Scuba Cylinder Alert: Status of Special Permit 9791

By  PSI-PCI October 23, 2022

PSI-PCI (Professional Cylinder Inspectors) would like to provide the following information related to the expiration of Special Permit 9791 (marked on cylinders as either E9791 or SP9791).

The Special Permit (SP) is expired as of 9/30/22.  This means that any cylinder stamped with that SP9791 or E9791 is no longer valid for use, fill or transport in the US by law.  It means that regardless if the cylinder still contains gas, or is still within its current hydro or inspection period, it is still not valid for fill, use or transport.

There is potentially good news on the horizon.  Please read this carefully and do not interpret anything other than the information provided.  PSI-PCI has been in communication with the USDOT.  They are

considering taking administrative action with this SP.  Since the permit owner has not renewed this SP, and due to the widespread use of this cylinder throughout the gas industry, the USDOT is currently considering how to renew the permit without requiring owners and users to apply for a special status.

HOWEVER, until that occurs, these cylinders should be marked as “Rejected”, reduced in gas capacity (if filled) to approximately 50psig, and set aside in a safe manner in storage.  If / when the USDOT has made their determination we will provide an update to this announcement.

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PSI, Inc. (Professional Scuba Inspectors), also now known as PCI, Inc. (Professional Cylinder Inspectors, Inc.) or together as PSI-PCI, was formed in 1982. PSI-PCI continues to set the standard for Visual Cylinder Inspection® training, service and support to the diving (SCUBA), fire service (SCBA), hydro-requalifying and other industries that involve high pressure cylinders.