We have had a lot of people booking trips all over the world to escape the winter cold, which got me thinking about a piece of equipment I take on every dive - my flashlight.  This simple device brings out so much, from the lobsters and eels tucked in their holes, to the obvious need during a night dive.  Regardless, I always have one with me. 

 

After seeing numerous flooded and mistreated lights, I wanted to pass along some bits of advice on the care and maintenance of these essentials tools.

 

The biggest report we get is people returning from trips saying their light flooded, and it's brand new.  Most never think to look at the o-ring, let alone take it out and clean it prior to its' maiden voyage.  Prior to your next trip, take your batteries out of the flashlight, loosen the cap or cover, and if possible, remove the o-ring and put it somewhere clean and safe (I like to put mine inside the light, where the batteries normally reside).  Once to your destination, install the batteries, clean the oring and groove on the light, apply a light amount of silicone grease (it should shine) and reinstall the cap.  Test your o-ring by putting your light in the rinse bucket for a few minutes.  Once your dive is complete, rinse your light in fresh water.  If you need to change the batteries, repeat that entire sequence (most just unscrew the cap and replace the batteries, failing to take care of that critical o-ring each time).

 

What to do with those old batteries?  Bring them home and use them in a low voltage device, like a TV remote or wireless mouse.  Most used batteries will power these items for several months.  Or recycle them at any number of retailers, including Batteries Plus or Home Depot.