Dive Training Blogs
Everything you need to know about your Scuba Mask, Part 5: Caring for Your Dive Mask
Caring for Your Scuba Mask
To a large degree, you care for your mask the same as you would any other piece of dive equipment. The basic steps include:
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and allow to dry.
- Transport in a protective case.
- Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Let’s take a look at how each of these steps apply specifically to dive masks.
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and allow to dry
If your mask has been exposed to salt, sand, mud, chlorine or any other potentially harmful substance, you need to rinse it thoroughly in fresh water following use. When doing so, pay particular attention to the buckle area or any other place where salt or sediment can build up.
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If you dive in clean, fresh water, you can most likely skip the rinsing step; however, you will still need to allow your mask to dry thoroughly before storing it. Sealing up wet dive gear inside equipment bags or cases (or any other enclosed space) invites the growth of mold, mildew and other unpleasant things that can harm your equipment.
After a week of diving in a saltwater environment, it’s a good idea to soak all of your equipment overnight in a tub of warm, fresh water. Let’s face it: That communal rinse tank on the boat or at the resort may start out as fresh water; however, once everyone else has dunked their salty equipment in it, it won’t be that fresh. Assume that you will be coming home with gear that is in dire need of a thorough overnight soak and rinse prior to drying and storage.
Transport and store in a protective case
Unlike some of your other equipment, your dive mask has a lens that can break and a silicone skirt that can be torn or damaged. To prevent the need for a costly replacement, always transport and store your mask in a protective case. The thin, plastic case your mask came in is better than nothing. A sturdier, hard-shelled case will afford even greater protection and is a good investment.
Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight
Sunlight is one of your dive gear’s greatest enemies. Fading and UV damage can drastically shorten the life of almost any equipment item — including masks. Ideally, you will store all of your equipment in a place that is dry, well-ventilated, out of direct sunlight and away from extremes of heat or cold.
Follow all of these steps and you will help ensure that your dive equipment provides years of service.
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
Blogs
Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire
Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.
Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.
Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:
- 12 April
- 5 July,
- 20 September
- 29 November
Partnership with Casita Palma
If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.
Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.
Blogs
Scubility: Achieving Success through Adaptability
The Scubility Program in Action
In the last four events, we have enrolled many Scubility divers in the program. We also have a team of trained instructors and assistants; without them, this wouldn’t be possible. The main objective was to make safe and comfortable diving experiences for Scubility students. In fact, in the last Scubility program, which concluded in March 2023, we included a blind diver along with six other Scubility divers. We also had 8 instructors and more than 10 assistant participants to make this possible.
The main challenge for blind divers is to set up a communication signal. So, I designed a unique ‘touch signal’ for blind students where they just need to touch an arm to convey a message. For example, when an instructor touches your arm twice, it means he is asking, “Are you okay?”. In case of any emergency during the dive, the blind diver just needs to squeeze the arm of the instructor to get his attention to solve the problem. For each Scubility diver, there were at least two personnel, an instructor, and an assistant, assigned.
Impact and Emotions of Scubility
The most satisfying experience of this program was to see Scubility divers happy, with emotional, teary eyes. I could imagine that probably for the first time, or perhaps the only time, some of them could walk, stand, and move again underwater without a wheelchair, feeling alive again. Seeing a courageous Scubility diver overcoming all challenges and obstacles to make it possible definitely inspires me to organize more events like this.
“Scuba Diving for All” Event
The biggest local Scubility program, named “Scuba Diving for All,” was organized in Khao Lak, Phang-nga Province, south of Thailand, from October 30 to November 5, 2018. We invited international Scubility participant divers for this event. Leading up to this program, we put in lots of effort, preparing hotels and resorts in a friendly design, making sure of choosing good dive sites, and above all, to bring a smile to our precious Scubility students.
I hope that this endeavor will serve as an inspiration for people worldwide to achieve what may seem impossible, while also raising awareness about the importance of charity and kindness in our society. I look forward to welcoming you soon to our joyful underwater realm.
As an SDI TDI & Scubility IT, Dan Phutthakhun Prungkananon, owner of All Star Diving Academy located in Thailand, has a deep-rooted passion for ensuring safety and fun in the water. Keep up with Dan and the All Star Diving Academy via Instagram or Facebook and by checking out their Dive Center Facebook.
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