Nitrox fills

[WIdiver_Paul]

I think it's all a non-issue as long as you are completely aware of what quality of air is going in your tank (you have inspected the fill station and have communicated with the filler) and then just make sure you re-analyse your tank gas, because chances are it's still 22%+ anyhow, from carry-over gas in the tank, which still makes it nitrox. This should actually be a "legal" topoff and fill according to everyone, as long as the air is indeed clean... And as far as PADI goes, I find it interesting that they would contradict the tank labeling requirements which are on the test for all enriched air diving students! I seem to remember that the large tanks need a Green/Yellow sticker exactly 4" high, and a smaller sticker for Pony tanks, etc. when using Nitrox, according to their standards.... wait, here it is (ahem)...

"1. Yellow cylinders should have a 10 centimetre 4 inch green band around the tank shoulder with yellow or white lettering reading "Enriched Air" "Enriched Air Nitrox,""Nitrox," or a similar designation.

2. Nonyellow cylinders should have a 15 centimetre/ 6 inch band around the tank shoulder. The top and bottom of this band should be a yellow 2.5 centimetre/ 1 inch band, with the center 10 centimetres/ 4 inches green. The green portion should have yellow or white lettering reading "Enriched Air, "Enriched Air Nitrox," "Nitrox," or similar designation.

3. Enriched air cylinders should have a dated annual visual inspection sticker (decal) stating that the cylinder has been serviced and inspected for enriched air use. The sticker should also indicate if the cylinder does or does not meet oxygen service standards for partial pressure blending.

4. Enriched air cylinders should have a contents sticker (decal) or permanent tag. This sticker/ tag should, at a minimum, list the oxygen content of the blend the cylinder currently holds, the fill date, the maximum depth for the blend, and the name of the person who analyzed the oxygen content to verify the blender's analysis (this should be the diver who will use the tank). Stickers are replaced and tags rewritten when yo have the cylinder refilled. Do not remove the sticker or erase the tag after using the cylinder (the blender will do this when you have the cylinder refilled). If a permanent tag is used, the cylinder's serial number should be on the tag to prevent it from accidentally getting switched to another cylinder.

5. Besides the markings above, local laws and regulations may require additional or modified markings on enriched air cylinders. Some areas have recommendations or requirements that an enriched air cylinder be used within a given period, such as within 30 days of filling, and the cylinder may be marked accordingly. Your instructor will tell you about any that apply to your local area."


And there it is, gospel from our lord, the heavenly standards of PADI, hallowed be thy name! (hope thy lawyers don't come)




(check out this link below-cut and paste-, these guys need to find a new place to dive or something!)