How often should I service my scuba regulator?

DAN recommends servicing your regulator at least once a year. Some manufacturers allow up to two years between services, so check your manual or ask your dive shop.

How often does a scuba tank need to be inspected?

A visual inspection once a year and a hydrostatic test every five years in the United States.

Annual Dive Gear Service: What You Actually Need

Brian Vaccaro Oct 21, 2026

Annual Dive Gear Service: What You Actually Need

Your gear sat in a closet all winter. Now you have a trip coming up and you're wondering if it's ready.

Here's the short version. Some things need a pro every year. Some don't. Here's which is which.

Your regulator

This is the one people skip, and it's the one you least want to fail.

DAN's gear care guidelines say to service your regulator at least once a year. Some brands allow up to two years between services. Your owner's manual will tell you, or just ask us.

Bring the whole thing: first stage, second stage, backup regulator, and your pressure gauge.

Your BCD

Your BCD should be checked every year or as the manufacturer recommends, according to PADI. The tech looks at the bladder, o-rings, and the low-pressure inflator.

The inflator is the part you lean on every dive to stay neutral. It's worth knowing it works.

Your tank

Tanks have two checks.

Visual inspection, every year. Someone looks inside for corrosion and checks the valve and threads.
Hydrostatic test, every five years. This is the pressure test. DAN lists five years in its gear care guidelines.

Look at the sticker on your tank. It shows when the last visual was done. If it's more than a year old, you're due.

One more thing for aluminum tank owners. Luxfer says some of its 6351-alloy tanks also need a visual inspection with an eddy-current test at least every 2.5 years. Not sure what alloy yours is? Bring it in and we'll check.

Wetsuits, masks, and fins

These don't need a shop visit, but they do need a look. Rinse them, dry them, and check for splits, stiff straps, and cracked silicone before you pack.

"But I only dive once a year"

That's actually a reason to get it serviced. PADI's advice is not to skip the annual service, even if you only dive once or twice a year. Gear can break down sitting on a shelf.