You’ve invested in a great dive light. If you want it to last, proper dive light care and maintenance is essential. So how exactly do you care for your dive light? What should you do to prevent rust, elongate battery life, and ensure the dive light’s physical usable life? These are a few tips for properly maintaining and caring for your investment.
Pre-Dive Care
You have to make sure your dive light is properly functioning. So before your first dive, open it up, and check the o-rings for damage. Make sure everything seamlessly opens/closes, no gaps are present, and no damage is visible before your first dive. You also want to clean the o-rings, apply lubricant and install a new, fully charged battery before your first dive.
During the initial inspection also check for corrosion, damage, dents, or other possible issues with your new dive light. Check the lanyard and mount area for corrosion as well. If properly functioning, and if everything looks good, you’re ready for your first dive.
Post-Dive Care
You’ve just completed a dive, so you have to make sure your dive light is properly stored to prevent damage, corrosion, rust, or other issues. After each dive, it is a good idea to rinse the light in order to remove salt and other debris which might have made their way into the light during your dive. While cleaning, operate the switch (on/off) in a submerged bucket or sink, to ensure proper operation. Before opening, make sure you dry everything thoroughly.
When the light is completely dry, you should open it to inspect the o-rings and other areas where water might have made its way in during your dive. Clean these areas with a damp cloth to remove salt and debris. When you are ready to store your light, it is a good idea to remove the batteries. This will help preserve battery life while your dive light is not being used.
Regardless of the cost of your dive light, you want something that is going to last you for several dives and for years to come. Only with proper dive light care, and preventive maintenance, is this going to be the case. So, whether you are a novice or advanced diver, you should take the proper steps to preserve your light.