Shipping a tank?

[diverdowndh]

I am going to Fiji this October. I sent some emails to the dive shop on Taveuni (where I'm headed) about using 100cu or 110cu tanks, but they came back and said they do not have anything larger than the normal al80's. So, my thoughts are these... has anyone brought a tank, or tanks, with them when they fly to a remote location? I am wondering if I could rent or purchase a larger volume tank and have the airlines pack it with my luggage... I know, the airlines will be the final judge but I wondered if anyone else has done this in the past and what to expect if so.
Any thoughts?
D

 

[divermatt]

They're going to charge you for having such heavy stuff, and they require the valve is removed. So basically you'll get this tank to your destination and will need to get it VIP'd and filled.

 

[divengolf]

I ship my steel 100s (plus all my dive gear except reg, cameras and computers) via UPS routinely. Unlike the airlines, you don't have to remove the valves. The UPS rules are a little vague about shipping air tanks, so I bring them down to 100-200 psi and use tie wraps to insure that the valves don't open.

I've gotten thick cylindrical cardboard shipping containers just a little larger than the tanks. I made some wooden collars to support them and they ship just fine.

Most of my shipping has been to the Keys. It's about $20/tank one way. Overseas is MUCH more expensive, but you avoid the VIP issue that you get with the airlines.

Go to the TSA web site for info on traveling with scuba tanks on airlines.

 

[diverdowndh]

Hmmm. Is a pony tank something that would be a better idea? Probably bound to the same removing the valve and reinspecting. Not sure if pony tanks are used for just additional bottom time or just in case of emergency....

 

[diverdowndh]

I'll check into the shipping option, great idea!

 

[vegas911diver]

I would also check with the shop to make sure they have the capabilities of filling a larger capacity tank, that is if the psi will be over 3000.

I work for Clark County Department of Aviation. I checked with the local Operations Manager for US Airways and America West. They limit you to one tank per passenger.

ALSO:

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) website (www.tsa.gov) lists the following:

Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carry-on ONLY if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e. the cylinder has an open end). The cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside.
Our Security Officers will NOT remove the seal or regulator valve from the cylinder at the checkpoint. If the cylinder is sealed (i.e. the regulator valve is still attached), the cylinder is prohibited and not permitted through the security checkpoint, regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator. Our Security Officers must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside.
Passengers considering air travel with a compressed air or CO2 system would be advised to contact its manufacturer for guidance in locating a qualified technician, or to consider shipping the system to their destination via a parcel service.

I hope this helps you

 

[diverdowndh]

Another great point, exactly why I love Scubaboard. I think I'm going to discuss this whole subject with my LDS, who I am going on the trip with. They may have some options also....

 

[MichaelBaranows]

I have only one question.

Why would you need 100/110 cf tank for normal rec. diving?

Cause if you are diving with a group there is a good chance that someone else will have a worse breathing rate than you.

 

[diverdowndh]

What difference does that make? My gf/dive buddy always has more air than I and there have been very few times that a group has to go up together in our experience... i guess I'm not sure what you mean. I dove with a 100cu tank in Cozumel, she had a regular al80, and we were really close on air consumption with just that added volume in my tank as far as dive time. Please don't start the age-old argument about slowing down, or gas consumption, or anything else. I'm somewhat experienced, very relaxed, just want to keep up with my all-time dive buddy, who just doesn't consume air as fast as I, so we both get the most out of each dive.

 

[Scared Silly]

The TSA rules are pretty easy to get through, drain and take the value off and seal with clear tape or a cap. I have traveled with a small bottle many times throughout the world and never had a problem. I have not taken a full sized cylinder overseas before. However, you should not have any problems if you follow the TSA rules. What ever you do pack it in such a way that you do not need to tell the airline about it as they will bend you over if they find it. This is from Delta's website:

One dive bag containing scuba equipment, other than an empty dive tank, may be accepted as part of your free baggage allowance. An empty dive tank will not be included in determining the free baggage allowance and will always be subject to a $100 fee. Scuba equipment accepted in excess of the free baggage allowance will be assessed the appropriate fee based on destination.