If you suspect the air in your dive tank is contaminated, what should you do?

When there is a suspicion that the air in your dive tank may be contaminated, the most prudent course of action is to call the dive shop and refrain from using the tank. This is vital for safety reasons. Contaminated air can pose serious health risks, such as exposure to toxic substances or a lack of sufficient oxygen, leading to potentially life-threatening situations under water.

By reporting the issue to the dive shop, you enable trained professionals to assess and address the contamination. They have the proper equipment and expertise to analyze the air quality and ensure that safety standards are met before the tank is used again.

Limiting dive time, notifying only a buddy, or checking the tank pressure first do not adequately address the risk posed by suspected contamination. Using a potentially contaminated tank, even with limitations, could lead to an unsafe dive, while just informing your buddy does not mitigate the risk of using that tank. Similarly, checking the tank pressure does not provide any insight into the air quality, which is the primary concern in this scenario. Calling the dive shop ensures a comprehensive and appropriate response to the potential hazard.