How does one get certified to service their own equipment?

[awap]

Originally Posted by DevilDiver

Divers of all experience levels, ages and abilities read this forum....

Please be cautious pursuing any self maintenance of your equipment. This is not like a weekend home depot project and your life could depend on it. Regulator service is inexpensive compared to your life or the life of your dive buddy who could be endangered by your miscalculation.

If this equipment maintenance is something you wish to pursue you should receive proper training and practical experience first.

Would you try cave diving after reading a book on it?

Perhaps you could tell us what kind of errors a DIYer could make that would lead to endangering his life.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by awap

Perhaps you could tell us what kind of errors a DIYer could make that would lead to endangering his life.

Well I just got a reg back from a shop where the diaphragm was improperly seated, so the intermediate pressure crept up and put the 2nd stage into FF. If it went into FF under ice and I didn't have a pony, I'd be in trouble. So if a reg is not properly serviced, regardless of who does it, it can be dangerous.

[halocline]

Originally Posted by terrillja

Well I just got a reg back from a shop where the diaphragm was improperly seated, so the intermediate pressure crept up and put the 2nd stage into FF. If it went into FF under ice and I didn't have a pony, I'd be in trouble. So if a reg is not properly serviced, regardless of who does it, it can be dangerous.

This is an argument for DIY, not against. The shop was careless and there you go. If you were servicing your own reg, don't you think you would have checked the IP carefully enough to ensure there was no IP creep?

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by halocline

This is an argument for DIY, not against. The shop was careless and there you go. If you were servicing your own reg, don't you think you would have checked the IP carefully enough to ensure there was no IP creep?

It's an argument that anyone can mess up, DIY or a shop.

[awap]

Originally Posted by terrillja

Well I just got a reg back from a shop where the diaphragm was improperly seated, so the intermediate pressure crept up and put the 2nd stage into FF. If it went into FF under ice and I didn't have a pony, I'd be in trouble. So if a reg is not properly serviced, regardless of who does it, it can be dangerous.

But this error, as with the vast majority of errors that can be make, showed up immediatly before any dive. And it makes it quite clear the crappy job the service provider did in testing/inspecting the gear after service. Even the diver who has no interest in servicing their own reg needs to learn how to test and inspect them. With the exception of overtightening connections, service errors tend to be immediate and will show up under proper test/inspection.

While a FF reg may be a major PITA, if it is likely to be a catastrophe, you need to re-evaluate your diving practices. A pony or competent, well equipped buddy should prevent any real trouble.

[fireflock]

Yeah, these stories really make me wonder how many shops don't even bother to check their work. Most of the problems I read about should have been caught by simple checks before the customer even saw the reg. That should say something about the pride (and quality) some reg tech put into their work.

Rich

[DevilDiver]

Originally Posted by awap

But this error, as with the vast majority of errors that can be make, showed up immediatly before any dive. And it makes it quite clear the crappy job the service provider did in testing/inspecting the gear after service. Even the diver who has no interest in servicing their own reg needs to learn how to test and inspect them. With the exception of overtightening connections, service errors tend to be immediate and will show up under proper test/inspection.

While a FF reg may be a major PITA, if it is likely to be a catastrophe, you need to re-evaluate your diving practices. A pony or competent, well equipped buddy should prevent any real trouble.

I totaly agree. Every diver should test and inspect thier own equipment and there is nothing wrong with servicing equipment DYI. In fact if you are more than a casual diver it is a good idea to be proficient in how your equipment works.

The point I intended to stress was the fact that not all that read some of these sugestions have much actual diving experience and some caution and would be wise before starting working on equipment.

This statement was not intended to indorse paying a stranger at a shop to service your gear if you are comfortable Doing It Yourself.....

[hoobascooba]

Originally Posted by DevilDiver

Would you try cave diving after reading a book on it?

yes I would.

and your point?

I'd rather do my own maintenance and repair too. I'm comfortable, capable, and would certainly be more consistent with my own equipment.

it usually helps to be handy, dexterous, and/or adroit - aka "mechanically inclined"

[pyre24]

Id like to learn how to service my own gear also. When I can afford it.

[DZorn00]

I would like to know how to service my own gear just for the fact that I would know everythingthat should have been done and how to do a more thourough check when it comes back from service.