The Neptune Warrior

It still has the first VIP sticker on it, in fact some how through years of VIPs and Hydros, it still has meriories of diferent places I have traveled, various shops that inspected it each year, even a quircky nod to my days training in chemical warefare. It’s cobalt blue and it was a major piece of my transition into the lifestyle of diving.

(Get the podcast episode HERE)

I often get asked by my students, “What should my next scuba purchase be?” My students typically start their dive journey with most of their gear, except for a wetsuit, tank, weights, and, arguably, a dive computer. In my opinion, the first significant purchase should be a tank. Here’s why.

I remember among my first major scuba purchases. I still have it, and every time I pull it off the rack, whether I’m loaning it to a student or using it myself, I feel a sense of joy and nostalgia. There was an incredible sense of freedom that came with owning my tank. I own nearly 35 tanks now, but its still the one that evokes memories. I bought it from a small dive shop in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, called Aquatech. It was siting there among the various colors and sizes. It stood out with its beautiful blue paint reflecting the neon lights as the norm in dive shops in the 90’s. The tank that symbolized the freedom to dive whenever I wanted. It was an invitation to the world of underwater adventures. It was sexy, it was captivating, I drove home and sipped air out of it with it tightly belted in the passenger seat. I slept with it next to my bed that night.

At the time, I had just completed my dive training and didn’t have much money. I bought my first regulator setup through the base exchange. It had a console with a compass, depth gauge, and one regulator. I used my G-Shock watch and dive tables for depth and time. Back then, we relied heavily on dive tables. I had an old wetsuit that fell apart bit by bit each time I wore it. I dove a plastic back plate until I could buy a (very used) BCD. But that tank was new, and it was my key to freedom. I would drive an hour each way almost on a daily basis to Cherry Hill to get it filled.

I did a lot of diving at the Fort Dix pool, (under the guise of volunteering) to clean it, and at another spot where I hunted for bottles. Eventually, the fire department at McGuire Air Force Base started filling my tank, which was really convenient.

Advantages

1. Familiarity and Safety Owning your scuba tank means you are familiar with its condition and maintenance history. This reduces the risk of equipment failure or misuse, which can be common issues with rental gear. Knowing exactly how to handle your tank can enhance your safety underwater significantly.

2. Convenience I like getting up on a random morning and going to a local lake or drive 6 hours, knock out a couple of dives, and then drive back. One of the biggest advantages is convenience. With your tank, you can dive spontaneously without needing to visit a dive shop to rent a tank every time. This saves a lot of time and hassle, especially for those last-minute dives when conditions are perfect.

3. Consistency Using the same tank regularly helps you get used to its specific buoyancy characteristics and weight, improving your dive experience. There’s no guesswork involved, and you know exactly what to expect each time you dive, making it easier to maintain buoyancy control and enjoy the dive more. I now know how each tank will react and how I need to adjust to conditions, thermal layers, and other gear. Another reason I log every dive.

4. Cost Savings in the Long Run While the initial cost of purchasing your own tank is high, it can be cheaper in the long run if you dive frequently. Rental costs add up quickly, and owning your tank eliminates these ongoing expenses, making it a cost-effective option over time. I have seen rentals in the $30-$50 a day range and if its not back on time or if you have to get a day early, well often you pay for the time is out of the shop.

5. Customization and Quality When you own your gear, you can choose exactly what you want. Whether it’s a steel tank for better buoyancy or a specific size that matches your dive needs, you have the freedom to pick the best equipment for you. This ensures a higher quality and more personalized diving experience. I often dive with a steel tank in my drysuit and have to bundle up, mainly so I don’t have so much weight on my hips. When working on the boat or doing some quick river dives in shallow areas, I have 40’s that do the trick.

Disadvantages

Strait up, unless you are doing less than 6-8 dives a year, just rent and don’t buy.

1. Initial Cost The upfront cost of buying your own scuba tank can be significant. It’s not just the tank itself; you’ll also need to buy necessary accessories like a valve, boot, and maintenance tools. This initial investment can be a deterrent for many. You most likely pay a VIP fee though technically the tank is in its VIP if the tank is brand new.

2. Maintenance Responsibility Owning a tank means you are responsible for its regular maintenance and periodic inspections. This includes visual inspections and hydrostatic tests to ensure the tank remains safe to use. This adds a layer of responsibility and ongoing cost that you don’t have with rentals.

3. Transport and Storage Tanks are heavy and bulky, making them cumbersome to transport. They also require proper storage space to prevent damage and corrosion. This can be inconvenient, especially if you travel frequently for diving.

4. Limited Use If you don’t dive often, the cost and effort of owning a tank might not be worth it. For occasional divers, renting might be more economical and practical. There’s no point in owning a tank that spends most of its time sitting in storage.

Conclusion

So, is it worth owning your own scuba tank? It really depends on your diving habits and personal preferences. For frequent divers who value safety, convenience, and consistency, the benefits can far outweigh the drawbacks. However, for those who dive infrequently, the costs and responsibilities of ownership might not justify the investment.

As for me, the idea of having my own gear, always ready and reliable, sounds like a game-changer for my diving adventures. Having considered both the pros and cons, I’m leaning towards making the investment. After all, the enhanced safety, convenience, and personalized diving experience are hard to beat.

Owning your tank opens up a world of diving opportunities and flexibility. So, for any diver looking to make their next big purchase, I always recommend getting a tank.