Corrosion pitting on bailout cylinder
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 July 2002
- Generated on 25 May 2026
- IMCA SF 05/02
- 1 minute read
A Member has reported that during routine inspection and maintenance of the bailout cylinder, the diving supervisor found corrosion pitting on the cylinder body hidden beneath the harness strap.
Our Member took the following actions:
- The company reminded its personnel that:
- seawater trapped for prolonged periods between the cylinder and strap, coupled with the regular rubbing of the harness strap with the cylinder body could cause corrosion pitting on the cylinder.
- severe corrosion of the cylinder casing causes weakening of the cylinder which can fail with serious consequences.
- such equipment must be inspected regularly (see Guidance Document IMCA D018 Code of practice for the initial and periodic examination, testing and certification of diving plant and equipment).
- seawater trapped for prolonged periods between the cylinder and strap, coupled with the regular rubbing of the harness strap with the cylinder body could cause corrosion pitting on the cylinder.
- The bailout cylinder was taken out of service and sent for a full maintenance overhaul.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.