Scubaemma

We'll be bringing our dive kit out to Australia with us (obviously!) and I'd assumed we wouldn't bring our tanks. But thinking about it, is there any reason why tanks can't be shipped? As long as they're empty?

Does anyone know if a cylinder from here would be okay in terms of meeting Aussie standards etc? No point shipping it out if we can't get it filled and use it over there.

Anyone know?

Thanks

cresta57

They don't meet Aussie standards so don't waste time & money bringing them:curse: mine make good door stops now

Scubaemma

Oh really? Bugger! Oh well, best I know I suppose! Thanks very much!

cresta57

The Aussie ones are identical to the U.K ones, still made by Luxfor, Catalina or Faber. Without that magical AS number stamp (Australian Standards) it's an expensive doorstop.
Dive Imports in Perth do some of the best deals on cylinders. Once you get to know the local dive shop they also seem to come up with some better deals, mine were from Redcliffe Dive on the Northern side of Brissie.
Stock up on any gear you are contemplating buying before you come out, it's seriously cheaper in the U.K than over here.
Compare a few items on the Dive Imports site to the same product at say Divers Warehouse (Leeds)

northerner

Yeah don't bother bringing them - however bring anything else, and even if you think you might replace stuff soon - get it in UK as it's MUCH cheaper.

As Cresta said - diveimports in perth are great for tanks.

Graham

cresta57

Hey Graham, did you manage to dive the Brisbane yet?

Scubaemma

That's really good to know, thanks guys. Might have to persuade the OH that we need to go on a little diving shopping spree then!

Really can't wait till we get out to Brisbane and can get diving over there! Is the diving in/around Brissie any good? (it'll be nice as a starting point just to not have to wear my drysuit!)

worzel

I just bought my first cylinder today! I got an ex-hire one for free by being cheeky when I bought a used regulator / BCD set. Brand new are $300 but apparently cheaper if you shop around. 2nd hand $200 or less. I was told that the shop won't sell aluminium now. It is a good time of the year to be buying anything water-related as the season is ending. I got $120 off a snorkel / mask / boots / fins set and 10-20% off everything else.

cresta57

The reef is only a few hours North, there's a few good dives around Brisbane but many require a boat.

northerner

Hi Cresta - sorry missed your post. No we never got out on the Brisbane - tried 3 times now!!!! It's all that crap weather playing havoc. Still really keen to do it - might combine another attempt with a trip to Byron soon. Byron is amazing at the moment by all accounts...

Cheers,

Graham