All about air cylinder in diving

The air cylinder is the source of your life underwater, so you must understand it well and take care of it.

Cylinder types

Aluminum cylinder
The most common, it is light on land but gives positive buoyancy when empty, which may require more lead.

The steel cylinder
is heavier but holds more air and gives a more stable buoyancy when emptying.

Common cylinder capacities

• 12 liter cylinder: most common lasts about 45 minutes at a depth of 10 metres
• 15 liter cylinder: for divers who consume more air or want longer dives

Filling pressure

Standard cylinders are filled to 200 bar and high pressure cylinders are filled to 300 bar and this gives them greater air capacity.

Necessary periodic examination

• Annual inspection: includes internal and external visual inspection
• Hydrostatic inspection: every 5 years to check wall strength

Signs requiring repair

• Rust on any part of the cylinder
• Deformation of the valve or cylinder body
• No trace of air leakage when pressing

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Do not skimp on maintaining your cylinder, it is your life under water.