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TANK

Buying a used tank is probably the easiest purchase you can make. You should only purchase tanks that have been recently certified or that have not gone to long after their certification.

Usually buying used tanks from Dive shops will be the safest and they would or should only sell tanks that are still within their service period. They will be more banged up but likely still usable for many years.

Always make sure the valve can easily open and close and is not damaged. Also make sure that there are no visible cracks or dents in the tank.

What you need to make sure is that the tank has its last inspection stamped onto it. If the date passed the inspection that you need to get it visually inspected and pressure tested.

All of the above can be taken care of at our Service center in Curacao.

Another tip :

Personally i would only purchase a used scuba tank if its reasonably pressurized, if there is absolutely no air in the scuba-tank i would be extremely cautious about it and would certainly have to get it re-certified and visually checked.

Or worst yet , if you noticed they left the valve open you can be certain they might have to sell you that scuba-tank for almost free.

The chances of moisture and rust building up inside the tank just got higher.

Buying a used Regulator?

Carry a scuba tank with you when inspecting your used Regulator.

Take some time to check the hoses for cracks and make sure the regulator’s purge buttons work properly.

It would be difficult to test much more of it because of time but always ask when the regulator was last serviced.

If they can’t remember that is a bad sign.

Research the brand before hand and make sure service centers in your area can service that brand and model or if they carry service kits.

Wether it was recently serviced or not, ALWAYS get it checked at a dive service center. Dive Wederfoort can do that inspection for you. And we can let you know if it urgently needs to be serviced or not.

But we recommend to just get it serviced completely for peace of mind. then you can establish your own service intervals.

Contact us today if you have more questions about buying used gear.

Bring your scuba diving gear to our Service center for inspection.

Wall Diving in Curacao

If you ever wondered what wall diving is like in Curacao you are in the right place.

First of all you need to know Curacao has VERY deep waters and Wall Diving can be both easy and somewhat dangerous.

Why Easy?

Navigation : Most shore entry dives are within a few minutes of gentle swimming to the drop off or the wall.

Meaning that swimming to the wall and selecting a dive to the right or left is all you need to do.

Navigating back is as easy as turning around 180 degrees back to your starting point. Easy right?

Why could it be Dangerous?

Wall’s or Drop off’s can be very tempting concerning how deep you go. Some drop off’s might go deeper than 45 meters and you might end up down there if you do not keep an eye on your depth.

Also depending on the direction you choose current might be helping you or against you.

If going with the current plan to turn around earlier than you usually would so you have enough air to dive your way back.

The opposite is also important , keep an eye on over exerting yourself when swimming agains current. There is no fun in being tired.

Tips:

1. Find out if the wall dive you choose has any reference points for coming back to shore. Its way funner to dive out and back in. Keep track of those coordinates and keep a compass.
2. Dive within your capabilities. Wall dives can turn into deep dives very quickly so keep a good eye on your depth and follow your dive plan.
3. Check the current before going to far.
4. Keep track of references your way out and back in. Share them with our divers.

One really easy dive site to train on wall dives is at Boca Sami. You have a massive chain as a reference point that you cannot possibly miss. The wall is full of beautiful Coral .

Book this dive with us or come by and check out the place.

How to start to own dive gear.

First of all one way to start to own dive gear is to just buy it.

If you have the means then walk into a dive shop pick up what you need, that is certainly one easy way you can get your own dive gear.

But now lets say you do not have as much “Monetary” resources. But eventually you want to own your own MASK, FINS , BCD , TANK , Regulator Set ect ect.

Mask and Fins

So start buying what you can. Personally buying a used MASK and FIN set should be done with caution so inspect used items well since items like a MASK might seem like it will fit but make sure you try it on!

Make sure your the used fins you are buying are not cracked or severely deformed.

BCD

Next buying a USED BCD might be tricky as you cannot tell quickly if the previous owners have serviced or taken care of the equipment properly. So Inspect all Metal and Plastic parts for corrosion and brittleness.

Fully inflate the BCD and try and listen for leaks. The BCD should be able to keep its pressure.

Test all functions of the BCD and all release valves should work without puling to hard on them. Check all Velcro straps that they still work properly and all CLIPS that they are not cracked and release well.

Most importantly even if everything works well. Make sure it fits well. There is nothing worst that tightening all straps under water and feeling like you will still fall out of your BCD or the other way around fully extending all straps and barely fitting.

TIP: Go to a dive shop and shop for a new BCD and try on different sizes, or let the shop owners recommend a size for you. Remember that size when looking for used BCD’s

Note: If your BCD is Weight integrated make sure the weight pockets belong to the BCD and clip in correctly. Pull on them and test how they release. They should never fall out on their own.

In Fact some BCD’s that are weight integrated have Weight Pockets that have to be intentionally released rather than just being pulled with force. So make sure you can tell the difference.

 

Check out our part 2 of this post where we will take about Buying used Scuba tanks and more.

Contact us today at our Dive school and see what items are for sale in the Dive Shop.