Hydro-test markings, demystify them for me? I'd like to know when I'll need to fork over for a new hydrotest cert.

I believe your tank was last tested in 2000 and the 5-point star added to the date means it's good for 10 years. I'm basing that on the following:

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173.34.(e)(16) DOT-3A or 3AA cylinders. Defines so-called "star service". "Star service does not apply to cylinders used for diving, but may apply to cylinders in dive store compressed gas banks. A cylinder made in compliance with specification DOT-3A or DOT-3AA not exceeding 125 pounds water capacity (Steel scuba cylinders meet this criterion) and removed from any cluster, bank, group, rack or vehicle each time it is filled may be retested every 10 years instead of every 5 years provided the cylinder complies with all of the following: a.. Was manufactured after December 31, 1945 b.. Used exclusively for air or certain other gases (argon, helium, nitrogen, oxygen or permitted mixtures) c.. Passes the CGA Pamphlet C-6 hammer test prior to each refill d.. Is stamped with a five-pointed star following the test date e.. Is dried inside immediately following hydrostatic testing f.. The cylinder is not used for underwater breathing Some hydro-station and air fill station personnel misinterpret the "Star Service" description to mean that certain steel cylinders ("old") ones must be taken out of service. They are mistaken.

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This came from

Best Regards, Keith Marshall snipped-for-privacy@progressivelogic.com

"I'm not grown up enough to be so old!"

Sometime before May of this year. That's 05/2000, so you'll need one for '05

--- Rich