Proper BCD care after every saltwater dive takes less than 10 minutes and can add years to the life of your gear. Not taking enough care it is one of the most common ways divers shorten the lifespan of equipment they've paid hundreds of dollars for.
Here's a quick overview of the steps:
Now let's dive into the specifics:
1. Rinse the Outside Thoroughly
Start with a thorough freshwater rinse of the entire exterior. Work through all the straps, buckles, D-rings, and pockets to prevent salt from hiding. Pay particular attention to the inflator mechanism and any metal hardware, which are especially vulnerable to salt corrosion over time.
Use low-pressure freshwater where possible. High-pressure water can stress seams, zippers, and valve housings.
2. Flush the Bladder Inside and Out
This is the step most divers skip, and it's the most important one. Saltwater gets inside the BCD bladder every time you orally inflate it or submerge with the dump valves open. Left inside, it corrodes the internal lining and clogs the valves over time.
To flush, add a litre or two of freshwater through the oral inflator, slosh it around to coat the inside, then drain it fully through the dump valves. Repeat until the water runs clear. This also lubricates the valves and keeps them working smoothly.
3. Dry It Before Storing
Storing a damp BCD is a reliable way to grow mold inside the bladder and degrade the lining. After rinsing, partially inflate the BCD so the bladder holds its shape, then hang it in a shaded, well-ventilated spot to air dry completely. Direct sunlight accelerates UV degradation on the nylon exterior and straps, so keep it out of the sun.
The right hanger makes a real difference here. A dedicated scuba hanger that holds the BCD at the shoulders, keeps it inflated in shape, and lets air circulate is far better than a regular closet hanger or a hook through one strap. Our Universal Hanger is designed exactly for this — dual shoulder clips hold the BCD firmly in place while the 360° swivel hook lets you hang it from any angle for maximum airflow. The rotating arms also keep your regulator, mask, and accessories organized on the same hanger, so your whole kit dries together and stays in one place.
- Universal Hanger - Regular price $32.95 USD
4. Store It Inflated, in a Cool Dry Place
Once fully dry, store your BCD partially inflated to keep the bladder walls from sticking together. A cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and heat is ideal. Avoid storing it pressed against other gear in a way that deforms the dump valves.
Both Saekodive BCDs are built from 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon and are designed to hold up to regular saltwater diving, but only if they're cared for properly after every dive. The Cyclone is a streamlined option for divers who want a reliable, no-fuss jacket BCD, while the Tornado adds integrated weight pockets with a quick-release system and extra D-rings for divers who want more customization and load-bearing capacity.
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Cyclone BCD - Regular price $263.96 USD
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Tornado BCD - Regular price $373.56 USD
A little care after every dive keeps your BCD performing reliably for years longer than it otherwise would. Rinse, flush, dry, and store — four steps that take less time than loading the car. Happy diving!