean a Scuba Mask
To sanitize the diving equipment, it’s essential to use products that have maximum efficiency with the minimum health risk. Let’s not forget that the wetsuit touches our skin, while the second stage regulators and snorkels are placed in our mouth.
Disinfection and Cleaning of Diving Shoes
If you have wet shoes with a soft sole, you can use exactly the same procedure with gloves too. Which is rinsing well first, unscrewing them and clean from the inside, then a little disinfectant.
In the case of hard-soled shoes, they should be thoroughly washed in fresh water. Then all the excess water removed and sprayed with disinfectant. Allow to dry completely.
Disinfecting a Drysuit
A drysuit is good when it is “dry” underwater. We often wait for our dive in used overalls, which causes sweat to accumulate in the suit. This facilitates the growth of fungi and bacteria, so that is why it’s important to disinfect your diving suit from the inside.
Disinfecting a drysuit is similar to the wetsuit procedure. Roll it inside out, if you have the option, and thoroughly clean the entire surface. Then, spray with disinfectant. Inspect the sealing strips more closely during cleaning.
How to Sanitize Scuba Regulator
The first disinfection should be applied to the entire regulator (main + octopus). Later, as soon as we use it, you can limit the disinfection only to the mouthpiece.
It could have been left on a hanger for a long time, so it’s worth making sure it is clean at the very beginning of your dive.
Also, after each dive, thoroughly wash the regulator in fresh water and then use a disinfectant.
Why?
Because the water in the tubs used for cleaning is common water not only for you, but also for all other divers.
It is worth buying disinfectant wipes and a special solution for diving equipment. It is also worth asking the dive center if they can lend you such a measure.
Even if you use your own gear, it’s good to ensure cleaning and sanitation. It is good practice to take care of rented equipment as if it’s yours.
Final Thoughts
Most diving equipment is durable, long lasting and safe. However, it needs to be taken care of properly, which is a responsibility of every diver. It is particularly this equipment that gives us comfort and ensures our safety underwater.
Especially in the current situation, when there is pandemic ranging, it is essential to properly sanitize all your gear.
Let’s take care of our own safety!
My unbounded love for the oceans and everything it has to offer motivated me to pursue my passion and become a professional scuba diving instructor.
I keep reading, exploring, and learning more about scuba diving and the underwater world all the time, so I’m excited to share my knowledge with fellow scuba enthusiasts and hopefully contribute a little to your development as a diver. I want people to fall in love with the oceans with as much passion as I have. Read more about me here.