How does one get certified to service their own equipment?

[jl21]

Is there a class I can take somewhere to be able to service my own equipment, instead of having to take it in to a dive shop for maintenance, cleaning, inspections...etc...

[band]

I have asked the same questions some times ago (see "Best low-end regulator for self-service?")...
And I have understood that I could do it by myself!

The first step for going service you own equipment is to CLEARLY understanding functioning principles.
For help in this the Service Manual is VERY valuable.
Also in SM you could find step-by-step instructions for disassemble - clearance - and -assemble you equipment.

As I investigate, you could find Service Manual for almost all brands and models. And in case that you couldn't find exactly one that you need - you could just use something similar for reference: for now all regulators built with similar principles - low-end are piston-based and rest are diaphragm-based.

[Puffer Fish]

Originally Posted by jl21

Is there a class I can take somewhere to be able to service my own equipment, instead of having to take it in to a dive shop for maintenance, cleaning, inspections...etc...

Typically, they have classes in doing it, that you attend... usually not open to the public, but a shop can sponser people, if they want to.

[navyhmc]

Best bet to service your own gear is to become a service tech for a LDS and go to the classes-as Puffer Fish said, they are usually not open to the general public. That and usually you have to pay for the class either with tuition and/or food/lodging/transportation. That in and of itself makes self service a bit expensive.

[Puffer Fish]

Originally Posted by band

I have asked the same questions some times ago (see "Best low-end regulator for self-service?")...
And I have understood that I could do it by myself!

The first step for going service you own equipment is to CLEARLY understanding functioning principles.
For help in this the Service Manual is VERY valuable.
Also in SM you could find step-by-step instructions for disassemble - clearance - and -assemble you equipment.

As I investigate, you could find Service Manual for almost all brands and models. And in case that you couldn't find exactly one that you need - you could just use something similar for reference: for now all regulators built with similar principles - low-end are piston-based and rest are diaphragm-based.

Ok, I hate to say this, but there a general Manual called "Vance Harlow's SCUBA Regulator Maintenance and Repair".. if you want to cover all of the regs.. by Air speed press.

Airspeed Press Homepage - Books For Serious Divers

Oh and buy some of their tank stickers also.

[Puffer Fish]

I like the "this is not your tank! - do not use even if some idiot tells you to."

[Navy OnStar]

Originally Posted by Puffer Fish

I like the "this is not your tank! - do not use even if some idiot tells you to."

Now those are funny. I have to get a couple of them!

[PsychDiver]

It is tough to get a LDS to sponsor you. Some dive shops believe you are competition for them and/or they don't want to loose your annual service fees. Another issue is getting parts. Sometimes you can find then on the internet. Your LDS will again stress at selling you parts. Their reasoning may one of liability. If they sell you the parts and you install them wrong without being a certified technician than they may be at risk of negligence. While I don't agree with this logic and wonder if it is just the party line to maintain control over the profits of maintaining gear. Having said that, I am still working on getting to a certification class and I do have the Vance Harlow book and it is excellent.

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by Puffer Fish

I like the "this is not your tank! - do not use even if some idiot tells you to."

That sticker is on my st130 cylinder...on my doubles they have the voodoo gas sticker!

[cummings66]

The vance book is good, but there is a better one out there. You'll find it on the website which sells the tools to service regs. Look here for info.

Peter Built Co.