Dive Cylinder Testing
We are an IDEST-accredited centre for dive cylinder testing. We service cylinders of all shapes and sizes, from dumpy cylinders to ponies and twinsets.
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We offer hydrostatic testing, visual inspections, valve servicing and replacement, oxygen cleaning. and internal shot blasting for all makes of dive cylinders.
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We operate according to IDEST standards (the Inspectorate for Diving Equipment Servicing and Testing), so you know you—and your cylinder—are in safe hands.
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How often should I get my dive cylinder tested?
In accordance with IDEST standards, cylinders used for recreational scuba diving should have a visual inspection (called a Periodic Inspection or PI) every 2 and 1/2 years and a hydrostatic test (called a Periodic Inspection and Test or PIAT) every 5 years.
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Where there is a risk of water ingress, e.g. dive cylinders used in commercial inshore and offshore dives, by the Ministry of Defence, or for scientific, archaeological, or aquarium purposes, IDEST recommends visual inspection every 6 months and hydrostatic testing every 5 years.
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If your cylinder's PI is delayed by more than 18 months or if our technician is concerned about the presence of corrosion or damage, we may recommend a hydrostatic test before the 5 years have elapsed.
Our Dive Cylinder Testing Services
Hydrostatic Test and Valve Service £60
Visual Inspection and Valve Service £55
Hydrostatic Test Only £32
Valve Service Only £22
Test + Oxygen Cleaning Price + £15
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Oxygen Cleaning (Without Test) £35
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Internal Shot Blast £25
Internal Shot Blast + Rumble £30
Drop Off and Collection
You can drop your cylinders to the workshop at Riverside House, Upper Quay, Fareham in person—we're here Monday to Thursday, 8.30-17.00. Just call or email us in advance so we'll be ready to meet you.
If you're based within the area highlighted on the map, you can also arrange collection by our team. ​Please note our collection service operates weekly but is dependent on on demand and availability. Please get in touch as far in advance as possible to ensure we can get to you in a timely manner.
What does hydrostatic testing involve?
Put simply, hydrostatic testing involves filling your cylinder with water and pressurising it up. If the water stays in your cylinder at test pressure it is deemed to be safe for you to use (this is known as proof testing).​
How is a visual inspection different from a hydrostatic test?
For recreational diving cylinders, we carry out a visual inspection every 2.5 years. This is mainly to check that they haven't been exposed to any seawater which would cause them to rust. The photo on the left is from a customer's cylinder. It looked immaculate on the outside, but on the inside...
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During a visual inspection we don't fill your cylinder with water. It's just a quick check to make sure everything is okay inside.
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The photo on the right is the water that we got out of another cylinder. Luckily the customer had realised something was wrong and didn't dive with it!
I dive with oxygen rich gas, why do I need to get my cylinder O2 cleaned?
Over the course of a dive cylinder's lifetime, hydrocarbons can build up inside the cylinder. This usually happens if oil enters the tank from a compressor during filling, which is why air purity tests are so important for testing centres like Obsequio.
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Enriched air, known as nitrox, has higher concentrations of oxygen than standard air (between 22% and 40%, compared to 21% in standard air). If hydrocarbons are present in your tank, this higher concentration of oxygen increases the risk of a combustion reaction between the oxygen and hydrocarbons at high pressures.
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O2 cleaning involves using a chemical to strip the hydrocarbons from the cylinder. If you dive with nitrox, it's recommended to oxygen clean your dive cylinder every 15 months.
What happens if my cylinder fails the test/ inspection?
In accordance with IDEST standards of practice, cylinders that fail to meet the appropriate standard should be destroyed by the testing centre (ie. Obsequio), not returned to the owner. This is the policy we adhere to, however if you have queries or concerns we'll be happy to answer them.