Dive enthusiasts know that the only way to dive is with your own equipment. Not only does it effect your physical comfort level when diving, but it effects your emotional comfort as well. You know when your dive equipment was last inspected and where all of the important items are.Because of tightened airline regulations, traveling with a scuba tank can be tricky. Below is a step-by-step guide to help ease you through the airline security with your scuba air tank.
According to the TSA, a compressed air tank such as those used in scuba diving, can only be transported in carry-on or checked baggage if the inside of the tank can be visually inspected. This means you have to remove the valve.
It's very important that you completely empty the tank prior to attempting to remove the valve. Bleed all the air from your hoses and then open the valve completely until the tank is empty.
Once your tank is empty, unscrew your regulator from the air tank.
The valve consists of a knob to turn the tank on and off, a thread to keep it in the pressurized tank, an O ring to keep the air from leaking around the threads, a dip tube, an over-pressure plug, and a hole surrounded by another O ring to make a seal with the regulator. Unscrew the valve.
Once you've removed the regulator and valve, place all parts in a zippered bag to keep them together. You don't want to lose anything!
Keep a copy of the current TSA airline regulations regarding scuba equipment with your tank to show security if they have any questions.
Once you reach your destination, reassemble your scuba gear and lightly lube your O-ring with some silicone grease.
