Storing Your Siebe Gorman Gear: A Cautious Off-Season Approach

Before any long-term storage, a thorough cleaning of all equipment is essential. Rinse all items, including regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, and masks, with fresh, clean water. Pay particular attention to removing salt crystals, sand, and any organic residues. Allow all items to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight, to prevent mildew and material degradation. Once dry, conduct a meticulous visual inspection. Look for signs of wear, cuts, cracks, or damage to hoses, straps, and seals. Any issues identified at this stage should be addressed by a qualified service technician before storage.

For regulators, follow manufacturer guidelines for rinsing and ensure dust caps are securely in place on first stages. BCDs should be thoroughly flushed internally with fresh water and allowed to dry completely, ideally by inflating slightly and hanging upside down to drain, then storing with a small amount of air inside to prevent bladder collapse. Wetsuits and drysuits should be cleaned, dried, and stored on wide hangers to avoid creasing, with zippers lubricated as per manufacturer instructions.

The environment in which your Siebe Gorman gear is stored plays a critical role in its preservation. Choose a cool, dry, and dark location. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can degrade materials like rubber, silicone, and neoprene. UV light can cause plastics to become brittle and fabrics to fade. Humidity can lead to mildew growth and corrosion of metal components. Garages or attics with significant temperature fluctuations are generally unsuitable.

Ideally, store equipment in breathable bags or containers that protect against dust and pests but allow for air circulation. Avoid airtight containers that can trap moisture. Regulators should ideally be stored horizontally or with the first stage slightly elevated, never with hoses bent sharply. Tanks should be stored upright in a secure manner, with a small positive pressure (e.g., 200-300 psi or 15-20 bar) to prevent moisture ingress, as recommended by cylinder manufacturers and training agencies. Always refer to local regulations regarding cylinder storage.

Even in storage, it's beneficial to periodically check your gear, perhaps every few months. This allows you to inspect for any unexpected issues, such as mildew or pest activity, and to air out items if necessary. This preventative approach can save time and expense when the new season arrives.

Before the start of the next diving season, a full professional service of your regulators, BCDs, and drysuit (if applicable) is highly recommended. Leading training agencies and manufacturers uniformly advocate for annual servicing, regardless of the number of dives. This ensures that critical life-support equipment functions perfectly and meets all safety standards, providing you with peace of mind and upholding the Siebe Gorman legacy of reliability underwater.