Breaking in New Equipment
After purchasing a mask, snorkel or set of fins, remove the manufacturer's
shipping preservative from the equipment before using it. Many rubber products
are coated with ozone and ultraviolet inhibitors by the manufacturer, which
will often appear as a white waxy substance on the rubber. The preservative may
easily be removed with a mild abrasive such as tooth paste or ordinary kitchen
cleanser. Scrub the lens of the mask thoroughly inside and out. If this is not
done when the mask is new, the mask will have a tendency to always fog up when
you dive.
Maintenance Checklist
Mask Lens
Inspect for nicks, cracks or chips in the lens of the mask. Never dive with a
chipped or cracked lens.
Lens Retaining Ring
Inspect for any defects such as cracks, broken spot welds, stripped screws, or
loose nuts that will affect the security of the retaining ring.
Purge Valve
If your mask has a purge valve, check it for any signs of leakage or
deterioration, making sure the valve operates freely. With the mask held
securely to your face, you should be able to force air out the purge valve by
exhaling. Then inhale to check that the purge valve seals properly. No air
should enter the mask through the purge valve.
Straps
Check the mask and fin straps for any signs of deterioration or distortion of
the rubber. Flex the rubber gently when dry and look for signs of cracking and
brittleness which will be most noticeable where the straps bend around the
buckles.
Snorkel
Check for any looseness or separation around the mouthpiece, checking to ensure
that the mouthpiece has not been bitten through and is free of cracks. The
swivel joints on many snorkels should be disassembled in order to remove any
debris or sand particles. Scrub the area lightly with a toothbrush, then
reassemble. For snorkels with purge valves, check for any warping or cracking
of the valve, and make sure it has been rinsed free from any debris and
particles that could clog it.
Attachment Buckles
Check the mask and fin strap attachment buckles or holder for any signs of
distortion or cracking. Check any retaining screws or pins for security, and
occasionally tighten when needed.
Fins
If your fins are constructed of a combination of neoprene and plastic, don't
forget to check for signs of deterioration in the neoprene foot pocket. While
the newer plastic materials used in the fin blade may be impervious to
deterioration, the neoprene foot pocket will deteriorate if not properly
protected from harmful elements such as chlorine, ozone, or ultraviolet rays.
Cleaning and Storage
Mask Cleaning
After each use, rinse thoroughly in fresh, warm water (not hot) to remove
chlorine, sand, or any encrusted salt particles that have accumulated on the
lens of the mask or in the narrow recesses around the lens retaining ring.
Occasionally wash in warm, soapy water, followed by a thorough rinsing to
remove traces of the chlorine, perspiration salt or lotions that may collect on
the rubber over a period of time through normal use.
Prior to Storage
Allow the equipment to dry thoroughly before storage, but do not expose it to
sunlight or heat for an extended period of time. The new plastic materials
being used for masks, fins and snorkels require more protection from heat (such
as car trunks, direct sun, around swimming pools, etc.) as heat exposure can
cause warping or distortions. For prolonged periods of storage, remove the
straps from masks and fins to relieve the stress on the rubber. Surgical grade
silicone masks should not be stored or carried in the same bag as other black
neoprene products, as they may change colour when exposed to black rubber.
Mask and Fin Straps
Pay special attention to your mask and fin strap holders and buckles by taking
care to rinse out the sand and salt particles that may have become lodged in
the holder assemblies. With the new style quick release strap holders, relaxing
the tension on the straps after each dive will contribute to their longevity.
Many mask and fin strap holders, or buckles, have an
exclusive design which requires straps that are available only from the
manufacturer. Be sure to carry replacement straps that fit your particular fin
or mask design.