The new UK standard on scuba cylinder testing (BS EN ISO 18119:2018) has been published, and the British Sub-Aqua Club has been influential in taking a stand against proposals to bring in annual cylinder inspections.
While discussions were taking place prior to publication, there was potential for annual inspections to be introduced.
Acting on behalf of divers, BSAC campaigned that with no evidence of increased safety, and the risk of cost increases to recreational divers, the move was unnecessary. BSAC was successful, and the new UK standard requires the following:
- Five years between cylinder visual inspections
- Five years between full inspections
The new standard is only in regards to recreational diving activities, and not military, commercial, or other professional diving activities.
