How to tell if Mask is rated for Scuba Diving?

[lox]

Gday all and a Happy New year to everyone!

I've bought a couple of masks and a Sea-Doo kit with Mask/Snorkel/Fins.

I used one of the masks for a couple of dives to 50ft. and bought the kit mainly for snorkeling.
I'm heading out to Turks and Caicos in a couple of days and plan to get my Advanced Padi Cert.
But I got to thinking how do I know those masks I have are rated for 100ft deep water?
They both have an ANSI # on them and say Tempered Glass.

One other question, is there some way to sterilize rented regulators/mouthpieces?

Thanks in advance

 

[BoltSnap]

If they are good for 50fth, they should be OK for 100ft. Just make sure that the strap and the rest of the mask material are of good quality that they don't rip or break apart easily. Depth is immaterial.

As for the mouthpiece sterilization, it would probably be easier to buy your own mouth piece and use it on the rental regulator you will be using during your trip.

 

[boulderjohn]

Gday all and a Happy New year to everyone!

I've bought a couple of masks and a Sea-Doo kit with Mask/Snorkel/Fins.

I used one of the masks for a couple of dives to 50ft. and bought the kit mainly for snorkeling.
I'm heading out to Turks and Caicos in a couple of days and plan to get my Advanced Padi Cert.
But I got to thinking how do I know those masks I have are rated for 100ft deep water?
They both have an ANSI # on them and say Tempered Glass.

One other question, is there some way to sterilize rented regulators/mouthpieces?

The problem with cheaper masks has nothing to do with depth. A cheap mask may or may not hold up for the long run, it may not fit well, and it may not make a good seal. If it works for you, though, then it should be OK.

If you are concerned about germs from used mouthpieces, then you can sanitize it pretty easily. Just bring a small spray bottle with a dilute bleach solution. Spray it on, leave it for a while, and then rinse it off. Lysol makes a sanitizing spray you can bring. You can also use any number of no-rinse sanitizing solutions found in your local home brew supply store.

 

[lox]

Thanks folks, the masks fit well so I'll use them. And I do have my own mouthpiece, I just hope it will fit the reg. and the dive shop will allow me to use mine !

 

[scubadiver888]

Gday all and a Happy New year to everyone!

I've bought a couple of masks and a Sea-Doo kit with Mask/Snorkel/Fins.

I used one of the masks for a couple of dives to 50ft. and bought the kit mainly for snorkeling.
I'm heading out to Turks and Caicos in a couple of days and plan to get my Advanced Padi Cert.
But I got to thinking how do I know those masks I have are rated for 100ft deep water?
They both have an ANSI # on them and say Tempered Glass.

One other question, is there some way to sterilize rented regulators/mouthpieces?

Thanks in advance

If the mask fits well, doesn't leak at depth, your nose is inside the mask and you can pinch your nose (for equalizing) then it is fine for scuba diving. If you used it to 50 feet it will be fine to any recreational depth.

I have never seen a mouthpiece that does fit all regulators. Some are a little tighter than others (Seacure for example) but they all fit. If they let you put your mouthpiece on, make sure you get the same regulator each day. Your AOW will take more than one day. Either that or bring three mouthpieces. You should only need two but I'd play it safe and bring three. Don't forget the zip ties as well.

 

[BoltSnap]

Don't forget the tie-wraps!!!!

 

[Bogie]

A mask is very important. I would go to a LDS and get fitted. If a mask is leaking or the strap breaks it is a pain (especially at 100 feet). I suggest a low volume black single lens frameless but it is a personal choice.

 

[knotical]

... is there some way to sterilize rented regulators/mouthpieces?...

Not sure whether this is scientifically sound, but germs that survive in our mouths shouldn't do particularly well in the higher salinity of sea water. So just swishing second stages in the ocean might work.

 

[KP3S]

Worry about germs in reg mouth piece, Alcohol pads works well then rinse it with water. It might have a little of alcohol taste but you will be safe. The safest way is to bring your own regulator or borrow one from a friend.

 

[Garrobo]

KP3S: "Borrow one from a friend"? If you knew some of my friends you'd rent one.