Taking cylinders to Isle of Man

[Clara]

Has anybody had problems taking their cylinders to the Isle of Man on the Seacat from Liverpool? We have taken ours for the last couple of years (although they said no oxygen) until last year when we were told we couldn't as they weren't allowed. Does anybody know why this is? Surely an empty cylinder is less dangerous than a vehicle with a tank of fuel. Alternatively does anyone know if they can be hired over there? Apparently they are allowed on the ferry from Heysham but the journey is a lot slower.

[David Walker]

We have taken ours for the last couple of years (although they said no oxygen) until last year when we were told we couldn't as they weren't allowed.

I'd probably follow the "what they don't know can't hurt them" philosophy... :rolleyes:

Alternatively, maybe try contacting their HQ / management? If it wasn't someone senior who told you, they may just have not understood the difference between air and oxygen (since all divers breathe oxygen, according to common belief outside of diving circles). Worth a try at least, to see if that really is their policy.

David

[manxdiver]

Hi

I live on the island....and own the local dive shop. You should have no problems with empty cylinders on seacat as we are allowed to take them off island. The journey from Heysham is only an hour more. You can hire cylinders from me if necessary.

Steve Cowley
07624 482002

[Clara]

Thanks for that info. I'll try again this year.

[Mark Sydenham]

Hi,
The reason they're twitchy about cylinders (particularly oxygen) is that the Seacat has an aluminium hull, and as such could be suspectible to severe fire damage, particularly in increased oxygen environments. (Not that fires onboard are very likely I hasten to add!!)
Al + O2 = not good!( to get an idea, look up "Thermite reaction" on t'interweb! :eek: )
Hence the ban on carrying full oxygen cylinders
As the Heysham ferry is steel hulled, there's less of a problem.

..At least this is what we were told when my Uncle and his buddy tried to bring an inspiration and related oxygen cylinders over (from IOM to UK) last year. Empty cylinders were ok though.

Cheers,
Mark.