Diving Equipment Inspection, Maintenance, and Recordkeeping
Equipment integrity is a records question
The exam tests whether you can prove an item was fit at the time of use. The program needs pre-dive checks, periodic inspections at manufacturer or regulatory intervals, and records that link each item to its inspection, repair, and next due date. Items out of test are removed from service, tagged, and segregated.
Records to verify
- Cylinder visual inspection and hydrostatic test dates, with the test facility and requalifier mark.
- Regulator and umbilical inspection and repair history by serial number.
- Compressor maintenance and filter changes.
- Chamber inspection, relief valve, and gauge calibration records.
- Gauges and analyzers with calibration certificates.
- PPE and lifeline inspection logs.
A record without an item identifier is not traceable. A tag without a corresponding record is not verification.
Worked example
A cylinder's visual inspection is current, but the hydrostatic test date is two months past. The crew says the cylinder has been in light service and holds pressure well. Reasoning: visual inspection does not extend the hydrostatic interval, and a pressure check is not a test. The cylinder must be removed from service, tagged, and requalified before filling or use. The finding also raises a program question: why did the tracking system not flag the expiry?
Traps that cost marks
- Treating a current visual as a substitute for hydrostatic testing.
- Accepting that an item works as evidence of fitness.
- Missing serial numbers or next-due dates.
- Failing to verify calibration of gas analyzers.
- Overlooking chamber and relief-valve records.