How to Set Up Scuba Gear

Many scuba divers, after being away from the sport for a while, find it useful to refresh on the equipment and setup before joining a group for a shore dive. Setting up scuba gear ensures your equipment is checked to be in working order and you're ready to get in the water.

Instructions

  1. Equipment Setup

    • 1

      Wet the tank straps of your BCD so it can be stretched to tighten around your tank. Slip the tank straps over the tank and position the opening of the tank's valve in the same direction as the opening of the BCD jacket. Position the tank straps so the tank valve is the same height as the top of the BCD to avoid hitting the back of your head.

    • 2

      Tighten the tank straps around the tank and snap them closed. Make sure the tank straps are not crooked before snapping the buckle closed.

    • 3

      Organize the position of the hoses on your regulator setup. Hold the first stage so the knob is pointing away from you. The regulator and octo should be on your left side, the low-pressure hose and computer gauge should be on your right side.

    • 4

      Loosen the screw on the first stage and remove the dust cap from the filter. Slip the first stage onto the tank valve so the filter and the tank opening align. Gently tighten the screw to secure the first stage to the tank (do not over tighten). Insert the low-pressure hose into your BCD's low-inflator valve and snap the connector closed. Tuck the hose into the guides on the side and secure the velcro keeper. Attach the computer gauge to its hose retainer. Tuck the alternate air source (octo) into its octo keeper or hose clip.

    • 5

      Hold the computer gauge facing down and slowly turn the tank knob counterclockwise to turn on the air. If you hear an air leak, turn off the air, depressurize the hoses by depressing the purge button on the regulator and reposition the first stage on the tank valve. Repeat this step until minimal to no air leaks are detected.

    • 6

      Turn the tank knob completely open, then turn it clockwise by a quarter-turn. Consult your computer gauge for your air pressure. Check that your low-inflator hose, regulator and octo are working. Turn off the air until just before your dive. Gently lower the tank and BCD to the ground or on a solid bench with the BCD is facing up.

    Organizing Your Gear

    • 7

      Insert your weights into your BCD back weight pockets (nonditchable weights) and if applicable, your integrated weight pouches. Make sure your weights are evenly distributed between the left and right sides. Insert your integrated weight pouches into the corresponding slots in your BCD, then snap to secure.

    • 8

      Place your fins on top of your open BCD and place your mask on top of your fins. Insert the cummerbund straps through the mask straps to hold the gear in place, then snap closed, making sure the straps are not tight to avoid crushing your mask.

    • 9

      Place your computer gauge, regulator and octo on top of your fins and mask. If available, place your weight belt or ankle weights on each side of the tank (underneath the BCD) to prevent rolling.