| When it comes to diving, everyone knows that a | | | | pounds per square inch (PSI) of air. Pay attention to |
| scuba tank is an essential requirement. These tanks | | | | sounds of loose objects or water inside. Cylinders |
| provide the oxygen we need to function while | | | | that sound damaged or flooded must not be filled. |
| enjoying the underwater world and all the marine life | | | | Before placing the cylinder in a cool-water tank at a |
| that lives beneath the waves. You need a fresh tank | | | | compressor facility, you must also inspect the valve |
| of air every time you go scuba diving. Renting a tank | | | | for damage, rust or debris. |
| every time you go is an option, although it can be | | | | 3. Once you have performed the preliminary |
| costly. If you're going to dive frequently and not | | | | inspection of filters, gauges and the compressor itself |
| always at a dive centre, you might consider | | | | to make sure they comply with the operational |
| purchasing a scuba tank and refilling it yourself. | | | | specifications, as well as set the compressor to shut |
| Although refilling your own scuba tank involves | | | | down automatically at the specified rating for the |
| installation costs and a rather pricey investment in the | | | | cylinder, you may begin the actual work of refilling |
| equipment initially, it will help save you money in the | | | | the cylinder. |
| long run. Operating a compressor, the main piece of | | | | 4. Make sure you have wiped the cylinder valve and |
| equipment required for refilling scuba tanks also | | | | compressor yoke clean and dry, fasten yoke to the |
| requires training and a certification. | | | | cylinder and open the cylinder valve completely. Start |
| The certification you require is a Professional Scuba | | | | the compressor cycle in order to fill the cylinder. |
| Inspector (PSI) or other DOT- or OSHA-approved | | | | 5. As a precaution, you must monitor the automatic |
| certification in order to legally fill any cylinders. Once | | | | shut off, and be prepared to shut off the |
| you have the certification, follow these simple "How | | | | compressor manually if need be. Remember, the |
| To" steps: | | | | compressor must never be left unattended while |
| 1. Start the refill process by checking the hydrostatic | | | | filling the cylinder. |
| testing dates on the cylinders. It is imperative not to | | | | 6. Finally, be sure to take steps to ensure your |
| fill cylinders that do not comply with this requirement. | | | | safety of that of those around you, as unexpected |
| 2. Empty the cylinder until there are only five to ten | | | | accidents may occur. |