Scuba cylinders should be handled carefully to avoid external damages. Never allow your tank to sit completely drained of air as this may lead to condensation inside which can cause corrosion.
Hydrostatic Inspection
Required every five years by the U.S. DOT. This test ensures that your cylinder has not lost its elasticity and become brittle.
Visual Cylinder Inspection
Due annually per the inspection sticker on your cylinder. This test examines your cylinder for external and internal damage such as dents, cracks, gouges, smells and other contaminates. We also examine your valve.
We are certified by PSI/PCI as well as ITI. We also offer courses in Visual Cylinder Inspection certification through ITI/SDI.
Oxygen Cleaning
If you are using Nitrox, most facilities in this region will be utilizing partial-pressure blending which requires your cylinder and valve to be oxygen cleaned for safety. Diver’s World is the region’s leading authority on cylinder cleaning utilizing the Global Scuba Manufacturing series of cleaning products and processes. We are certified NAUI Mixed Gas Blender and O2 Service Technicans as well as TDI Oxygen Equipment Service Technicians. We do not offer Tri-mix but can point you in the right direction if you have that need.
Our Policy on 6351 Alloy Cylinders
A series of scuba cylinders manufactured in the 1980s under DOT Special Permits (SP 6498, 7042, 8107 and 8422) were made from a 6351 aluminum alloy that has subsequently been subject to something called Sustained Load Cracking (SLC)*. SLC can result in catastrophic failure and even death. Per US DOT, these 6351 cylinders are still legal to fill, transport and use provided they follow the inspection protocols in CFR 49 Title 180.209.m. Further, cylinder manufacturers recommend (thus essentially require) pertinent cylinders be eddy current tested at time of the hydrostatic inspection conducted on SCUBA service cylinders.
However, in recent years the DOT has strongly advised test facilities and fill technicians to discontinue testing and requalification of these cylinders. As such, in cooperation with our Hydrostatic Test facility, Diver’s World will no longer provide hydrostatic tests for 6351 alloy cylinders after December 31, 2021.
Your beloved cylinder has had well over 30 years of service. In the interest of industry and personal safety, through the end of 2021 Diver’s World will give you $15 toward a replacement of your old tank. Diver’s World sells a variety of new and used cylinders that would serve as suitable replacements.
