Instructor Manual
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Ocean Diver
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Adapting to the underwater world
Copyright © BSAC 2017
12
Testing
Diving cylinders should be subject to a suitable inspection and test regime to
ensure they are safe.
• Hydrostatic test every 5 years
Scuba cylinders require a hydrostatic test every five years. On successful
completion, the date (year/month) of the test is stamped on the cylinder
shoulder.
• Visual inspection every 2.5 years
Scuba cylinders also require a visual inspection test every two and a half years
in line with the five-year cycle of hydrostatic tests. The date a hydrostatic test
is due is not affected by the date of the last visual inspection. If a cylinder is
unused for a period of time such that it has a visual inspection four years after
its hydrostatic test (rather than at the two-and-a-half--year mark) the cylinder
will only then be ‘in test’ for a further one year before the next hydrostatic test is
due.
Cylinder testing regulations and the required periods between test are changed
periodically, so please check the BSAC web site for the latest information and
advice.
Care
• Rinse in fresh water
Cylinders should be rinsed in fresh water after each dive and the boot (if fitted)
removed periodically to clean the base of the cylinder.
• Dry before storing
Cylinders should be stored dry. If possible store upright, but ensure cylinder
cannot fall over.
• Do not store empty
Storing cylinders completely empty should be avoided; rather store them with a
small amount of residual gas pressure to prevent ingress of contaminants.
Cylinder markings
In addition to the manufacturing standard there is other
important information marked on the cylinder and some
labels that divers should understand.
Breathing gases
Gases used by Ocean Divers are air and some nitrox mixes.
