Servicing and Maintenance
Regulators ·
BCD'S (Buoyancy
Compensators) or Stab Jackets · Tanks & Valves
·
Computer Battery Replacements ·
Visual tank Inspection ·
Hydro-static Testing
·
Exposure Suits ·
Drysuits ·
Wetsuits ·
Our Certified Technicians ensure dive equipment is kept in as safe a condition as possible.
St. Andrew's Divers Cove has staff who are
qualified to service most items of diving equipment. We always do our best to
assist clients who may have problems with their equipment while on holiday in
Gozo.
We are the local agents for Apeks and are therefore fully geared to sell and service all parts of Apeks regulators even at short notice. For the best prices on Apeks regulators go to our 'Dive Shop' page.
In the quieter Winter months we service our own hire department equipment and the private equipment of local divers. Each of our 220 tanks go through a visual test, a hydrostatic test, they are then spray painted and prepared for the next season. All BCDs, regulators, pillar valves are also serviced.
Here is where the precisely machined parts, silicone and o-rings, valves and regulators come together so that we can enjoy the underwater world we love so much.
Regulators
Your regulator could be the most important piece of equipment you own and should at least be serviced annually. Many of today's Manufactures offer a lifetime warranty on parts as long as you have the equipment serviced regularly. Here is an explanation of what this service consists of.
Here at the repair bench regulators, alternate air sources, and gauge consoles are disassembled down to the last o-ring.. Next they are given a cleaning bath to remove any corrosion from the parts. The parts are then dried, inspected, and polished. O-rings, seats, gaskets, and other soft parts are replaced, lubricated, and re-installed. The equipment is then assembled and re-tuned to factory specifications. Every piece of equipment is then water tested for leaks by submerging it in our test tank.
Whether you dive once or twice a season or your in the water every weekend. Your equipment should be serviced at least once a year to keep it performing well.
Buoyancy Compensators
Your BCD should be serviced annually to check for leaks, corrosion, salt build up, and proper function. Here is an explanation on what is done. First your power inflator is removed from your BCD. It is disassembled and given a cleaning bath removing any corrosion. O-rings and soft parts are replaced and the power inflator is reassembled and tuned to factory specifications. Next the BCD is washed inside and out with disinfectant and deodorizer. Complete re-assemble of the BCD unit is finished and a 30 minute pressure test for leaks is done.
Tanks & Valves
Our repair department services many different types of tanks and cylinders. We inspect everything from steel and aluminium Scuba tanks, medical oxygen cylinders, fibre-glass reinforced fire fighting SCUBA tanks and specialty aviation and marine safety cylinders. There are many tests and inspections done on these cylinders. We have listed some of them below with a short explanation on what is involved.
Computer Battery Replacements
It is a good idea and a good habit to replace your computer or timer batteries regularly. We freshly stock most manufacturer's batteries. The battery is replaced along with the catalyst or moisture capsule in the computer. We have the ability to test the unit for its waterproofs and depth accuracy in our very own underwater compression chamber.
Visual Tank Inspection - Done every year
The tank is first emptied, and the valve is removed. A complete assessment of the valve is done checking for correct working order, severe corrosion, broken parts, etc. The two main o-rings are removed and replaced. Next, an external inspection of the tank is done. Here we check for corrosion, pitting, dents, and signs of fire damage. An internal inspection with a fiber optic light and dental mirror is performed. Again checking for corrosion, pitting, water, oil, silicone, or any other contaminates. Finally the valve, with new o-rings, is reinstalled , a new VIP sticker is applied and the tank is filled and checked for leaks.
Hydrostatic Testing - Done every 5 years
After the V. I. P. and the Visual Plus inspections, the cylinder is filled with water. The cylinder is then submerged in a vat of water with a secured lid. All the air is purged out of the cylinder being tested and the vat it's submerged in. Next, the cylinder being tested is pressurized, using water pressure, to the D.O.T. specified directives. Normally this is 5/3 the working pressure of the cylinder (i.e. an aluminium 80 normally gets filled to 3000 psi and is hydro-statically tested to 5000 psi). When the cylinder is pressurized, it expands. The amount of expansion is measured through displacement in pipette tubes. When the pressure is released a second measurement is taken for permanent expansion results. If the permanent expansion is within limits the tank passes and kept in service. The tank is emptied of water, dried, stamped with the month, retesters I.D. Number, and year. The valve is installed, and the cylinder is filled and checked for leaks.
Exposure Suits
Drysuits
Our Repair Department services all drysuit repairs including replacing neck seals, wrist seals, booties, and zippers. We also install pockets, warm neck collars, zipper guards and many other added options.
Wetsuits
We offer repairing holes and tears, and specialty modifications and developments.