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n2diving · 12th June 2007, 17:20

As a destination for rebreather divers, we've heard a variety of stories and when asked our recommendations here is what I say...

1) No matter what you do, what rules you follow, or what attempts you make at following the rules... your cylinders may be confiscated/stolen by someone somewhere who is rummaging through your baggage. Better to assume it will happen and plan for it. The odds are on about 1 out 10 trips you will lose your cylinders.

2) Try to find a way not to travel with your cylinders. Pay whatever it costs to ship them ahead if need be. If that's not practical, arrange to purchase a set at the destination and just travel with your valves. Think of it as a form of 'trip insurance'.

3) If you are going to try to travel with them... remove the valves.... do not plug or tape or seal the ends or in anyway obstruct the openings. NOTHING. The inspector must be able to pick them up and shove whatever he likes inside without any obstacle to his doing whatever he pleases. If you don't like that, don't travel by air.

4) When you arrive at your destination... the cylinders that travelled with you are no longer suitable for oxygen service. You have no idea what nasty device they stuck in your cylinder to inspect it or what they wiped it down with during the explosives test. Have a plan for how you are going to deal with this at the other end.

5) See #2 above. Most people don't think about #4, but it's not the fault of the dive shop so don't get upset with them if they won't fill your oxygen cylinder because it's not o2 clean.

12th June 2007, 17:20	#18 (permalink)
n2diving Dive Rite Express Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 278	Re: Warning: TSA Confiscated Cylinders As a destination for rebreather divers, we've heard a variety of stories and when asked our recommendations here is what I say... 1) No matter what you do, what rules you follow, or what attempts you make at following the rules... your cylinders may be confiscated/stolen by someone somewhere who is rummaging through your baggage. Better to assume it will happen and plan for it. The odds are on about 1 out 10 trips you will lose your cylinders. 2) Try to find a way not to travel with your cylinders. Pay whatever it costs to ship them ahead if need be. If that's not practical, arrange to purchase a set at the destination and just travel with your valves. Think of it as a form of 'trip insurance'. 3) If you are going to try to travel with them... remove the valves.... do not plug or tape or seal the ends or in anyway obstruct the openings. NOTHING. The inspector must be able to pick them up and shove whatever he likes inside without any obstacle to his doing whatever he pleases. If you don't like that, don't travel by air. 4) When you arrive at your destination... the cylinders that travelled with you are no longer suitable for oxygen service. You have no idea what nasty device they stuck in your cylinder to inspect it or what they wiped it down with during the explosives test. Have a plan for how you are going to deal with this at the other end. 5) See #2 above. Most people don't think about #4, but it's not the fault of the dive shop so don't get upset with them if they won't fill your oxygen cylinder because it's not o2 clean.
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