For years, scuba divers, fisherfolk, and marine operators in St Vincent and the Grenadines faced a costly and time-consuming challenge whenever their tanks required mandatory hydrostatic testing. Cylinders often had to be shipped to neighbouring islands for inspection, resulting in additional expenses, lengthy delays, and unnecessary inconvenience.
Today, that challenge is a thing of the past. Serenity Dive, located at Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina, has officially launched the country’s first hydrostatic testing facility, allowing tank owners to have their cylinders inspected and certified right here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, a release from Serenity Dive states.
The milestone marks another achievement for Serenity Dive and its owner, Vaughn Martin, who established the company in 2013 with a vision of making diving safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone.
“As a diver myself, I’ve always looked for ways to improve the services available to our diving community,” Martin is quoted in the release as stating.
“For many years, local tank owners had to send their cylinders overseas for testing. Being able to provide this service here at home is something I’m extremely proud of.”
Hydrostatic testing is a critical safety requirement conducted every five years to verify that scuba tanks and other high-pressure cylinders remain safe for continued use. Regular testing helps prevent equipment failure and ensures compliance with internationally recognised safety standards, the dive operation stated.
With the new facility now operational, divers, fisherfolk, marine operators, and private tank owners can access professional hydrostatic testing services locally, reducing downtime and making it easier than ever to keep their equipment safe and compliant.
The project was made possible through support received under a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) grant, which enabled the acquisition of specialised equipment and technical training required to establish the service.
Beyond convenience, the facility strengthens St Vincent and the Grenadines’ marine sector by keeping specialised services within the country, supporting local businesses, and improving safety standards across the industry. For Martin, this is only the beginning.
“Our goal is to continue investing in services that support the diving community and contribute to the growth of the marine sector in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said.
