On Thu, 15 Nov 2001 10:55:59 -0800 Ed <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> --- David Hale <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> > Here's an update on the story and a link to the full
> > update.
> >
> > David H.
> > ------------------------------------------
> > Dillon said the tank that had exploded had been
> > weakened by rust and the tank's inspections were not
> > up to date.
> >
> > Condensation had caused the tank to rust inside from
> > "top to bottom," he said. Air tanks are supposed to
> > be
> > visually inspected annually and undergo hydrostatic
> > pressure tests every five years, Dillon said.
> >
> > Dillon said the tank that exploded was made in 1988
> > and received its last visual inspection in October
> > 1999. It received its last hydrostatic test in 1991,
> > he said.
> >
> > http://www.tcpalm.com/news/verobeach/15v350a.shtml
>
> So it was Vip'd while out of hydro?
> My they do things different in Flori-duh.

If one considers that the store normally follows the rules, this could
be a situation of turning a blind eye for a friend.
I hope that was not the case.......

Up here in Canada several dive stores will only fill tanks with Visual+
stickers.
My local store will do said check before filling should the existing Visual
be only standard and don't charge for it.

The owner considers it to be for his protection and a sales tool to
encourage that person to do it there next time. He does give a mini
lecture of the advantages of it and the test gizmo is kinda cool looking
compared to just a mirror on a stick and light. Of course that sales
pitch may not work that well in Florida with the larger number of
visiting divers.


Michael
--
Divers know the true meaning of peace of mind.