What do you mean "recognized"?
What Do You Mean PSI-PCI is the "Only Recognized" Training for Visual Cylinder Inspection?
We at PSI-PCI say this often. It really means something to be a PSI-PCI Inspector. That has been very clear. But if you have questions about why we say this, please read on.
PSI-PCI was established over 30 years ago by NOAA fisheries scientist Bill High. In his quest to provide the most comprehensive visual inspection program available he worked with many different experts in the fields of cylinder manufacturing, metallurgy and other pertinent disciplines. These included the US DOT and cylinder manufacturers. While PSI-PCI did not write the rules and regulations applicable to the process, we did gel them into the 18 Step Protocol that we teach today. We have taught (and continue to teach) astronauts in the space program, military personnel, cylinder manufacturer quality control personnel, fire service and police dive teams, dive shops around the world and many others in cylinder associated fields.
But what do we really mean when we make our claims to recognition by USDOT, cylinder manufacturers, the Compressed Gas Association and US Courts? Obviously they know who and what PSI-PCI is. Is there more?
The answer is YES and there are many examples. PSI-PCI training is written into the original Special Permit (12479) which stated you must be a PSI trained inspector to visually inspect that cylinder. That would indicate that the cylinder manufacturer that submitted the permit, and the USDOT who approved it, recognize the importance of being a properly trained PSI-PCI visual inspector. Earlier, Bill High, at the original address for Professional Scuba Inspectors, Inc. was included in a PHMSA (USDOT) cylinder notice as a point of contact for additional information. You can't get much more recognized than that!
Another example is the publications of Compressed Gas Association (whose publications are incorporated as law by reference in the Code of Federal regulations for the cylinder inspection process) recommending the book Inspecting Cylinders as a reference for guidance on visual inspections. PSI-PCI is on the 5th edition of this important book detailing in clear, concise terms information related to Visual Cylinder Inspections.
Cylinder manufacturers, when queried, refer individuals to take PSI-PCI training to inspect cylinders. For example you can review the recommendation from Luxfer Gas Cylinders and Catalina Cylinders.
Further the US Courts have, in several cases, determined the reference book, Inspecting Cylinders by PSI-PCI, would be the applicable information by which the cases would be tried. It has been the supporting factor in defense of and prosecution of the parties involved in those cases.
There are many other endorsements and examples we could use to support our position of being the only recognized training agency for Visual Cylinder Inspection. These are some of the most visible.
The level of training and expertise obtained by PSI-PCI training is second to none. That is why PSI-PCI does not offer "crossovers". We know our inspectors have been trained to the highest standards and we are unwilling to compromise. There is simply no comparison!
Don’t waste your time or money on anything less than the recognized training offered by PSI-PCI!