When should you replace your dive computer or BCD?

When should you replace your dive computer or BCD?|Technical Diver Gearing up for a Dive
When should you replace your dive computer or BCD?|Technical Diver Gearing up for a Dive

Scuba diving is a highly gear-dependent activity, but like divers themselves, dive gear ages. It can even become obsolete, as gear is replaced by newer models with improved features and safety. Michael Menduno looks at when should you consider replacing expensive items like your dive computer or BCD.

So the big question is ‘when should you replace your dive computer or BCD’? The answer is ‘it depends’.

Computer love

Divers don’t buy new dive computers every year, so it is not uncommon to see older computers while on dive trips. But just because those models were the best options 15 years ago doesn’t mean they’re ideal to use now. New technology has improved computer processing power, battery life, sensor sensitivity and display screens.

Older dive computers are often not able to fully implement newer decompression algorithms; modern computers are more powerful and, in many cases, are better able to compute a more-faithful rendition of the underlying algorithm. Modern sensors can detect even slight changes in pressure and register changes in water temperature in a tenth of the time it takes those in older dive computers. This improvement provides more accurate estimates of water temperature, depth and ascent rate, although the dive computer’s physical design can affect these measurements — and measuring depth to the nearest inch of seawater may not have any practical impact on safety.

Many manufacturers will factory test dive computers for accuracy, so DAN Europe recommends that divers contact the manufacturer of any dive computer that is ten years old or older, or that has made 1,000 or more dives, and ask if it should be tested for accuracy. Years of diving can take their toll on computers in terms of wear and tear, exposure to sun and salt water, being dropped and other neglect.

As our dive computers steadily age, so do we. Many newer dive computers have sharper screens that are brighter, have larger numbers and are more intuitive to use than older models – hint, hint – worthwhile reasons to add a new dive computer to our wish list.

Technical Diver Gearing up for a Dive
Technical Diver Gearing up for a Dive

B-C-D, easy as 1-2-3

A comfortable and good-fitting BCD can give us years of reliable service. Do a few scuff marks or a broken clasp or two signal the end of its usefulness? Not necessarily. Does a BCD have an expiration date?

We rely on our BCD to ensure we have both a comfortable and a safe dive; a BCD failure could have very dire consequences when we most need to control our buoyancy, so we need to monitor the BCD’s condition as well as its age. In general, we might provide a cursory inspection of our BCD before and perhaps after use, but rarely do we consider getting them serviced.

Before using your BCD, especially when using it for the first time in many months, inspect the condition of the inflator hose, check the materials for degradation, fully inflate and inspect the seams for leaks and dump valves for function, and look for any significant scuffing or tearing. The inflator and dump valves need to be serviced periodically, especially as the BCD ages. Annual inspections are a good standard of practice, especially for BCDs in use for five years or more.

While BCDs don’t have an explicit shelf life, it is important to carefully and regularly monitor their condition, particularly their working parts. If the hose is sound with no signs of cracking, there are no leaks, buoyancy control is good and you service the inflator and dump valves annually after the first five years of use, then you should still have a reliable BCD. A good service technician will alert you of any embrittlement of the plastic parts, O-rings, cracks in the hoses or excessive wear and tear. Keep an eye out for leaks and cracks, especially if your BCD is more than ten years old. If fashion or function doesn’t prompt you to retire your old BCD, just be sure you stay alert for any warning signs that its functionality, and consequently your safety, may be compromised.

Dive computers and BCDs are expensive, which can make it very tempting to keep using the ones we own year after year. But don't be complacent. Use your own good judgment and that of your service technician to determine when it's time to replace your old BCD or dive computer.

You can see more content from Dan Europe from their regular column, or check out the DAN website for more information about medical advice and diver insurance.

About the author

AlertDiver.eu contributing editor Michael Menduno is an award-winning journalist and technologist who has written about diving and diving technology for decades. He coined the term ‘technical diving’. His work has appeared in magazines such as Alert Diver, DeeperBlue.com, DIVER, Quest, Scientific American, Sport Diver, Undercurrent, Undersea Journal, WIRED and X-Ray. He founded and served as editor-in-chief for aquaCORPS Journal (1990-1996), which helped usher tech diving into the mainstream of sports diving. He also produced the first Tek, EuroTek and AsiaTek conferences. In addition, Michael serves as the editor-in-chief of InDepth, the Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) online magazine.

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@sennacher 
#askmark Hi there, regarding DSMBs. I’m no expert whatsoever and normally I deploy it correctly. This weekend we dove on very strong current and I almost lose my breath while deploying it (mouth inflate) as it tangled a bit on my reg. It scared the sh&t out of me so. Is there any “little cylinder” kind of thing in order to keep my reg in my mouth to deploy it safer?  I haven’t tried to do it with my LPI… but asume it would tangle also.
Thanks
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#askmark Hi there, regarding DSMBs. I’m no expert whatsoever and normally I deploy it correctly. This weekend we dove on very strong current and I almost lose my breath while deploying it (mouth inflate) as it tangled a bit on my reg. It scared the sh&t out of me so. Is there any “little cylinder” kind of thing in order to keep my reg in my mouth to deploy it safer? I haven’t tried to do it with my LPI… but asume it would tangle also.
Thanks
Please visit our website for more Scuba news, underwater photography, hints & advice, and travel reports: https://divernet.com/

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Welcome to Scuba Diver Magazine! We’re passionate about everything related to the underwater world. As a free distribution magazine in Europe, ANZ, and North America, we bring you the latest in scuba diving, from epic dive travel destinations and honest gear reviews to expert advice, news, and inspiring underwater stories.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, our content is designed to keep you informed, inspired, and ready for your next dive. Get in, explore, and stay connected to the world of scuba diving with us! Join us and never miss an adventure!

For Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:

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How Twinset Valves Work In Scuba Diving | Shutdown Drills And Isolator Tips Explained #scubadiving #askmark #twinset

Confused about how to use twinset valves or perform a proper valve shutdown drill? You’re not alone.

In this AskMark episode, Mark explains how valves work on twin cylinders, including how to safely open and close them, how isolator valves function, and why valve drills (also known as shutdown drills or V-Drills) are critical for diagnosing leaks during technical and recreational dives. Please visit our website for more Scuba news, underwater photography, hints & advice, and travel reports: https://divernet.com/ 

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Let us know in the comments how your instructor taught valve drills and don’t forget to leave your questions using #AskMark to get featured in a future video. 

@mostafametwally1

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Disclaimer: The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training. This video's content, including text, graphics, images, and information, is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor.

🔎 Related Phrases:

How Twinset Valves Work In Scuba Diving, Shutdown Drills And Isolator Tips Explained, How Twinset Valves Work In Diving, Scuba Valve Drill Tutorial, Shutdown Drill For Twin Cylinders, How To Use Twinset Isolator Valve, Twinset Manifold Explained, Best Way To Close Dive Valves, V-Drill For Scuba Divers, Twin Cylinder Gas Management Tips, Scuba Regulator Shutdown Steps, How To Practice Twinset Valve Drills, Muscle Memory For Valve Shutdowns

#scubadiving #askmark #twinset #scubavalves #shutdownskills #divingsafety #scubatraining #scubatech #divetips #manifoldvalve #valvedrill #scubagear #divingtechniques #scubacommunity #technicaldiving

How Do Valves Work on Twin Cylinders? #askmark
@mostafametwally1
#askmark hi Mark. Could you do a video on how to deal with the valves and manifold on twin cylinders. It’s confusing to remember which way to open the valves and it’s easy to get wrong particularly in emergencies. Thanks
#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

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