Your scuba BC takes care of you underwater, playing a vital role in safe ascents and exploration. Make sure you take care of your BC by properly prepping it for a dive and cleaning it afterward. Here are a few maintenance tips from our Gear Editor for keeping your BC in tip-top shape for as long as possible.

BC CARE – BEFORE YOU DIVE
• Inspect the corrugated inflator hose for any signs of wear, damage or cracking, and make sure zip ties are securely in place at top and bottom
• Check the power inflator hose and valve connection for corrosion, damage or wear
• hook up the power inflator and fully inflate the BC until one of the exhaust valves releases, then let the BC sit for a few minutes to check for any signs of air leaks
• Operate all exhaust valves to make sure they work properly, and check for any damage or wear to the pull cords
• Check the weight pockets for damage or corrosion, with special attention to the release mechanism
• Inspect the backplate and the tank band and buckle for damage or corrosion

BC CARE—AFTER YOU DIVE
• Open cargo and weight pockets and soak the BC thoroughly in fresh, clean water
• While it’s soaking, remove any sand or other debris from pockets, buckles or the harness – a brush can help get it out the velcro
• While pressing the oral inflator, fill the BC about half full of fresh water
• Blow enough air in the BC to partially inflate it, then rotate and shake it to rinse the inside of the air cell
• Operate all of the exhaust valves to rinse them out
• Let the BC stand or hang with an exhaust valve at the low point so you can drain all of the water out
• Partially inflate the BC and let it thoroughly dry out of the sun before you store it