Which Size Aluminium Scuba Cylinder Is Right For You?

The right choice of aluminium scuba tank is mostly dependent on what you're using it for.

Catalina S80 (11.1 litre, 80 cubic foot), 207 bar — The S80 is the benchmark 'Standard Aluminium 80' cylinder used by the majority of recreational sport divers worldwide. A pair of these S80 size cylinders is the most popular sidemount choice. They are also used as stage cylinders by technical divers doing very long run times.

Catalina S40 (5.7 litre, 40 cubic foot), 207 bar — The S40 is a popular for stage cylinders by technical divers, and as bailout cylinders for rebreather divers.

Catalina S19 (2.7 litre, 19 cubic foot), 207 bar — The S19 makes an excellent choice as an emergency air source tank (pony bottle) for recreational sport divers, and as bailout cylinders for rebreather divers. It has also become popular as an oxygen deco tank as its capacity is plenty for all but the most extreme dives.

Low and High Pressure Aluminium Scuba Diving Cylinders

Aluminium scuba cylinders, unlike steel cylinders, don't rust, they oxidise. The oxidisation of aluminium forms a protective coat that hinders the continuation of corrosion making aluminium cylinders less likely to be condemned due to excessive corrosion.

Catalina Cylinders are high grade aluminium constructed especially to meet Australian safety standards.

Negatively buoyant when empty

Rugged enough for rental gear or sport diving

Available in two different pressure ratings: 228 bar and 207 bar

Available with or without DIN / K convertible valve

Regulation and Inspection: All Catalina seamless aluminium alloy compressed gas cylinders are manufactured in accordance with US Department Of Transport (DOT) 3AL and Transport of Canada (TC) 3ALM requirements. Every cylinder is inspected and tested by a DOT and TC authorised independent inspection agency. All Catalina cylinders supplied in Australia are stamped with the Australian Standards Authority Number.

Material: Every cylinder is produced from high strength aluminium alloy 6061-T6
Neck Thread: 3/4 inch – 14 NPSM

All cylinders from The Scuba Doctor dive shop are visually inspected and shipped with a current hydrostatic date (except where indicated).

PADI Wreck Diver

Each wreck dive offers a chance for a new discovery

PADI Wreck Diver

Whether purpose-sunk as an artificial reef for scuba divers, or lost as the result of an accident, wrecks are fascinating windows to the past. Ships, airplanes and even cars are fascinating to explore and usually teem with aquatic life. Each wreck dive offers a chance for discovery, potentially unlocking a mystery or spying something others have missed. The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty course is popular because it offers rewarding adventures while observing responsible wreck diving practices.

What You'll Learn

Your training starts by reviewing guidelines for researching and respecting wrecks. You'll also learn:

Safety considerations for navigating and exploring wrecks.
Surveying and mapping a wreck.
Using penetration lines and reels to guide exploration.
Techniques to avoid kicking up silt or disturbing the wreck and its inhabitants.

Prerequisites and Requirements

Age Requirement
16 years or older

Course Prerequisites
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification, or proof of equivalent diver certification from another training organisation

Time Commitment
Approximately 4 hours

Equipment

It's best to use your own scuba equipment, including a dive computer, plus a dive light to see the wreck, a slate and underwater compass for mapping and navigation. Your PADI Instructor can help you find the equipment that is appropriate for local wreck Diving.

Personal Equipment — You'll need to provide your own bathing suit and towel. For your personal hygiene and comfort, there are some things that we simply choose not to provide you with, and this is more out of concern for your health and well-being than anything else. These include:

Snorkel — Risk of orally transmitted diseases
Mask — To prevent masks fogging, divers spit in their masks. Would you like to put on your face something that someone else has recently spat in?
Gloves — Dermatitis
Dive Boots — Tinea is a nasty fungal bug that loves to jump from one person to another
Fins — Complete your own snorkelling kit

If you don't already have them, you can buy these items in our dive shop online or in-store. Our experienced dive shop staff can help you with the right equipment choices.

Rental Equipment — Rental gear is not included in the price. The Scuba Doctor has high-quality BCDs, Regulators with Dive Computers, Scuba Cylinders, Wetsuits and Weight Belts available for hire. See Scuba Equipment Rental for details.