If you're serious about diving, specialized equipment is essential, and it needs to be properly cared for to ensure its longevity and safety. Besides regular inspections of such equipment, disinfection is equally important. Read on to learn how.

Why should diving equipment be disinfected?

Whether we own or rent diving equipment, disinfecting it is crucial. It comes into frequent contact with water, and therefore there's a risk of unwanted microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, developing within it . If we use rented diving equipment, this becomes even more crucial, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

What and how to disinfect?

Special attention should be paid to disinfecting the breathing apparatus, which should be washed in fresh water after each dive and then treated with a disinfectant. A diving mask is also susceptible to mold and fungal growth, so it should be disinfected each time , then wiped with tissues and cotton pads, thoroughly drying all nooks and crannies. A coating on the mask would indicate mold growth. All neoprene accessories, such as wetsuits, gloves, boots, and hoods, should also be disinfected with diving chemicals. Neoprene, due to its porous structure, absorbs dirt and moisture well. Therefore, the suit should be rinsed after each dive, then turned inside out and treated with a scuba disinfectant . The same applies to gloves, hoods, and even boots! Both the BC and drysuit should also be disinfected every few dives, with the difference that the inside of the drysuit doesn't need to be washed too vigorously. In the case of the BC, remember to clean and disinfect both the inflator and the buoyancy bladder.