What is the importance of servicing your scuba diving cylinders?
Getting your scuba cylinders serviced regularly is crucial for several reasons, all of which relate to safety, performance, and longevity. Like all scuba diving equipment, we rely on it to keep us safe underwater and allow us to keep enjoying the underwater world, having your cylinder tested is just as important as your regulators.
As a cylinder testing centre we adhere to stick procures and policies set out by IDEST - Inspectorate for Diving Equipment Servicing and Testing.
Here's why it's important:
1. Safety
- Pressure integrity: Scuba cylinders store compressed air at high pressure (typically 230 bar or higher). Regular servicing ensures that the cylinder walls, valve, and other components remain structurally sound and free from cracks, corrosion, or other damage that could cause a catastrophic failure.
- Valve maintenance: The cylinder valve is the mechanism that controls the flow of air into your regulator. Servicing ensures the valve functions properly and doesn’t leak or get stuck, which could be dangerous underwater.
2. Corrosion Prevention
- Internal corrosion: Over time, moisture can enter the cylinder, leading to rust or corrosion inside. If left untreated, this can weaken the cylinder walls, reducing the pressure capacity and increasing the risk of a dangerous rupture.
- External corrosion: The outside of the cylinder is also subject to corrosion, especially in saltwater environments. Regular servicing helps prevent external damage, ensuring the cylinder remains in good condition.
3. Hydrostatic Testing Requirements
- Legal compliance: Most countries require scuba cylinders to undergo hydrostatic testing every 3-5 years to ensure their structural integrity. This involves filling the cylinder with water and pressurizing it beyond normal limits to check for expansion or leaks. Skipping these tests can result in your cylinder being refused for filling.
- Annual visual inspection: Many dive shops also require proof of annual visual inspections before they will fill a cylinder. These inspections ensure there are no signs of corrosion, pitting, or other damage.
4. Maximizing Cylinder Life
- Longevity: Proper maintenance through regular servicing extends the life of your scuba cylinder. A well-maintained tank can last decades, whereas neglected tanks may require early retirement or costly repairs.
- Maintaining efficiency: Serviced cylinders provide consistent air flow and pressure, ensuring you get the most efficient use of your air while diving.
5. Environmental Protection
- Preventing leaks: Servicing your cylinders ensures there are no air or gas leaks, which, aside from being a waste of air, can negatively affect the environment, particularly if the leak occurs with specialty gases like nitrox or trimix.
6. Dive Shop Requirements
- Filling policies: Many dive shops will refuse to fill scuba cylinders that have not been regularly serviced, especially if they are past their hydrostatic test date or have no proof of a recent visual inspection. Proper servicing ensures you can get your tanks filled without issues.
Regular servicing of your scuba cylinders helps ensure they remain safe, functional, and long-lasting, while keeping you safe underwater.