Scuba Cylinders: What's Legal and What's Not in South Africa

When it comes to scuba diving, your cylinder is your lifeline. Keeping it safe and legal is non-negotiable and not only important to you, but also others that dive with you, the person that fills the cylinders as well as those in the vicinity of your cylinder as it contains a significant amount of stored energy that when things go wrong can get released instantaneously and not only cause serious injury or damage, but have been known to result in fatality. While scuba cylinders are generally very safe, they need regular maintenance and testing to stay that way. But when it comes to the law and what is right, there’s a lot of confusion out there. So, let's cut through the noise and get to the facts.

The Basics: What Every Cylinder Owner Needs to Know

First off, the law is crystal clear with regards to the responsibilities of the various parties dealing with cylinders, from the manufacturer through the importer to you as the owner: as the owner of a cylinder, you are responsible for using and maintaining it as per the requirements of the referenced standards. Dive centres and fill stations aren’t allowed to fill any cylinder that doesn’t comply. So, what are these standards, and where can you find them?

The rules for scuba cylinders in South Africa are outlined in the SANS 10019:2023 document. This can be purchased from the SABS website. Every dive centre, fill station, and test station shall have a copy on hand. It’s a dense document, but we’ll break down the basics for you:

• Visual Inspection: Every cylinder needs a visual inspection by an accredited SANAS test station every 2 years. (Final approval Department of Employment and Labour)

• Hydrostatic Testing: This test is required every 4 years, also by an accredited SANAS test station. (Final approval Department of Employment and Labour)

• Condition: The cylinder must be free from external rust and pitting or any other defects as stipulated in either SANS10019 for the user and filler, or the appropriate inspection standards that the test stations will follow.

• Color Coding: Your cylinder should be painted with a Navy Light Grey (Optional - black and white quadrants) neck and a Canary Yellow body—no exceptions!

• Owner’s Permission: No one is allowed to fill a cylinder without the owner’s explicit permission.
• Nitrox/Trimix Cylinders: These need correct, approved stickers that wrap around the entire cylinder and must be oxygen-cleaned if they contain 25% oxygen or more. (If they can be exposed to oxygen content greater that 25%)

• Pressure Limits: Never fill a cylinder beyond its working pressure as indicated on the cylinder.

Want to know where your nearest certified test station is? The SANAS website is your go-to resource. Just navigate to Accredited Bodies > Inspection Bodies and search for "Inspection of Transportable Refillable Gas Containers." Or, if you prefer, drop your cylinder with us, and we’ll handle the testing for you. At Dive Team, we exclusively use IPTS (Independent Pressure Test Station) for our inspections, but we also recommend Fire and Instrument Services, Dräger South Africa, and the National Certification and Inspection Station.

Always ensure that your cylinder is properly marked after inspection with the test date for hydrostatic tests hard stamped on Aluminium and steel cylinders and for composite cylinders permanently affixed to the cylinder (epoxied in).

Also make sure that for visual inspection there is a label placed on your cylinder indicating the inspection date and test station performing the inspection.

Finally ensure you get a copy of the inspection certificate for your records.

Debunking the Myths: Setting the Record Straight

There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about scuba cylinders and the regulations. Let’s dispel some of the biggest myths:

• False: Scuba cylinders automatically fail when they hit 30 years old.
• Truth: There’s no law that condemns a cylinder based on age alone. As long as it passes the visual and hydro tests and has the correct standards markings, it’s good to go. (Exception for some composite cylinder the final date will be indicated on the cylinder)
• False: Test stations can destroy or keep a failed cylinder.
• Truth: You have the right to a second opinion. Test stations cannot destroy or keep your cylinder without your consent. Should you however take the cylinder without it being destroyed and indicated that it fails an inspection, you as owner should be fully aware of the implications as you now become legally responsible for this failed cylinder.  
• False: Brand new cylinders don’t need to be inspected.
• Truth: This is true as long as it is withing inspection period from date of manufacture. It is good practice to have these inspections done as it will be confirmed that these cylinders are fit for use in RSA and aid you in future disputes.
• When buying a new cylinder insist on a copy of the Manufacturers certificate or copy of Declaration of Conformity (By RSA importing company) as a minimum for your records. Just because you bought your new cylinder from a “big” supplier, doesn’t mean everything is correct.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

• Can you fill my cylinder to 250 bar because it will cool down to 232 bar?
• No, we’re not allowed to fill a cylinder beyond its charging pressure/working pressure.
• I don’t use my cylinder in water; it’s for PCP. Do I still need to test it as often?
• Yes. Since we can’t verify how you’re using your cylinder, we can’t fill it if it’s not “in date.”
• My instructor said my cylinders don’t need to be grey and yellow.
• Sorry, but your instructor is wrong. Your cylinder must comply with South African standards.
• I’m on a yacht passing through South Africa. Do my cylinders need to be painted grey and yellow?
• No. If you provide your IMO code, vessel name, and number, the test station can certify your cylinder without repainting it.
• My cylinder failed inspection, but I only want 50 bar to pump my car tires. Can I get it filled?
• No. We cannot fill a condemned cylinder, regardless of how you plan to use it.
• My cylinder has no standards marking or stamp. Does it automatically fail?
• Yes, all cylinders should have the manufacturing standard stamped on the neck. However, you may obtain a manufacturing certificate from the manufacturer in some cases or contact your local test station as they might have these on file already and can give you further guidance. (Should these not be on file or available in SA and the importer refuses to support you, their might be an additional cost to obtain these certificates from some manufacturers)
• The compressor operator refuses to fill my cylinder, but my cylinder is in date! I demand to speak to the manager!
• The compressor operator can refuse to fill any cylinder if they are not comfortable that it is safe.
• The Filler or Fill station can request a copy of the Declaration of conformity for new cylinders or test certificate if they have any doubt.

Risky Business: Buying Second-Hand Cylinders

The internet has made it super easy to buy and sell second-hand diving equipment, and while scoring a good deal is always tempting, there are risks involved. Here’s what you should look out for:

1. Age: No point paying two-thirds of what a new cylinder costs if it’s older than you.
2. Markings: Check for the manufacturing standard, such as BS or ISO standard stamped on the neck. If it’s missing, don’t buy it—it will fail inspection and have to be rejected. (Be careful and confirm as sometimes the valve specification is stamped on the cylinder and not the manufacturing standard this can be confusing)
3. Valve Specifications: Ensure the valve matches the cylinder’s thread specification (e.g., M25x2).
4. Rust and Pitting: A freshly painted cylinder could be hiding damage. Be cautious.
5. Testing: Ideally, get the seller to agree to a test before finalizing the purchase. If the cylinder passes, then establish a value and conclude your purchase. Just because it was inspected in the past and the seller claims it was standing in storage and not being used means it will pass

Be careful when importing cylinders, both new and old into South Africa as there are specific requirements and you can be held legally accountable for these even after selling or handing it to others. This allows for legal recourse should a person buy a cylinder that does not conform unknowingly.