Scuba Tank Inspection cheap and quick for peace of mind.

In the US, every year you are expected to have a scuba tank inspection. This should not be confused with a hydrostatic test.

A visual inspection of your scuba cylinder is usually performed at your local dive shop where they will inspect for any visual damage from moisture or impact.

Visual Tank Inspection - Exterior

When the scuba tank is inspected, the valve, tank boot and any bands must be removed so that the technician performing the scuba tank inspection can see the tank in it's entirety.

The tank's exterior is inspected first, it is rolled on a padded table to see if it has any bulges or bows in the outside of the scuba cylinder. They then hold a straight edged rule to the side of the tank from head to toe to determine of there are any dents or bulges. If light can be seen between the rule and the tank wall then you know there is a dent or a bulge.

This test will also find if the tank has a curve. depending on the size of the dent, bulge or curve the scuba tank maybe condemned.

Cuts and scratches are also searched for and the depth will be measured, depending on the depth will determine if the scuba cylinder will pass.

Visual Tank Inspection - Cylinder Thread

The thread of your scuba tank, the part where the valve screws into the tank, is checked for metal loss, corrosion or cracking. It is important that the thread is smooth and clean to ensure a proper fit between the valve and the tank.

It is also important to ensure the thread has not cracked, the technician will use a dental mirror with a torch to provide light so he can properly inspect.

Visual Tank Inspection - Interior

The naked eye has no chance to see inside a scuba tank. The access point through the tank valve thread is tiny, which is why the use of dental mirrors is so important and a light source of course.

With the use of the light and dental mirror, the tank technician has the ability to visually inspect the interior of the scuba tank. He is looking for any irregularities in the inside wall of the scuba cylinder, or if there is any corrosion or pitting. Generally if the technician is unable to see the interior wall of the scuba tank he may have to have the scuba tank tumbled.

Tumbling my scuba tank?

If during the visual tank inspection, corrosion is seen on the interior of the tank, the tank may require tumbling. Tumbling is where the technician places an abrasive material inside the tank, the tank is then spun over and over until the corrosion has been removed.

This process removes a thin layer of the scuba tank and a hydrostatic test should be performed afterwards. The technician should always ask you prior to tumbling your scuba cylinder.

There is a lot more to scuba tanks than meet the eye. For example, how do I know what all the markings on my scuba tank are for? Easy have a look here.

If you are interested to know more about Scuba Tanks then click here this will tell you all you need to know.

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