How to Refill a Scuba Cylinder

Refilling a scuba tank yourself requires a large investment in equipment and installation costs. Training and certification in compressor operation is essential. Have your tanks filled by licensed professionals unless you are considering becoming a dive service operator yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Certified Scuba Tanks
  • Compressors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain Professional Scuba Inspector (PSI) or other DOT and OSHA approved certification before filling any cylinders.

    • 2

      Confirm hydrostatic testing dates on the cylinder. Avoid filling out-of-compliance cylinders.

    • 3

      Bleed cylinder off until it has only 5 to 10 lbs. per square inch (psi) of air inside.

    • 4

      Listen to the cylinder for sounds from loose objects or water inside. Do not fill cylinders that sound damaged or flooded.

    • 5

      Inspect the valve for damage, rust or debris.

    • 6

      Place the cylinder in a cool-water tank at your compressor facility.

    • 7

      Inspect the compressor, filters and gauges to make sure they are working within operational specifications.

    • 8

      Set your compressor to shut down automatically at the specified rating for the cylinder you are filling.

    • 9

      Wipe the cylinder valve and compressor yoke clean and dry, then attach the yoke to the cylinder.

    • 10

      Open the cylinder valve completely, then start the compressor cycle to begin filling the cylinder.

    • 11

      Monitor the automatic shutoff, and be ready to manually shut off the compressor if needed. Never leave the compressor unattended while filling the cylinder.