By Myrna Cleghorn

 At a time when the Island seems to be submerged in the stupor of siesta, a tourist from Ontario, Canada walks into Cozumel Scuba Repair. “Can somebody take a look at this regulator?

Both the regulator and the octopus started leaking at the same time,” he says with a tone of despair.While Javier Polanco, Cozumel Scuba Repair’s manager, tests the regulator, I look around the store. The walls are sprinkled with certificates of achievement for Scuba Repair Clinics from various brands, such as Mares, Dacor, Scubapro and Cressi-Sub. There is also a collection of old regulators and rebreathers and photos of the undersea –a silent tribute to the evolution of Scuba diving and man’s imperious need to conquer the unknown.

Cozumel Scuba Repair is the only certified scuba repair shop in Cozumel and the Riviera Maya. The store is the brainstorm of Texas-born Larry Cleghorn, who opened its doors in 1990.  Javier has been working at CSR for 13 out of the 15 years that the store has been in business while Cleghorn has a diving curriculum that spans over 40 years: from U. S. Navy Seal to commercial diver, dive shop owner, diving equipment sales rep and scuba repair technician. Together, Javier and Larry offer unparalleled knowledge and expertise.

 “There you go,” says Javier, returning a working regulator to the customer. “The high-pressure seat on the first stage was worn out [and replaced with a new one].” Paying off his bill, the customer says: “Maybe the next time I’ll bring it in for full service.”

 In all the years in the business, both Javier and Larry have seen their share of equipment malfunctioning and failure.  But both agree that the most common failure has nothing to do with the product or the brand name.  “Most divers do not realize the importance of proper maintenance for their equipment,” Larry says, “proper maintenance can save you money and ultimately, your life.”  So, what does servicing a regulator entail and how often is it recommended?

“A complete regulator overhaul involves taking the regulator apart to clean and lubricate its parts,” Larry explains.  “That includes the first and second stages as well as the octopus. How often you should do it depends on how frequent you dive.”

Most manufacturers suggest once a year. “That’s good enough if you do not dive very often,” Larry comments, “and especially after your last ocean dive or before putting it away for a long period of time. That will ensure that the regulator is totally clear of potentially harming salt-water deposits. But for a frequent diver or a person that dives for a living, a complete regulator overhaul at least every 6 months will ensure the safety and longevity of the equipment.” 

“The same goes for your BCD.  The inflation mechanism should be serviced at least every 6 months, its parts cleaned thoroughly and lubricated,” Javier adds. “It is like seeing a doctor,” Larry concludes, “regular check-ups prevent [in most instances] major surgery.”In addition to maintaining and repairing scuba equipment, CSR offers regulator repair clinics to dive shops and individuals. Top of the line Mares equipment is also available for rent to dive operations on the Island.

 Cozumel Scuba Repair is located on 5^th Street, between Rafael Melgar and 5^th Ave. in Cozumel.  Store hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday and 9:00am-1:00pm on Saturdays.  Tel. & fax: 987-872-3567 Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Myrna Cleghorn is a free-lance writer living in Cozumel with her husband.  Her articles have been published in Vuelo, Mexicana Airlines in-flight magazine and Sport Diver Magazine. She is currently working on a book of fiction short stories in Spanish.

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