Is it time to recertify your propane tanks?

[jssailem]

I was preparing for summer cruising and happened to look at the certification of my propane tanks. Damn, they were last certified 06/2015. Nearly 11 years. That is probably not good. So off to the Gas Shop with the pair of them. 20 minutes later (and $22 cost), I learned that both were in good condition. Valves function, no signs of rust. The technician also shared that tanks should be certified every 5 years. WOW. This may differ in various states. Might be a good idea to check your tanks.

• The DOT rules state that portable propane tanks must be certified upon manufacture and requalified every 12 years, with subsequent requalifications every 5 to 7 years depending on the method used. Failure to meet these certification timelines renders the tank illegal to refill.
• propane_en_v3.pdf

The Coast Guard does not typically cite recreational boat owners solely for a propane tank whose requalification/certification is more than 5 years old.

• Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) by the USCG Auxiliary are voluntary and educational. They check for required safety equipment and "safe galley and heating systems" but do not issue formal citations. If issues are found (e.g., obvious damage, improper installation, or leaks), examiners note them and advise fixes for a decal. They do not enforce tank requalification dates.
• Official USCG boardings or inspections (e.g., for suspected violations or on certain inspected/passenger vessels) focus on whether the system as a whole is safe and compliant with 46 CFR requirements (which reference ABYC A-1 or NFPA 302 for LPG systems). They look at condition, installation, and operation—not the tank's stamped requalification date in isolation. A visibly corroded, damaged, or leaking tank could lead to a deficiency or citation for an unsafe system, regardless of the date. ⁠Govinfo

As spring begins to test our patience, now might be a good time to review your safety equipment and start the sailing season with a VSC check by your local USGC Auxiliary. They are a great resource to help boaters have a safe and fun season.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

For reference, it cost me around $60 to have the valve updated to a modern OPD, filled with 10lbs of propane, tank inspected & certified. My tank is aluminum and I am in the Chicago area

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Check LP hoses too. They have a 5-year expiration date!

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Check LP hoses too. They have a 5-year expiration date!

Wow! A five year lifespan is just asking for trouble! I'd be willing to bet that 95% of the boats out there have the original hoses, mine included

 

[CrispyCringle]

I just had my aluminum tanks recertified in CA. The guy said they were good for 10 years from new, then every 5 years thereafter. You guys got a good price. Mine was $90 for inspection, new valve and a 10 lb fill.

 

[dLj]

Wow! A five year lifespan is just asking for trouble! I'd be willing to bet that 95% of the boats out there have the original hoses, mine included

I pressure test my system every time I turn the tank valve on and off.

dj

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I pressure test my system every time I turn the tank valve on and off.

dj

Are you doing something besides turning the valve open, closing it, and watching the pressure gauge?

 

[dLj]

Are you doing something besides turning the valve open, closing it, and watching the pressure gauge?

Not much, after running system normally, I will close tank valve, see pressure - open a burner in stove to release pressure (I do this with a lighter burning next to burner - OCD kicking in) then close valve again - see pressure on gauge go to zero - then open tank, see pressure wait an hour check pressure hasn't dropped. I think ABYC is like 15 minutes but I'd have to look it up. But I exceed their time frame.

This way I know my entire system doesn't have a leak and my pressure gauge is still working correctly. They are malicious little pricks and like to crap out...

dj