How to Maintain a Buoyancy Compensator Valve With Silicone Grease

The buoyancy compensating device is attached to the tank and regulator system.

Buoyancy compensating devices are used by scuba divers to attain neutral buoyancy underwater and to keep them afloat when they are on the surface. They consist of a jacket or harness attached to an air bladder which is filled with air via a low pressure hose connected to the scuba tank. Divers adjust the level of air in the jacket with the inflator button and dump valves. You should keep the main valve of the device treated well with silicone grease to avoid any leakage from the equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Silicone grease

Instructions

1. Wash the buoyancy compensating device in fresh water and allow it to dry.

2. Locate the quick disconnect valve on the end of the inflator hose. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the edges of the plug with your finger.

3. Pull back the coupling on the low pressure inflator hose connected to the regulator. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the o-ring located below the coupling.

4. Unscrew the two dump valves from the right-hand shoulder and lower right-hand of the back of the bladder. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the o-rings. Replace the seal and springs, and reattach the valve covers to the buoyancy compensating device.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your buoyancy compensating device serviced once a year by a certified professional service center. If you notice a problem with your device before this then have it checked.

References

• PADI Open Water Diver Manual; Drew Richardson, PhD.; 2006
• Scubapro: BCD Owner's Manual