Your SCUBA Tank Is A VIP – Don’t Forget Its Annual Inspection

Larry Klinger   Nov 16, 2020

 

Keeping your dive equipment in top working order is essential, and tanks are no exception to this. Your Scuba Tanks need to have a Visual Inspection, "VIP", done annually. They are going to need a HYDRO test completed every 5 years. VIP's are performed by our trained and certified Dive Buddy Scuba Adventures Service Staff

High-pressure cylinders are relatively small, yet very strong containers that hold large volumes of compressed gas. Being able to carry your gas supply with you is what defines SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus). Whether it’s filled with regular filtered air or enriched air nitrox (higher oxygen and lower nitrogen content) or trimix (three-gas combination) for technical diving, a scuba tank is one of the most important pieces of gear.

VIP stickers

VIP stickers for an Air tank indicates the month and year in which the inspection took place. Every scuba tank that you use should be marked with a VIP, or Visual Inspection, sticker. The VIP sticker should feature the name of the last shop that performed the last inspection, as well as the month and year in which it took place. Each VIP is valid for a year from the date of its last inspection. Before using any scuba tank, check the VIP sticker to ensure it is up to date.

Nitrox tanks

In the case of a Nitrox tank, the VIP sticker may also label your cylinder as “O2 clean.” This is an important indicator to shops like Force-E, which means that your tank meets special standards required during partial pressure blending. (Partial pressure blending refers to your tank being filled first with pure oxygen, and then topped off with air to create a Nitrox mix. Learn more by becoming a Nitrox certified diver!). This sticker indicates that your "tank and valve have been cleaned in accordance with O2 service."

O2 Clean Tanks

If your tank is marked as O2 clean, always check to verify that the next VIP sticker placed on your tank will still contain these markings. If a scuba center will not maintain your tank’s O2 clean status during their inspection, it is advisable to find a different shop that will. Without that marking, any center that uses partial pressure blending will be unable to fill your cylinder. O2 cleaning a tank because its status wasn't maintained is a costly, time consuming process that's easy to avoid.

 

The Process

During a Visual Inspection, a technician will remove the valve from your tank and look inside. The technician is checking to ensure the inside of the cylinder is free of water, rust, cracks and foreign objects. View inside a scuba cylinder past the threads. The inside of your tank should be clean and dry.

Next, the technician uses a tool to magnify the threads on the neck of your tank. They are again looking for rust, cracks, or other signs of damage that may compromise the strength of the cylinder.  If the inside of your tank passes inspection, the technician will then check the outside. This includes removing the tank boot. They are looking for significant rust and chips beyond minor marks usually incurred during normal wear and tear. If your tank comes back missing a sticker or area of paint, that means you had a good technician! Stickers, tank boots and paint may trap salt water against your cylinder, which can cause quicker degradation.

 

Once your cylinder checks out, your tank valve is inspected next. O-rings are replaced, and the threads on the valve are properly lubricated. If you notice any problems with your tank valve, like handles that are hard to turn, let your technician know.

VIP stickers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Checking the VIP of any tank you rent is a great way to familiarize yourself with different designs.

After the technician inspects the valve, they will secure it back onto your tank and apply an updated VIP sticker. These stickers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Checking the VIP sticker on any tank you rent is a great way to familiarize yourself with these important indicators.

Don’t forget, while a VIP is performed every year, each tank also requires hydrostatic testing every 5 years. You will find the “hydro” date stamped into the metal of your tank. It includes a 2-digit indicator for both the month and year of your cylinder’s last hydrostatic test.

Have questions about your scuba tank, the inspection process, or your gear? Just come in and ask us! Dive Buddy Scuba staff are passionate about diving. It has taken us years to gain the knowledge of industry professionals, and we love to pass along our learning.

see ya under water soon! If you have questions about your scuba tank call us at

724-787-8244 or stop by the shop.