PSI/PCI Visual Cylinder Inspector Course

The PSI/PCI VCI course is intended for: 

• Dive shop owners and employees
• Cylinder fill station operators
• Scuba instructors and dive professionals
• Fire department personnel (SCBA technicians)
• Industrial gas cylinder handlers
• Independent technicians who want to start cylinder inspection service
• Divers who want to gain a better understanding of cylinder safety 

No prior cylinder inspection experience is required. However, students must be at least 16 years of age and should have a working familiarity with compressed gas cylinders and safe handling practices. 

In-Person and/or Virtually

We will cover the essential theory and standards behind cylinder inspection, including: 

• Cylinder design and manufacturing methods (steel, aluminum, composite)
• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and applicable regulatory markings
• Current inspection criteria and condemnation standards
• Corrosion types and causes (internal and external) 
• Crack detection and sustained load cracking (SLC)
• Thread inspection standards
• Valve types and valve inspection procedures
• Cleaning for oxygen service
• Handling cylinders exposed to fire or heat
• Proper documentation and record keeping
• When to remove a cylinder from service

Students will learn how to interpret markings, understand service pressures, and determine whether a cylinder meets current safety standards. 

Hands-Practical Training

Under direct supervision from the instructor, students will: 

• Properly remove cylinder valves
• Conduct external and internal evaluations of cylinders
• Identify corrosion, pitting, cracking, and mechanical damage
• Inspect threads
• Evaluate cylinder necks and O-ring sealing surfaces
• Complete inspection documentation

You will examine a variety of cylindners in different conditions to develop real-world evaluation skills. 

The PSI/PCI VCI course is typically conducted over one full day (8-10 hours) in an either in-person or virtual format. 

Sample Morning Schedule: 

• Course introduction and safety overview
• Cylinder construction and regulations
• Inspection standards and rejection criteria
• Documentation and liability considerations

Sample Midday Schedule: 

• Tool familiarization
• Valve removal and handling procedures
• Internal and external inspection techniques

Sample Afternoon Schedule: 

• Hands-on inspection of multiple cylinders
• Thread inspection practice
• Identifying defects and discussing case examples
• Written examination

Students must successfully pass the written exam and demonstrate practical competence to earn certification. 

Students must: 

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Be physically capable of safely handling high-pressure cylinders
• Follow all safety protocols during practical training
• Successfully complete the written examination with a passing score

No prior PSI/PCI certification are required for the VCI course. 

Certification is valid for three years, inspections must complete an update course prior to certification expiration to remain current.