IDEST Composite Cylinder Course

Why take this Composite Cylinder course?

Composite cylinders behave differently from steel or aluminium—they have specific inspection techniques, strict service-life limits and unique damage modes (fibre cuts, impact bruising, resin cracking). This hands-on, workshop-first course shows you how to identify, inspect and document composite cylinders to UK best practice and IDEST methodology, so you can keep divers and staff safe.

Who it’s for

• Service technicians expanding beyond steel/aluminium work

• Club equipment officers responsible for mixed cylinder fleets

• Dive centre owners/managers building in-house inspection capability

• Technically minded new starters entering servicing

What you’ll learn

• Standards & responsibilities: IDEST scheme overview; traceability & legal duties

• Identification & markings: composite types (e.g., Type 2/3/4 concepts), materials, liners, approvals, test/retire dates

• Service-life limits: understanding manufacturer life, re-qualification rules and end-of-life handling

• External inspection: wrap integrity, fibre cuts/abrasion, impact damage, blistering, resin cracks, heat/UV/chemical effects

• Neck/liner checks: aluminium/polymer liners, thread forms, neck damage indicators

• Hydro considerations: jacket testing with composites, precautions, expansion behaviour, when to reject before test

• Rejection criteria & documentation: pass/fail decisions, labelling, records and audit readiness

• Handling & storage: PPE, protection from sharp edges/solvents/heat, correct racking and transport

• Oxygen service overview: compatibility, contamination control and cleaning cautions for composites

Format, duration & locations

• Format: Instructor-led workshop with demonstrations and supervised practice

• Duration: One day (approx. 8 hours)

• Locations: Swindon (serving Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire & Hampshire)

• Group size: Small cohorts to maximise hands-on time

Assessment & certification

• Continuous knowledge checks and a practical competency assessment.

• For formal IDEST accreditation/test-station approvals, candidates must meet current IDEST criteria at an IDEST-recognised facility.

What’s included

• Expert tuition & workshop access

• Use of inspection tools and relevant demo cylinders

• Course handbook & documentation templates

• Tea/coffee/water

What to bring

• Photo ID for certification

• PPE: safety footwear and eye protection (spares available)

• Notepad/device for notes

Entry requirements

• Minimum age 18

• Comfortable following technical processes; prior cylinder experience helpful but not essential

Next steps

Round out your capability with Visual Cylinder Inspection, Hydrostatic Cylinder Inspection, Valve Servicing and O₂ Cleaning.