IDEST Visual Cylinder Inspection Course

Why take this Visual Cylinder Inspection course?

Visual inspections are the first line of defence in cylinder safety. This practical workshop builds the skills and judgement to inspect, assess and document cylinders to UK best practice and IDEST methodology, so you can spot problems early and keep divers safe.

Who it’s for

• Service technicians formalising inspection skills

• Club equipment officers and store custodians

• Centre owners/managers building in-house capability

• Engineers/technically minded new starters entering servicing

What you’ll learn (key outcomes)

• Standards & responsibilities: IDEST scheme overview; record-keeping, traceability & legal duties

• Identification & markings: materials, working/test pressures, thread forms, test due dates

• External inspection: paint/galvanising, dents, cuts, bulges, heat damage, valve/boot/guard areas

• Internal inspection: lighting & mirrors, rust scale, pitting evaluation, moisture & contamination

• Neck & thread checks: visual thread assessment; eddy-current testing where applicable (overview & demo)

• Rejection criteria: pass/fail decisions, quarantine and reporting

• Cleaning & preparation: pre-inspection prep and post-inspection housekeeping

• Labelling & documentation: stickers, stamping (where appropriate), logbooks & audit readiness

• Workshop safety: PPE, handling & storage, safe work practices

Format, duration & locations

• Format: Instructor-led workshop with demonstrations and supervised practice

• Duration: One day (approx. 8 hours)

• Locations: Reading, Swindon, Bristol (serving Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire & the West)

• Group size: Small cohorts for maximum hands-on time

Assessment & certification

• Ongoing knowledge checks and a practical competency assessment.

• For formal IDEST accreditation/test-station approvals, candidates must meet current IDEST criteria at an IDEST-recognised facility.

What’s included

• Expert tuition & workshop access

• Inspection tools for training (lights, mirrors, gauges)

• Course handbook & documentation templates

• Tea/coffee/water during the day

What to bring

• Photo ID for certification

• PPE: safety footwear and eye protection (spares available)

• Notepad/device for notes

Entry requirements

• Minimum age 18

• Comfort with basic mechanical processes; prior servicing experience helpful but not essential

Next steps

Build your servicing pathway with: Hydrostatic Cylinder Inspection, Valve Servicing, and O₂ Cleaning to round out your capability.