Disinfecting scuba equipment amid COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about concern in the safety of using dive equipment. With the threat of the coronavirus, divers are urged to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. Now more than ever, sanitizing your dive equipment is quintessential. 

Disinfecting personal dive equipment

Although health experts advocate frequent washing of hands with soap and water, these two elements are not enough to sanitize dive equipment. According to Divers Alert Network (DAN), combine soap and water with mechanical action in order to be fully effective. A good example of mechanical action is scrubbing the surface using a soft brush. However, keep in mind that some parts of your equipment may not be easily reached without taking it apart. Take, for instance, the interior of a regulator. When you exhale, the air travels through the inside of a regulator. In the process, the air comes into contact with the diaphragm, lever arm, and other internal surfaces. DAN recommends soaking the regulator in a disinfectant solution. Submerging equipment in a 1% bleach solution is generally an effective sanitization method. 

EPA’s Safe Disinfectant Use 

There are many disinfectants available in the market but before using one, it’s advisable to check the EPA’s List N. This enables you to determine if a product can be used against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). 

1. Begin by finding the EPA registration number on the product. If it’s on EPA’s list of approved disinfectants, then you’re on the right track.
2. Make sure you read and follow the product’s directions. Pay attention to any precautionary information. 
3. Wash the surface with soap and water if pre-cleaning is recommended. Do the same if you’re dealing with a dirty surface.
4. Find out about the contact time by reading the directions thoroughly. Make sure the surface is wet during application to ensure its efficacy.
5. Wear gloves while disinfecting your equipment. Wash your hands immediately after removing the gloves. If you used disposable gloves, throw them after. For reusable gloves, you can clean and reuse them in the future for the same purpose. 
6. Always store disinfectants in a safe and tightly closed place where children and pets cannot reach them. 

Disinfecting rental gear 

When it comes to rental gear, it’s a must to take extra precautions. DAN recommends wiping a rental mask (especially the inside part), snorkel, regular mouthpiece, and BCD oral inflator with a household disinfecting wipe. Then wash it with fresh water before use. 

Nemo Diving Center takes your worries away by ensuring the proper disinfection of rental equipment. We also make it a point to regularly disinfect highly-touched areas in our dive center. In addition, our staff observes good hygiene by washing their hands frequently. 

We would love to see you enjoy our scuba diving dubai packages again. May these precautionary guidelines promote a safe diving experience.