Question on equipment service

[Swan1172]

I read recently that one of the most common times that divers have problems with their equipment is right after they have it serviced. In particular, one of the most common times for a regulator to free-flow is right after it is serviced. Everyone talks about how scuba equipment is really "life support equipment", which really makes me wonder about the training the people servicing this kind of equipment receive.

My question is what kind of training do the technicians at the typical LDS go through? Is it a one or two-hour seminar provided by manufacturers at one of the dive trade shows, or is it something more than that?

 

[wallacm]

all i know is that I am very picky on who services my regs, if I don't do it than there are only 3 other people that I will let. I'm not exactly sure what the class is, but I believe that each manufacture puts on their own class.

 

[sharkattack]

I read recently that one of the most common times that divers have problems with their equipment is right after they have it serviced. In particular, one of the most common times for a regulator to free-flow is right after it is serviced. Everyone talks about how scuba equipment is really "life support equipment", which really makes me wonder about the training the people servicing this kind of equipment receive.

My question is what kind of training do the technicians at the typical LDS go through? Is it a one or two-hour seminar provided by manufacturers at one of the dive trade shows, or is it something more than that?

I had 40 hours in a course. It isn't rocket science but at the same time it doesn't take much to mess a reg up. But if you test it right after a service and make sure the IP is set the reg should work fine. This should all be done prior to a reg being sent back to a customer.

 

[Swan1172]

Sharkattack,

Who provided your training? Did you get some kind of a certification at the end?

I am trying to figure out what I should be looking for when I take my gear in for service. In the past, I just trusted that my LDS had properly trained people doing servicing the gear, but the more I read, the more questions I have.

 

[captndale]

The amount of time a scuba technician has in training varies from zero to 40 hours or more. The reasons that regulators are more likely to fail just after service are multiple. Improper service, such as improper assembly, or forgetting to secure one or more components are among the likely causes of failure. Even if the service is performed properly, problems can occur. Many times regulators are taken in just prior to a scheduled trip. When a regulator is serviced, the valve seats are replaced. Valve seats take a little time to "take a set." During the first 48 hours or so after service the setting of the regulator naturally changes. If it is not readjusted there is a higher likelyhood of freeflow. A simple thing to correct, but most divers do not know how to do it themselves and divemasters will not do it for fear of liability.

 

[cerich]

here's a starting point with some information

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=140137&highlight=cerich

 

[sharkattack]

Sharkattack,

Who provided your training? Did you get some kind of a certification at the end?

I am trying to figure out what I should be looking for when I take my gear in for service. In the past, I just trusted that my LDS had properly trained people doing servicing the gear, but the more I read, the more questions I have.

A couple of things you can do are to remove all your hoses (if your comfortable doing so) and port plugs. Look inside the ports and check for moisture and discoloration. Ckeck for any corrosion both inside the ports and on the cone filter. Check to see if everything was put back in the right place as far as hoses goes and that they were secured. Do not over tighten! Infact I just hand tighten my second stages to my hoses.
The most important thing to do is to throw the reg on a full tank and turn it on. Breath off of it, listen for leaks, hit the purge button several times, and breath off it some more. Then throw it on a tank with about 1500 psi and do the same.If you want to check it further, pick up an IP (intermediate Preasure) guage. Plugs right into your inflator hose. Turn on the tank and check the IP. Most regs should read about 140PSI. Hit the purge button several times and watch the needle bounce. Should come back up to 140PSI.

Know this though. By design, regulators are designed to fail in the free flow position. So should you have a failure on a dive, you'll be able to make a safe ascent or at least get with your buddy.

 

[superstar]

If people that sell retail have the mechanical skills required to service a regulator it must be a simple task. How competent are the assemblers at the regulator factory. If your reg was assembled on a Tuesday will it be better than if it were made on a Monday morning or on Friday after a three beer lunch?

 

[cerich]

If people that sell retail have the mechanical skills required to service a regulator it must be a simple task. How competent are the assemblers at the regulator factory. If your reg was assembled on a Tuesday will it be better than if it were made on a Monday morning or on Friday after a three beer lunch?

If your reg is made in Italy(and many are) then don't worry, they don't go back to work on Friday after lunch...

Your retail comment is a borderline insult that isn't called for IMHO

 

[superstar]

No offence intended on the retail comment. Where I work it is manditory that all fork lift drivers and all crane operators drink a minimun of 40 oz. of adult beverages during lunch break.