Soaking computers,lights and camera pre dive

[naplestreasures]

Just wondering why I saw everyone on our dive boat putting all of their computers, cameras and dive lights in a tub of water on the boat before diving.
I also remembber the DM's be strict about the water not being used for prepping masks.
I assume it's to make sure nothing floods but....if it's going to flood in thr tub, it's going to flood in the water so it makes no difference.
Unless it's better to flood in fresh water vs salt water?

All input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Darnold9999]

Camera tank should be for camera's - not sure why you would pre soak a light or computer. I presoak to look for bubbles - much better to catch a leak before you enter the water. I also want the camera to go into fresh water after the dive so when it dries there are no salt crystals to get in the o-ring.

 

[mig_diver]

if it's going to flood in thr tub, it's going to flood in the water so it makes no difference

If it floods in the tub then you can take it out of the water easily before any major damage is done. It is also better to sort out these problems before you get into the water because you don't want to be getting on and off the boat to sort them out while your buddy is waiting for you in the water.

 

[Noboundaries]

I almost learned this lesson the hard way about pre-soaking the camera. On a dive I noticed fogging in the housing. Sure enough, there were drops of water in the housing. After the dive I found one of my hairs laying across the o-ring. Everything was fine but I started pre-soaking before every dive and take EXTRA care when opening and closing my housing. I also do not over lube the o-ring.

I pre-soak my camera for leaks. Once I've shaken off all the surface tension and trapped bubbles I watch for additional bubbles forming. If there's a problem, on the boat you can correct the problem or leave the camera in the gear bag. At 80 fsw you may have a flooded camera. Recognizing the problem on the boat is better. In two trips to Cozumel I've already witnessed two flooded and ruined digital cameras from other divers who did not know how to properly prep their new housings.

Afterward the dive I drop it in the bucket to prevent salt crystals on the o-rings.

I'll do the same thing with my primary light on night dives for all the same reasons.

 

[drbill]

Although I don't dive with one, I can see why some might pre-soak expensive cannister lights for the same reason one checks for leaks in camera housings.

 

[DandyDon]

I thot you wanted to soak the camera pre-dive to cool it off some so that when you take it in for the dive you won't have precipitation from the sudden change in temperature on the coolest part of the housing: the lens!

I'm more concerned with salt crystals and other hard salts in the water drying on the lens than on o-ring post-dive. Soaking the computer post-dive will help prevent salt crystals on the water-activation terminals but I can think of no reason to soak one pre-dive? Soaking a light seems silly at any point.

 

[peterbj7]

Don's point is a good one, though you want a cover over the rinse bucket so the cameras aren't in the sun (down here that applies, anyway!). His point about not letting salt water dry on the lens is also good - the salt bonds with the glass and makes a permanent mark.

But what I think is the key reason is simply that the rinse bucket is conveniently placed for easy access when exiting/entering the boat, and the crew know where it is. Makes it much easier for a crew member to hand you your camera just after you've got in. And once in the bucket there's no risk of a camera falling off a seat onto the floor, as it might if you've left it unattended while you kit up and enter the water. I'm presuming that no-one here jumps in with their camera?

 

[DandyDon]

I'm presuming that no-one here jumps in with their camera?

One of the girls on the SD.com Bonaire trip did, flooded it the first day. She had a new one for her private Hawaii trip last month, tho. Good insurance or pay for lessons learned...?

I've noticed that some Ops on liveboat dives say to jump in with it, just hold it high above your head...????

 

[naplestreasures]

Thanks for all the responses folks.
I remember seeing cameras, lights and wrist mounted computers in the tub pre dive and post dive when I took my OW course.
I can see putting a everything in post dive.
While comtemplating it, I guess I came to somewhat decent conclusions.

 

[mkutyna]

I've noticed that some Ops on liveboat dives say to jump in with it, just hold it high above your head...????

With their third arm I suppose? Very strange.