SCUBA Gear Services

Tanks have a sticker (typically around the neck of the tank) that lists when it was last VIP’d. This confirms the structural integrity of the tank was inspected within the past year.

We reserve the right to reject filling any tank that is out of VIP.

During a Visual Inspection:

• Tank is drained
• Valve removed
• look inside – checking to ensure the inside of the cylinder is free of water, rust, cracks and foreign objects
• Tank neck inspected with a tool to magnify the threads on the neck of your tank – again looking for rust, cracks, or other signs of damage that may compromise the strength of the cylinder
• After the inside of your tank passes inspection, time to check the outside; this includes removing the tank boot. Checking for significant rust and chips beyond minor marks usually incurred during normal wear and tear. Stickers, tank boots and paint may trap salt water against your cylinder, which can cause quicker degradation.
• Once your cylinder checks out, tank valve is visually inspected
  • If valve needs further work, an additional charge/time may be neccessary
• O-rings are replaced, and the threads on the valve are properly lubricated

Tanks are stamped (typically around the neck of the tank) that lists when it was last HYDRO’d. This confirms the structural integrity of the tank was inspected & tested within the past 5 years.

We reserve the right to reject filling any tank that is out of HYDRO.

During a Hydro:

• Tank is drained
• Valve is removed
• A hydrostatic test involves pressurizing the cylinder to its test pressure (usually 5/3 or 3/2 of the working pressure) and measuring its volume before and after the test
• A permanent increase in volume above the tolerated level means the cylinder fails the test and must be permanently removed from service
• This service is performed off site
• Expected turn around time is 10-14 days

Oxygen cleaning is a method of cleaning equipment intended for use with either liquid or gaseous oxygen.

eANX (Nitrox) tanks or Oxygen tanks MUST be oxygen cleaned before the tank can be filled. Hydrocarbons that are in the air, on o-rings and on valves have a much lower flashpoint when 100% oxygen is introduced to them. That means, there is a fire risk.

Nitrox or oxygen tanks MUST be O2 cleaned anytime the tank valve is removed. AKA anytime the tank is VIP’d or Hydro’d.

During an O2 Cleaning:

• Tank is drained
• Glass beads poured inside with a hydrocarbon solvent added
• Tank is rolled for approximately 30 minutes
• The solvent and beads are rinsed from the tank and if the tank is steel the rust inhibitor is added
• The valve is also cleaned – broken down and placed into an ultrasonic cleaner with the same hydrocarbon solvent
• Valve receives new Viton (oxygen safe) o-rings and new copper and teflon discs
• Valve is reassembled & put back on the tank
• The tank is filled