NAUI Scuba Diver 20 Diving Equipment your scuba gear, is simple. You should rinse your gear with fresh water after every diving day (figure 2-10). Be sure that you do not leave your gear in the sun any more than necessary because sunlight and heat are extremely damaging to scuba gear and neoprene. At the end of a diving trip, soak your gear overnight in fresh water and then rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Make sure the gear is dry before you store it in a cool, dry area, like a closet. For extra protection, you can store your dry gear in a sealed, plastic bag. No matter how well you maintain your gear, you will need to replace some parts periodically. Fin straps, mask straps, and snorkel keepers wear out. You must inspect your gear regularly, and especially before a dive trip, to give you a chance to replace worn parts before they break. Verify What You Have Learned Review the following questions on basic equipment: 1. The two most important features for the selection of your mask, snorkel, booties, and fins are: �� Comfort �� Style �� Fit �� Color �� Price �� Material 2. One feature that is not essential in a dive mask is: a. Purge valve b. Tempered glass c. Nose-blocking device d. Rigid frame 3. List two factors that can reduce the ease or efficiency of breathing through a snorkel: ____________________________, ____________________________. CYLINDERS When most people think of scuba diving, they immediately think of the cylinders that divers wear on their backs. Scuba cylinders allow you to store large amounts of air in a small space. Scuba cylinders are also known as bottles or tanks. Every country can be expected to have standards regulating scuba cylinders. In the United States, cylinders are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and must be pressure tested according to government standards. In Canada, cylinders are regulated by the Canadian Transport Commission (CTC), which has standards similar to the United States Department of Transportation. Characteristics The air in a scuba cylinder is highly compressed, so a cylinder must have strong walls to withstand the pressure. The pressure rating of cylinders ranges from 120 bar (1800 pounds per square inch psi) to 310 bar (4500 psi). One bar is equal to approximately 14.7 psi or 1 atmosphere (atm). Most cylinders are made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum Aluminum cylinders do not rust, which is an advantage over steel cylinders. However, aluminum cylinders are more easily damaged than steel cylinders on the outside and the thread area where the cylinder valve screws in must be inspected regularly for cracks and other problems. If water enters an aluminum cylinder, the cylinder corrodes and forms aluminum oxide. Once a layer of aluminum oxide has formed, it slows further corrosion of the cylinder. Steel Steel cylinders are more resistant to exterior damage. However, if water enters a steel cylinder, the cylinder corrodes and forms rust that can quickly ruin a steel cylinder. If you suspect that water has entered
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