European Tanks

[esears]

Are there any downsides to buying tanks in Europe? I currently live in Italy and can get relatively decent deals on tanks once the VAT is taken off, but I wanted to make sure I could get them filled in the States when I move back. I wasn't 100% sure about DOT regulations and what not. To be specific, the tanks in question are sold through BTS Europa (which I know isn't the manufacturer).

Thanks for the assistance!

 

[tomfcrist]

Nobody will fill them in the USA unless they have a DOT certification.

 

[knotical]

Couple of threads with some info:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tanks-valves-bands/190350-european-tank-us.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tanks-valves-bands/322097-us-tank-europe-vice-versa.html

 

[Scared Silly]

Nobody will fill them in the USA unless they have a DOT certification.

That is not strictly true. You will not be able to get then re-qualified without lots of hassles and will not be able to get a legal fill from a commercial operator but what you do privately is your business.

To the OP your best bet is if the price is right buy the cylinders and then sell them when you leave. I did something like that while I lived across the pond. And in one case I basically got my money back.

 

[tomfcrist]

Nobody will fill them in the USA unless they have a DOT certification.

That is not strictly true. You will not be able to get then re-qualified without lots of hassles and will not be able to get a legal fill from a commercial operator but what you do privately is your business.

To the OP your best bet is if the price is right buy the cylinders and then sell them when you leave. I did something like that while I lived across the pond. And in one case I basically got my money back.

True, if you have your own fill station you can do what you want. However, you cannot legally transport them filled on DOT roadways......so don't get caught.

 

[knotical]

... However, you cannot legally transport them filled on DOT roadways......so don't get caught.

I thought that only applied to commercial carriers. Or was that part of the joke, and I'm just being dense? (again)

 

[Doppler]

I have a couple of European tanks with European valves (no burst disks), and occasionally have issues getting them filled... but surprisingly not often.

 

[Paulmal]

It is true, the DOT can check tanks in personal vehicles, over fills are a no no too. In reality no one checks tanks in private vehicles but that doesn't mean anything. (Remember they got Al Capone on taxes not for all the other stuff).
I have heard that there is a way to get the tanks certified through the DOT but it is a hassle and probably eat all your savings.

 

[Superlyte27]

It is true, the DOT can check tanks in personal vehicles, over fills are a no no too. In reality no one checks tanks in private vehicles but that doesn't mean anything. (Remember they got Al Capone on taxes not for all the other stuff).
I have heard that there is a way to get the tanks certified through the DOT but it is a hassle and probably eat all your savings.

What is the probable cause for DOT pulling over a private vehicle to inspect the tanks?

 

[Paulmal]

That is the question. But it can be anything.