The maintenance for scuba equipment is astonishingly same. Although there is specific preventative care that is required for only for dive suits, tanks, or BCs, there are some things you can do to all your scuba gear that will insure a long life for them.

After every dive, make sure to give your all of your scuba gear a good rinse with fresh water.

After rinsing scuba diving gear, allow it to dry, but not in direct sunlight. Most of scuba equipment that you carry is made of neoprene rubber, which can be broken down when exposed to direct sunlight. Extra care should be taken between dives, when they are most vulnerable to sun, especially in tropical climates

Whether you have a wet or a dry suit, neoprene exposure suits should be hung on a non-wire hanger to dry. Wire hangers can cause unnecessary creases.

All your scuba diving equipment should be stored in a cool, yet dry place.

Separate your neoprene related equipment from your other scuba gear, especially if they are damp. Over time, they can stick together and tear when pulled apart.

After you return from your dive trip, make sure to unpack as soon as possible to prevent any compression or flattening of scuba equipment that you paid good money for.

Incidental accessories like knives, shealth, collection bad, dive float, dive flag: These accessories, though often over- looked, can play an important role in your safety underwater. The better prepared you are, more you can enjoy your underwater experience.

Any potential need for specialty equipment like lights, cameras: Dive lights are not only useful at night, but also in murky lake waters.

Repair kit:

First aid and oxygen kit: If you and your friend are diving independently, this is of paramount importance. Do not overlook this.

C-card and logbook: This refers to your open water certifi- cation card. The logbook keeps an account of number of dives that you have made.

Check list for your time at boat: These items are not a part of your scuba dive gear checklist, but are useful in any outdoor activity.

Hat: To protect you from sun.

Sunscreen: Ditto.

Water: You always want to stay as hydrated as possible. Remember, when you are diving in tropical climates, it is best to have a bottle of water with you.

Windbreaker: When you are on a boat in ocean, you sometimes cannot avoid heavy winds. Having a windbreaker can help you avoid temperature fluctuations of heavy winds, especially in non tropical climates.

Towels: This comes in handy when you get back on boat after your dive. Make sure you dry yourself thoroughly.

Long-sleeved shirt for protection from sun: Diving in tropical climates requires some sort of protection from sun. In addition to being hydrated properly, you should take a bottle of sunscreen, as well as long-sleeved shirt. Sunburns can totally mess up your time underwater.

Lunch and snacks: Don’t always depend on your dive group to provide you with meals. Quick snacks such as fruit/granola bars and beverages will prevent you from being hungry. Ask beforehand if food will be provided or catered. Otherwise, consider bringing a sandwich if there is a fridge on board.

Seasickness medication: Consult your doctor beforehand if your are prone to seasickness and need medication.