Refilling a scuba tank is expensive. Well-reputed diving equipment shops offer better quality refills. Can you get your tanks filled without scuba certification?
Authorized diving shops will not permit you to buy scuba equipment, will not fill your tank, and certainly won’t book you for diving trips without proper certification. Getting certified allows you to get your own scuba equipment. You can get your tank filled from any of your trusted scuba shops.
One must have a valid scuba diving certification card to fill their tank. Scuba tanks should have undergone standard testing, hydrostatic testing, and visual inspection stamps.
This article will help you understand the ins and outs of caring for your scuba diving equipment!
How To Prolong The Life Of A Tank?
Some simple procedures will increase the life of your scuba tank. Some are listed below.
- Wash your tank thoroughly before putting it away
- Remove the tank boot after use to avoid corrosion
- Leave some pressure in your tank to prevent moisture
- Wash your tank with soapy water to locate any scratches or leaks, and address the concerns accordingly
- Store your tank in a dry place
How To Take Care Of A Scuba Tank?
Whether you own a scuba tank or are intending to buy a new one, knowing how to care for your scuba tank can increase its life expectancy. Remember, maintenance is the key.
The following are a few processes you must follow:
Maintenance of Scuba Tanks
All the scuba equipment, ranging from tanks to dive computers, is regarded as life support equipment and should be serviced regularly every 12 months to ensure maximum safety.
Hydrostatic Testing
The purpose of the hydrostatic testing is to look for any discrepancies in the tank that may put a diver in danger.
This procedure looks for any obvious, e.g., rust formation in your tank that might endanger your life. Hydrostatic testing focuses on leaks that can cause the failure of your scuba tank. They monitor the tank for any tears or scratches.
Visual Inspection
The tank is monitored for visible signs of damage or decay. The tank valve is removed, and the inside is inspected with the help of a light stick. This process ensures that your tank is safe and ready to fill with the air you breathe in the water. In the case of debris, rust, or pollutants in the tank, it is unfit for use.
Does Air Go Bad in a Scuba Tank?
As the scuba tank is being filled, its filters efficiently sift and store the dry air, which is important for breathing.
The air does not go bad, even if it is. That’s left in the gas tank for a moderate period of time. Essentially, your scuba tank should be emptied every 12 months for a necessary visual inspection. That is the maximum amount of time that the tank is left filled.
Always smell the air by taking a few breaths before entering the water. This pre-dive equipment check is compulsory to ensure your safety. If you are skeptical about the air quality, you should empty your scuba tank and get it refilled.
What Do You Need to Fill A High-Pressure Scuba Tank?
You will need specific equipment before you go deep sea diving.
You will need scuba cylinders that are filled with high-pressure breathing quality air and effective gas mixtures before your diving activity.
Furthermore, you have a choice of whether to fill your scuba tanks with good quality compressed air or fill the tanks with a mixture of compressed breathing gases apart from air.
Conclusion
If you want to own a scuba tank or already have one, your priority should be its maintenance. They can become a serious health concern and even cause death if ignored. It is recommended that you get licensed or certified in filling your own scuba tanks because, without the legal documents, chances are that the scuba-filling centers will not assist you.
