The Faber 12.2L 232 bar steel diving cylinder is a versatile, medium-capacity tank that suits a wide range of Melbourne diving. It offers stable in-water behaviour, remains negatively buoyant throughout the dive and provides enough gas for typical local shore and boat dives when planned correctly.
Who is the Faber 12.2L 232 bar sidemount steel cylinder for?
This cylinder set is ideal for divers who want a reliable, everyday steel tank for local Victorian conditions. It suits:
- Recreational divers completing single-tank dives around Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula.
- Divers who prefer the feel of steel cylinders that remain negatively buoyant, even when low on gas.
- Divers who may progress into Advanced, Rescue or introductory technical training and want a cylinder that can grow with them.
What are the key benefits of a Faber 12.2L steel cylinder?
- Consistently negative buoyancy – The steel construction keeps the cylinder negatively buoyant from full to nearly empty, helping offset thicker exposure protection commonly used in cold Melbourne water.
- Stable trim and weight distribution – The 12.2L size provides a good balance between capacity and overall weight, making it comfortable for many divers on both shore and boat dives.
- Durability and long service life – With proper care, regular visual inspections and on-time hydrostatic testing, Faber steel cylinders can remain in service for 20 years or more.
- 232 bar working pressure – A widely supported working pressure that is compatible with standard valves and regulators rated to 232 bar.
- Suitable for air, Nitrox and Trimix – When correctly cleaned, labelled and filled, the cylinder can be used for a range of gas mixes within appropriate limits and standards.
How does this cylinder fit into Melbourne diving?
Melbourne diving often involves cooler water, thicker wetsuits or drysuits and additional lead. A 12.2L steel cylinder helps balance this extra buoyancy, reducing the amount of lead you may need to carry compared with an aluminium tank of similar capacity. It is a popular choice for:
- General recreational boat and shore dives.
- Training dives for SDI Open Water, Advanced Adventure and Rescue Diver courses.
- Use as part of a twinset for extended range or early-stage technical diving, when matched with a compatible second cylinder and manifold.
Typical applications
- Primary single-cylinder setup for local recreational diving.
- Component of a doubles / twinset configuration when paired with another 12.2L 232 bar cylinder.
- Gas platform for divers planning to progress into more advanced diving and want a long-term cylinder investment.
Care and maintenance
To maximise the life of your Faber 12.2L cylinder, rinse it in fresh water after diving, store it in a cool, dry place with a small reserve pressure remaining, and ensure visual inspections and hydrostatic tests are carried out on schedule in line with Australian standards. Avoid allowing moisture into the valve opening and arrange an inspection with a qualified technician if you notice rust, impact damage or valve issues.
Need help choosing the right cylinder?
If you are unsure whether a 12.2L 232 bar cylinder is the best choice for your diving, contact Simple Dive or visit us at 21 Indra Road, Blackburn South, VIC 3130. Our instructor team can help you compare different sizes, working pressures and configurations so you can select a cylinder that suits your Melbourne diving and future training plans.