Canister lights are an effective, and essential, form of primary lighting for divers. As well as enabling you to see clearly beneath the waves, canister lights are one of your key means of communication with other divers: as we all know, it’s impossible to speak to each other under water. As such, caring properly for your canister lights is crucial.

The three key principles of dive canister light care are explained below:

1. Be prepared: keep those lights charged.

The last thing that you want is for your canister light to flicker, or (worse) to give out completely, midway through a dive. Charge your canister light fully in the 24 hours before a dive. It should be equipped with a small LED light that will shine green when it is fully charged. Right before diving, check that the battery cap has been completely sealed and then switch the light on and off a couple of times to check that it works.

2. Know what temperatures your light can withstand.

Good quality canister lights are made from durable thermoplastics that can withstand both very high and very low temperatures. Ensure that you know which temperature ranges your light works best in, and dive with a thermometer so you can be aware of any very low temperature areas that might affect its beam.

3. Care for the light properly after a dive.

If you have dived in salt water, rinse the light thoroughly with fresh and clean water before you unseal it (salt water can be very corrosive). Dry it completely, inspect the cord, and place it in a suitable case for storage and transport.

Dive canister light care is easy when you know how. And with proper care, a good canister dive light will last you for a number of years.