Exploding Tank in Utila

[Norwegian Cave Diver]

We were in Curacao last year. Not a single tank was within 5 years of its production date and no vip stickers and no re-stamp certifications. I have posted this before and had some people unhappy that I posted it - but it was true for the shop we did most of our diving from.

 

[scubafanatic]

None of this illegal/condemned talk has any applicability in Honduras.

The tank in question was recovered by it's original owner from a scrap pile, and I assume the original owner didn't want it sent to said scrap pile in the first place, so who/how did the tank end up in that scrap pile, under who/what authority did that happen ?

 

[tursiops]

The tank in question was recovered by it's original owner from a scrap pile, and I assume the original owner didn't want it sent to said scrap pile in the first place, so who/how did the tank end up in that scrap pile, under who/what authority did that happen ?

Actually, we don't know if he was the original owner. No previous post has said this.

 

[scubafanatic]

Actually, we don't know if he was the original owner. No previous post has said this.

see post # 56.

 

[tursiops]

see post # 56.

Read it again. It does not say it was his tank in the dump.

 

[gcarter]

We were in Curacao last year. Not a single tank was within 5 years of its production date and no vip stickers and no re-stamp certifications. I have posted this before and had some people unhappy that I posted it - but it was true for the shop we did most of our diving from.

Hydro aside, the lack of a VIP sticker is not a good indication of a lack of inspection. If, as a shop, I am inspecting and filling my own tanks, why do I need stickers?

Stickers are not even a legal requirement in NA, AFAIK. They are an industry standard and practice in NA, not a legal one.

 

[Norwegian Cave Diver]

I understand. My point was there were no new/additional marking or stickers indicating ANY inspections after the production date.

 

[scubafanatic]

Read it again. It does not say it was his tank in the dump.

I think it could be interpreted that way, although it could be interpreted your way as well, the post is perhaps a little ambiguous. But that's really beside the main point, it appears the shop has the legal authority to confiscate a tank and put it in the scrap pile, but not the legal authority to drill holes or otherwise render the tank inert from future usage as a scuba tank ? Or was the tank voluntarily surrendered to the dive shop by the original owner, and later stolen from the scrap pile by a different person ? And does the dive shop have any liability for not rendering the tank inert/useless from ever being put back in service ?

 

[tursiops]

I think it could be interpreted that way, although it could be interpreted your way as well, the post is perhaps a little ambiguous.

Agreed

 

[DogDiver]

Great discussion guys on cylinder safety. Goes to show, when diving anywhere that you are using rental or Resort gear. Use your judgement and common sense.