VIP, Hydro, Oxygen Cleaning & Cylinder Services Serving Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia & Delaware

At Southern Maryland Divers, scuba tank safety is non-negotiable. All scuba cylinders must receive a Visual Inspection (VIP) every year and a Hydrostatic Test every five years to remain compliant and safe to dive.

We perform professional tank inspections, cleanings, and hydrostatic testing with fast turnaround times so you’re not sidelined from diving longer than necessary.

Proper tank maintenance goes hand in hand with regular scuba equipment service and regulator inspections, especially for active divers.

Fast Turnaround & Free Rental Tanks

All tank inspections and preparation are handled in-house, allowing us to move quickly and keep quality control high.
If your tanks are sent out for hydrostatic testing, we provide free rental tanks so you can continue diving while your cylinders are being certified.

This service is especially helpful for divers enrolled in training or preparing for upcoming dive trips.

Students enrolled in our Open Water scuba certification courses often bring their tanks in early to avoid delays during training.

Certified Cylinder Inspection Professionals

All inspections are completed by a PSI/PCI-certified cylinder inspector, ensuring every tank meets or exceeds current industry and federal safety standards.

Staff Credentials

• PSI Visual Cylinder Inspector – #RE23566

• PSI Eddy Current Technician – #RE2831

• PSI Oxygen Cleaning Cylinder Technician – #868

• PSI Valve Repair Technician – #1456

Visual Tank Inspection (VIP) Pricing

Visual Tank Inspection – Air Only – $20.00
Includes inspection, air fill, and new O-rings
Required annually

Visual Tank Inspection – Nitrox Clean (up to 40%) – $25.00
Includes inspection, air fill, O-rings
Nitrox fill extra – required annually

Visual Tank Inspection – O₂ Service Clean (up to 100%) – $40.00
Includes inspection, oxygen cleaning, air fill, and O-rings
Nitrox or O₂ fill extra – longer turnaround – required annually

Hydrostatic Testing & Cylinder Services

Hydrostatic Certification Test – $55.00
Includes:

• Hydrostatic test and date stamp

• Visual inspection

• Valve inspection and lubrication

• Air fill (Nitrox extra, prorated)

• New O-rings

Required every 5 years (carbon fiber tanks every 3 years)
Carbon fiber–wrapped tanks add $5

Additional Tank & Valve Services

Tank Tumble – $20.00+

• Light rust – $20

• Heavy rust – $30+ (based on severity)

Valve Repair – $35.00
Includes ultrasonic cleaning, parts, and rebuild on most valves

Tank & Valve O₂ Cleaning – $50.00 per tank
All sizes; parts extra
Cleaned using Blue Gold, Christolube, Viton O-rings, and OCA air for drying

Doubles Breakdown / Reassembly – $20.00
Doubles count as two tanks
Bring them disassembled if you plan to reassemble yourself to avoid this charge

Eddy Current Testing & Aluminum Tank Safety Notice

All tanks made from 6351-T6 aluminum alloy must undergo eddy current testing per federal law. These tanks were manufactured by:

• Walter Kidde (1972–1998)

• Luxfer (1972–May 1988)

If your tank falls into this category, we will notify you. Due to the high risk associated with sustained-load cracking, we do not service or fill tanks that require eddy current testing.

Learn How to Extend the Life of Your Scuba Tanks

Want to keep your cylinders in top condition between inspections?

Learn how proper storage, rinsing, and handling can extend the life of your tanks in our scuba cylinder care guide.

Visit Our Cylinder Service Center

Southern Maryland Divers
23950 N. Patuxent Beach Rd, California, MD 20619
(443) 295-3225 • www.SoMdDivers.com

Serving divers throughout Southern Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Scuba Tank Inspection & Hydro Testing FAQs

Do you offer scuba tank inspections and hydrostatic testing for Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, and Delaware divers?

Yes. Southern Maryland Divers provides cylinder VIPs, hydrostatic testing coordination, oxygen cleaning, and related cylinder services for divers across Southern Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

How often does my scuba tank need a Visual Inspection (VIP)?

Scuba cylinders require a Visual Inspection (VIP) every year to remain safe and compliant for fills and diving. If your VIP is expired, bring the tank in and we’ll get you squared away.

How often does my tank need a hydrostatic test?

Most scuba cylinders require a hydrostatic test every five years. Carbon fiber–wrapped tanks typically require hydro every three years (and may have additional requirements depending on the manufacturer).

What’s included in your VIP service?

Our VIP process includes a professional inspection by a PSI/PCI-certified inspector. If your cylinder passes, we’ll get it back in service-ready condition so you can get filled and get diving.

What’s included in hydrostatic testing?

Hydrostatic testing is a pressure test that verifies the cylinder can safely handle working pressure. If your tank needs hydro, we’ll prep it properly and coordinate the hydro process so it returns certified and ready to go.

How long does VIP or hydro testing take?

Turnaround depends on current shop workload and (for hydro) transport/testing timelines. Call the shop for the most accurate timing based on what you’re bringing in and when you need it back.

Do you provide rental tanks while my cylinders are out for hydro?

Yes. If your tanks are sent out for hydrostatic testing, we provide free rental tanks so you can keep diving while your cylinders are being certified.

Can you oxygen-clean tanks for Nitrox or 100% O₂?

Yes. We offer oxygen cleaning services for cylinders and valves. If you’re running Nitrox (especially higher percentages) or oxygen, ask us what level of O₂ cleaning and compatible components you need for your setup.

Do you repair or rebuild scuba tank valves?

Yes. We can inspect and service many common scuba valves, including cleaning and rebuild options when appropriate. Bring the valve/tank in so we can assess condition and recommend the right service.

Do you tumble tanks with rust or contamination?

Yes. If a cylinder has internal rust or contamination, tumbling may be recommended to restore a clean interior. We’ll evaluate the cylinder first and tell you what makes sense based on severity.

Will you service or fill all aluminum tanks?

No. Some older aluminum cylinders made from 6351-T6 alloy require special consideration due to sustained-load cracking risk. If your cylinder falls into that category, we’ll notify you. Due to safety concerns, we do not service or fill tanks that require eddy current testing.

What should I bring when I drop off a tank?

Bring the cylinder(s) you want inspected/tested. If you have doubles, bring them disassembled if you plan to reassemble yourself (this can help avoid additional breakdown/reassembly charges). If you’re not sure, bring the whole setup and we’ll advise the best route.

How do I schedule tank inspection or hydro service?

Call (443) 295-3225 or stop by Southern Maryland Divers at 23950 N. Patuxent Beach Rd, California, MD 20619. You can also find details at www.SoMdDivers.com.