OGroteKoning
Honorary Master
I recently read a horror story how people almost got into serious trouble renting scuba equipment. Mouth pieces came off, problems with BCD's etc. So I thought I would post this for future reference. (Not discussing wetsuits or booties)
Always go to a reputable shop when you rent gear. Be prepared to ask questions and if the guy behind the counter acts like a douchebag, turn around and go to another place. There are plenty around. You can also rent from a resort where you will be staying or from the dive operator whom you'll be diving with. In peak season you might struggle getting kit from the resort or the dive operator unless you book in advance.
Regulators
Kinda important to make absolutely sure this is fine. You need it to breathe. Check all rubber/plastic components for slight cracks/perishes and if it is faulty, tell the shop owner to replace it. Make sure the mouth pieces are clean and that it is fastened properly. It is sometimes good buying your own mouth piece and using that because you don't know who's mouth was there last. Ask the shop owner to connect it to a cylinder to test so you can feel the cracking resistance and if you are okay with it. This will also give you a chance to check the gauges to see if it is in working order. Test both regulators (main and octo)
Cylinder
Also important since the air you need to breathe will be stored in here. Do a visual check. If there is too much rust, ask for another cylinder. Also check the date when last the cylinder was inspected. This should in any case be checked by the place doing air fills. Make sure you get a cylinder with the right capacity for you.
Buoyancy Control Device
This is the jacket thingy that helps you not demolish the reef. Make sure the inflation piece and hose is not perished and in good working order. Connect it to the regulator you are renting to see if it inflates completely and keep it's inflation. It is best doing this in a tub of water, since small leaks is difficult to hear. Make sure the BCD fits you properly and comfortably and that all the clips fits securely. Also make sure there is an octo clip for emergencies.
Fins
You might need to propel yourself from that pesky shark pretty quickly. Make sure it fits your foot well. If you are going to use booties, then check that the fins straps are not perished and that it is easily adjustable.
Mask
You'll want to see what is down there - it's pretty. Get a mask that fits your face well. If you press the mask against your face, it should stay there without you having to put the strap around your head. Make sure the mask and mask strap is not perished and that the strap is easily adjustable. But to be honest, you should have your own mask if you are into diving
Wetsuit/booties/weightbelt/weights
Like with the mask, if you are into diving you would have these already. But if you have to rent, make sure it is clean and check that the equipment is in good nick.
Have fun diving!
Always go to a reputable shop when you rent gear. Be prepared to ask questions and if the guy behind the counter acts like a douchebag, turn around and go to another place. There are plenty around. You can also rent from a resort where you will be staying or from the dive operator whom you'll be diving with. In peak season you might struggle getting kit from the resort or the dive operator unless you book in advance.
Regulators
Kinda important to make absolutely sure this is fine. You need it to breathe. Check all rubber/plastic components for slight cracks/perishes and if it is faulty, tell the shop owner to replace it. Make sure the mouth pieces are clean and that it is fastened properly. It is sometimes good buying your own mouth piece and using that because you don't know who's mouth was there last. Ask the shop owner to connect it to a cylinder to test so you can feel the cracking resistance and if you are okay with it. This will also give you a chance to check the gauges to see if it is in working order. Test both regulators (main and octo)
Cylinder
Also important since the air you need to breathe will be stored in here. Do a visual check. If there is too much rust, ask for another cylinder. Also check the date when last the cylinder was inspected. This should in any case be checked by the place doing air fills. Make sure you get a cylinder with the right capacity for you.
Buoyancy Control Device
This is the jacket thingy that helps you not demolish the reef. Make sure the inflation piece and hose is not perished and in good working order. Connect it to the regulator you are renting to see if it inflates completely and keep it's inflation. It is best doing this in a tub of water, since small leaks is difficult to hear. Make sure the BCD fits you properly and comfortably and that all the clips fits securely. Also make sure there is an octo clip for emergencies.
Fins
You might need to propel yourself from that pesky shark pretty quickly. Make sure it fits your foot well. If you are going to use booties, then check that the fins straps are not perished and that it is easily adjustable.
Mask
You'll want to see what is down there - it's pretty. Get a mask that fits your face well. If you press the mask against your face, it should stay there without you having to put the strap around your head. Make sure the mask and mask strap is not perished and that the strap is easily adjustable. But to be honest, you should have your own mask if you are into diving
Wetsuit/booties/weightbelt/weights
Like with the mask, if you are into diving you would have these already. But if you have to rent, make sure it is clean and check that the equipment is in good nick.
Have fun diving!
