What size cut in a SCUBA tank is unacceptable?

• A. 6in in length or 0.03in in depth
• B. 4in in length or 0.05in in depth
• C. 2in in length or 0.02in in depth
• D. 8in in length or 0.04in depth

Answer: (A)

Damage limits on scuba cylinders are strict because any cut or gouge in the wall weakens the vessel under pressure. A cut becomes unacceptable once it reaches a certain length or depth, since that level of damage can compromise safety. The standard unacceptable size is a cut six inches long or deeper than 0.03 inches. So if a cut is as long as six inches or as deep as 0.03 inches, it’s not acceptable. The other options describe different dimensions that don’t match this defined unsafe threshold, so they aren’t the correct unacceptable size.