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Dive Cylinder Testing — Hydrostatic & Visual Inspection, UK

Independent UK testing for scuba, surface-supplied and industrial cylinders. Hydrostatic pressure test every 5 years, visual inspection every 2.5 years — to the BSAC / IDEST framework and HSE diving regulations. Collection available across Cumbria, Lancashire and the North West.

Book a Test Call +44 7464 155225

What our cylinder testing covers

UK law treats diving cylinders as pressure vessels. They must be inspected and tested at regular intervals by a competent person — typically a hydrostatic test every 5 years with an interim visual inspection at the 2.5-year mark. We provide both tests, plus valve service and oxygen-cleaning where required.

Hydrostatic pressure test (5-yearly)

Cylinder is filled with water, all air removed, then pressurised above its working pressure inside a water-jacketed chamber. We measure expansion and permanent set to check for fatigue, corrosion or damage. Cylinder is then dried, valve reinstalled, marked with a current test stamp and issued a certificate.

Visual inspection (2.5-yearly)

Valve removed, internal and external surfaces inspected with calibrated lighting and borescope for corrosion, pitting, dents, cracks and thread damage. Cylinder neck threads gauged, valve serviced or replaced, and current test stamp applied.

Valve servicing

Standard scuba valves (DIN and yoke), industrial cylinder valves, manifold sets and Z-valves. Replacement burst discs, O-ring sets, full strip-down with ultrasonic cleaning, and oxygen-clean for nitrox or oxygen service to BS EN 12300.

Oxygen cleaning & nitrox prep

Required for cylinders used with oxygen-enriched gas mixes above 23.5% O₂. Full degrease, oxygen-clean and certification — both for new cylinders being commissioned for nitrox and for cylinders that have been in air service and need re-classifying.

Cylinders we test

Scuba cylinders — steel and aluminium, 3L through 18L, single and twin sets, DIN and yoke valves.
Surface-supplied / commercial diving cylinders — including bail-out cylinders and emergency gas supply.
Industrial breathing air cylinders — fire service BA sets, confined-space respirator cylinders.
Fire suppression cylinders — CO₂, FM-200 and other clean-agent cylinders requiring periodic test.
Medical gas cylinders — oxygen, Entonox and other clinical cylinders (subject to additional medical regulations).

How testing works

Drop off or arrange collection. Dive shops, clinics and operators across Cumbria, Lancashire and the North West can request a collection visit; individual customers can drop off at Unit 4 Cooper Lane.
Inspection & test. Typical turnaround for visual inspection is 2–3 working days; hydrostatic test 3–5 working days; busy seasons may extend slightly. Urgent turnaround available on request.
Fail report (if applicable). If a cylinder fails (corrosion, thread damage, etc.) we explain why and either return it to you, or — for an additional fee — render the cylinder permanently unusable in line with BSAC guidance.
Certificate & stamp. Passed cylinders are stamped, certified and returned. Certificates are retained electronically so you can request a duplicate any time.