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Very cool. Good timing too. I’m assuming they’ve got to be close to wrapping-up for the season.

Damn Austin, that’s a heck of a haul. Looks like several are in really good shape, too. Which operator did you dive with?

I went with NAUI. Their AOW is down to a max of 130’. My “deep” dive was 113’. I think they’re really only looking at it from the standpoint of establishing exposure to greater than the bare minimum of training, which is OW. As has been covered in numerous threads...possession of a piece of...

Yup. Don’t get me wrong, I got a lot out of the course and I’m glad that I took it, but the primary reason that I initially signed up for it is domestic dive operators treating an AOW cert/plastic card like a gate pass at an amusement park. No pass, no entry.

It’s not uncommon for dive operators in the U.S to ask to see an AOW cert for deep and/or risky/non-standard dives. ex. Black water diving. I’ve had operators in FL, NC, and SC ask to confirm that I have an AOW cert. Also had an operator in NC ask experience related questions to gauge whether or...

Exactly what @runsongas posted. A spun steel Asahi tank made in Japan.

Ok. Let me just reach out to the defunct manufacturer (see @runsongas post) and tell them that they are incorrect in stamping “SPUN” on the neck of the tank. Internets, lol.

The general assumption around here where most local dive shops are concerned is that an unfavorable customer outcome is generally due to: 1. Incompetence, and / or 2. Malice. Rarely is the third possibility (*hit happens) considered. Yup. I’ll see if I can get a picture.

I asked some follow-up questions. Additional information: -Two people did inspect it prior to calling me. One of the two is a DOT inspector. -They expressed that this is the first spun steel tank with a thread crack that they’ve handled. -They would not be surprised if the crack was missed...

I have no idea. I’ve never run into this before, so I don’t know what I don’t know.

Good idea. I’ll see if I can do that. Thank you.

I’ve dealt with both of the people in the shop that do tank inspections on more than a dozen occasions. Knowing the person that called...he wouldn’t have reached out to me to tell me that it was cracked if he didn’t get a second set of eyes on it first. I can’t say that I’ve heard of similar...

The vast majority of shops in my area don’t do hydro inspections. They ship them out and have them done offsite. If I show up and there’s visible cracks, it’s getting binned or I’ll hack it up for something. If it’s not cracked, I’ll figure something else out. That is how it was phrased...

It was condemned at VIP. They made it clear that they want me to look at the tank (they said that proactively) and would not stamp it as condemned until I have a chance to look at it. The shop in question is meticulous, in my experience. I’ve spent a good amount of money with them and they have...

I recently purchased a pair of used HP steel tanks. The last vis for both tanks was in 2019, so it hasn’t been long since they were inspected previously. Both tanks were filled, but I went ahead and dropped them off to get inspected just to be on the safe side. One will be getting condemned due...

It’s all a matter of perspective. It’s not deep by the standards of many that frequent this forum, but for the AVERAGE recreational diver (only dives once in a blue moon)...100’ is deep. Ex. Myself. I have to drive 4+ hours to get to a dive operator that permits me to make a 100’+ dive.

Cool. That’s a nice area (rural/quiet). It would be a nice spot to settle down and retire. I’ve heard of “Shark Tooth Island” over on Fossil Forum. I’m not sure of the real name of the island either. I’ve read that it’s a good spot if you have a boat to access it, but I’m not sure on diving...

I’ve scoured Fossil Forums, here, and every website I can find. I have not seen any substantial recent feedback regarding diving off any of the VA fossil beaches. On Westmoreland State Park...it’s a hike from the parking area to the beach. There are considerations, such as the tide, as well...

Include the back plate in your weight calculation. As the others were saying though...it’s trial and error. Whenever you switch buoyancy devices, wetsuit thickness, Water type (fresh, brackish, salt), you’ll have to tinker with your weight again. Take notes in your logbook so that you know where...

I think you’re right on that. Really the only place I can think of a doable shore-entry that might be open at the moment would be from Matoaka Cabins (private beach), but like you said...as steep as the trail to the water is there, it wouldn’t be fun getting gear down to the water. I really...