Scuba Tank Testing

Everything You Want to Know About Tank Testing!

Now at Maui Dreams Fill Station and Training Center located at 300 Ohukai Rd #303 in Kihei.  808-298-0148

When it comes to scuba diving, the safety of your equipment is essential! One critical component of scuba gear is the tank that provides the air supply for your dives. Regular testing of your scuba tank is crucial to ensure it is safe and reliable for your next underwater adventure. Because of this, scuba tank testing is an essential aspect of scuba diving that should never be overlooked.

What to Expect

• VISUAL INSPECTIONS are completed throughout the week, at our new Fill Station! You do not need a reservation for a visual inspection and may drop the tank off at any time between 10 am- 5 pm at 300 Ohukai Rd #303 prior to the test. The test will be performed, the tank will be filled and you will be contacted to let you know that it is ready. Payment is taken when you collect the tank. The cost of the test, fill and tank neck o-ring are included in the price.

• HYDROSTATIC TESTS are typically completed weekly, dependent on inspector availability and the number of tanks that need testing. You MUST HAVE A RESERVATION in order to bring your tank in for testing. The tank needs to be dropped of 3-5 days prior to the test at our Fill Station. 300 Ohukai Rd #303. We will perform a Visual Inspection, a Hydro Test, a (recommended) Valve Service, the tank will be filled and we will contact you when it is ready. There are some additional terms and conditions for Hydro Testing which can be found on our Hydro Test reservation page.

  

Types of Tank Testing

• VISUAL INSPECTION: A visual inspection is carried out every year and is a crucial process to ensure the safety of your equipment. During a visual inspection of a scuba tank, one of our trained and certified inspectors will perform a thorough visual examination of the cylinder's exterior and interior surfaces. Here's what you can expect during the process:
  1. External Inspection: The inspector will visually examine the cylinder's exterior for any signs of damage, such as dents, scratches, or corrosion.
  2. Internal Inspection: The inspector will use a bright light and a magnifying glass to examine the interior surface of the cylinder for any signs of corrosion, pitting, or other damage. They will also look for any foreign material, such as rust or debris, that may be present inside the tank.
  3. Valve Inspection: The inspector will examine the valve for any signs of damage or wear, and suggest servicing if required. They will also replace the valve neck o-ring (inside of the tank).
  4. Record Keeping: After completing the inspection, the inspector will record their findings and will put a sticker on your to show that the tank has passed the inspection.

Overall, a visual inspection is a critical process that helps to ensure the safety and reliability of your scuba tank. By identifying any potential issues early on, you can have peace of mind knowing that your scuba gear is safe to use and ready for your next underwater adventure.

• HYDROSTATIC TESTING: A hydrostatic test is a critical safety procedure that scuba tank owners must have completed every five years to ensure their equipment's safety and reliability by testing the integrity of the tank. During a hydrostatic test, our trained and certified technician will subject the scuba tank to a series of tests to check its structural integrity and pressure capacity. Here's what happens during the process:

1. 1. Visual Inspection: Before the hydrostatic test begins, the technician will perform a visual inspection of the tank's exterior and interior surfaces, checking for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear that may affect the test results.
   2. Hydrostatic Test:
      1. Water Filling: The tank is filled with water, and any air pockets are removed to ensure accurate test results.
      2. Pressure Test: The tank is then pressurized to its maximum working pressure using water, and the pressure is held for a specific amount of time while the tank is submerged in water.
      3. Pressure Release: After the pressure test is complete, the technician will carefully release the pressure from the tank and check for any signs of leaks or other issues.
      4. Dry and Inspect: The tank is then drained, dried, and inspected for any signs of damage, corrosion, or other issues that may affect its safety and reliability.
   3. Valve Service: The inspector will examine the valve for any signs of damage or wear. During your Hydrostatic test, Maui Dreams strongly suggests that you have your cylinder valve serviced. They will also replace the valve neck o-ring (inside of the tank).
   4. Record Keeping: The technician will record their findings and provide you with a report if requested indicating whether the cylinder has passed or failed the test.

Overall, a hydrostatic test is a critical safety procedure that helps to ensure the structural integrity and pressure capacity of your scuba tank. By getting regular hydrostatic tests, scuba divers can have peace of mind knowing that their equipment is safe and reliable for their next underwater adventure.

Tank Testing FAQs

What is the difference between a visual inspection and a hydrostatic test on a scuba tank?

A visual inspection and a hydrostatic test are two different procedures that are performed on scuba tanks to ensure their safety and reliability. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Purpose: A visual inspection is an examination of the exterior and interior surfaces of the tank to check for signs of damage or wear, such as corrosion or cracks. A hydrostatic test, on the other hand, is an in-depth test that checks the tank's structural integrity and pressure capacity by subjecting it to extreme pressure.
• Procedure: During a visual inspection, a trained technician will visually examine the tank's exterior and interior surfaces for any signs of damage or wear, as well as check the tank's valve for any signs of wear or damage. During a hydrostatic test, the tank is filled with water and pressurized to its maximum working pressure, and the pressure is held for a specific amount of time.
• Frequency: Visual inspections are required every year. Hydrostatic tests are required every five years.
• Cost: Visual inspections are generally less expensive than hydrostatic tests since they are less involved and require less equipment.

Overall, both visual inspections and hydrostatic tests are critical safety procedures that scuba tank owners must perform regularly to ensure their equipment's safety and reliability. While they serve different purposes, both procedures are necessary to ensure that your scuba gear is safe to use and ready for your next underwater adventure.

Should I get my scuba tank valve serviced?

Getting your scuba tank valve serviced is an important maintenance task that should not be overlooked. Here are some reasons why you should get your scuba tank valve serviced:

• Safety: A malfunctioning valve can be dangerous, as it can prevent you from shutting off the air supply to your regulator. This can lead to an uncontrolled ascent or other safety hazards while diving.
• Reliability: A properly maintained valve ensures a consistent and reliable air supply to your regulator, which is critical for safe diving.
• Longevity: Regular valve servicing helps extend the life of your valve, which can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
• Regulations: Standard scuba diving regulations recommend that scuba tanks valves regularly- generally this is recommended to be completed annually. Getting your valve serviced ensures that you are compliant with these regulations and can continue to participate in diving activities.

Overall, getting your scuba tank valve serviced is an important safety and maintenance task that should not be ignored. It helps ensure the reliability and safety of your diving equipment, and can help extend the life of your valve, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run.

What can I do to help maintain my scuba tank in between inspections?

Regular maintenance of your scuba tank is important to ensure its longevity, reliability, and safety. Here are some things you can do to help maintain your scuba tank in between inspections:

• Rinse your tank with fresh water after each dive to remove salt and other debris. This helps prevent corrosion and other damage.
• Store your tank in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat.
• Check your tank regularly for signs of damage or wear, such as scratches, dents, or corrosion. If you notice any damage, get your tank inspected by a qualified technician.
• Keep your tank valve clean and free of debris. Avoid using oil or other lubricants on the valve, as this can attract dirt and other contaminants.
• Keep your tank valve protected with a valve cap or other protective cover when not in use.
• Avoid dropping or banging your tank, as this can cause damage to the tank and valve.

By following these simple steps, you can help keep your scuba tank in good condition in between inspections, and ensure that it remains reliable and safe for your diving adventures. However, it's important to note that regular inspections by a qualified technician are still necessary to ensure the proper functioning and safety of your scuba tank.

Ready to Get your Tank Tested?

For Hydro dates and to reserve a spot please call our fill station 

For visual inspection drop your tank off any time between 10am-5pm at our new Fill Station. If you have any further questions call or text us at (808) 298-0148.