A new year is the perfect time for a full gear check. Look beyond the obvious and assess how everything integrates as a system.
Checklist essentials:
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Annual regulator service (if due)
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BCD inspection and inflator & exhaust valves function
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Hose condition and O-rings
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Review and maintain your dive computer
Maintain Your Dive Computer
Your dive computer is one of the most critical pieces of safety equipment you own. Keeping it updated and dialed in ensures accurate data and a stress-free dive experience.
Start with these steps:
Update Firmware
Check for firmware updates through the Shearwater app. Updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features that enhance usability and reliability.
Check Battery Health
Depending on your model, inspect battery condition or replace it proactively before your next dive. For rechargeable models, confirm charging cables and ports are clean and functional. While in storage, make sure you charge it every few months to keep the battery from draining completely which can damage it over time.
Review Settings
Revisit:
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Gradient factors
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Gas mixes
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Conservatism levels
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Dive mode (OC, CCR, Gauge, or Avelo Mode if applicable)
Reset anything that may have changed during training or previous trips.
Customize Your Display
Clear, intuitive screens reduce task loading underwater. Adjust:
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Data layout
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Brightness and timeout
A screen you can read at a glance improves situational awareness in every environment.
Clean and Care Post-Dive
Good habits underwater should extend to the surface. After each dive day:
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Rinse your Shearwater thoroughly in fresh water
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Press buttons while submerged to flush salt
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Allow it to dry before charging or storage
Avoid leaving your computer in direct sunlight or sealed, wet gear bags for extended periods.
Transmitter Care
Air integrated transmitters work quietly in the background, delivering critical gas data throughout every dive. An annual check ensures they remain reliable, accurate, and distraction-free.
Inspect and Reseat
Once a year, remove transmitters from the first stage to inspect threads and replace O-rings if needed. Reinstall snugly (no overtightening) to maintain a proper seal and avoid stress on the port.
Replace Batteries Proactively
Even if battery life appears healthy, replacing transmitter batteries annually helps prevent mid-season failures or intermittent signal loss. This is especially important before travel or intensive dive periods. Here is a helpful video guide for replacing the battery in your Swift transmitter.
Confirm Pairing and Gas Assignment
After battery replacement or regulator servicing, re-pair each transmitter with your dive computer. Verify stable pressure readings on the surface and confirm each transmitter is correctly assigned to the intended gas.
Rinse and Store Correctly
As part of your annual reset, reinforce good habits: rinse transmitters thoroughly after diving, allow them to dry completely, and store regulators in a way that protects transmitters from impact.
Review and Analyze Your Dive Logs
Digital dive logs are more than just records, they’re learning tools. Sync your dives regularly and look for trends:
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Average depth and time
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Gas consumption
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Ascent profiles
Use this data to refine techniques and make smarter decisions about future dives.
Plan Experiences, Not Just Trips
Instead of chasing destinations alone, plan experiences. Night dives, drift dives, photography-focused dives, or technical training all bring different challenges and rewards.
Ensure your dive computer setup matches the experience:
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Appropriate alarms
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Correct gases
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Familiar screen layouts
Preparation builds confidence and makes every dive more enjoyable.
As the new year unfolds, take the time to check in with your skills, your gear, and your goals. The ocean will always be there, so make sure you’re ready to meet it at your best.
