Do dive shops let you put vindicator valves on rental tanks?

[M DeM]

I'm guessing the answer is a big fat NO, but they seem like a great idea, but I'm not ready to buy tanks.

I suppose if I were a rental house I wouldn't want any one screwing with the valves on my tanks, but the installation seems so easy.

Just thought I'd ask..

 

[DogDiver]

Why would you want one? You reach back and always check for yourself the valve is on.

 

[Marie13]

I strongly bet the answer is nope. Also, there are different models of valves depending on manufacturer, and the corresponding Vindictator knobs.

If you want to make sure you have Vindictor knobs on your tanks, you buy your own tanks, equip them with Vindicators, and either dive locally or destinations where you can drive and tank your own tanks with you.

 

[scubafanatic]

I highly doubt a dive shop would knowingly allow you to tamper with their tanks, and I don't think you present a compelling argument for tampering with their tanks. Equipment usually won't make up for a skills problem.

 

[divad]

I thought "Vindicator" knobs were strictly for the aged, infirm, dottering, drooling, confused...........etc.

 

[Johnoly]

It's filled with 3300 psi and you're disassembling it on a boat filled with divers.............what could go wrong ??

 

[Lorenzoid]

It's filled with 3300 psi and you're disassembling it on a boat filled with divers.............what could go wrong ??

It's just the handwheel. Remove existing handwheel and replace with Vindicator using a handwheel tool. Voila.

I suppose if the rental tank is being used on a boat operated by the shop that filled the tank, they would likely observe the OP monkeying with the valve and object, but what if the OP is taking the tank elsewhere, such as for shore diving?

 

[divezonescuba]

I would allow it for a labor and deposit fee. You have to have the correct model vindicator for the valve, it has to be put on properly, and you have to worry about the parts rolling around on the deck. But then again almost all our tanks have them already, since I am all of the above.

Seriously, the vindicator handles are really important in many situations including sidemount or tec training that involve a lot of valve drills.

On the boat, the captain or Divemaster can instantaneously check those prior to launching. I have spotted people, from the helm, getting up from their seat to go to the transom with their valves closed.

 

[Gareth J]

Probably will make my self unpopular, but the vindicator knobs look like a solution looking for a problem. Rather like electronically controlled BC's.

Much better to have a proper Buddy check routine [1]. Like BAR or the PADI equivalent.


[1] - You don't need a buddy to run through the check. Buoyancy, Air, Releases. (+ Extras).

 

[doctormike]

Seriously, the vindicator handles are really important in many situations including sidemount or tec training that involve a lot of valve drills.

I don't know if I agree with this... I never heard a tech instructor recommend Vindicator knobs. But maybe I'm wrong.