The World’s Largest Scuba Tank Collection
Last updated
Last updated
For most scuba divers, a tank is simply a means to explore the underwater world—a trusty companion filled with compressed air and endless adventure. But for one enthusiast, scuba tanks aren’t just gear—they’re the centerpiece of the world’s largest collection, a one-of-a-kind trove that showcases the evolution, artistry, and cultural significance of diving.
Located in a quiet corner of Florida’s Gulf Coast, this remarkable collection was curated by marine historian and former dive instructor, Carl Andrews. Over the span of four decades, Carl has amassed more than 1,200 scuba tanks from all over the world. What began as a simple fascination with vintage diving equipment has grown into a museum-worthy archive chronicling the history of underwater exploration.
The collection spans nearly a century of diving history, with tanks dating back to the 1940s. Among the most prized items are early steel cylinders used by military divers during World War II, as well as rare aluminum models manufactured during the 1960s dive boom. Each tank tells a story—from pioneering underwater expeditions to recreational diving’s golden age.
One particularly captivating exhibit showcases tanks painted with unique designs—some custom-decorated by divers to reflect their personalities, dive teams, or cultural heritage. There are tanks adorned with Polynesian motifs, deep-sea creatures, and even hand-painted tributes to Jacques Cousteau. These artistic tanks offer a glimpse into how diving is more than a sport—it's a lifestyle and a personal journey.
The collection is not just about quantity; it’s about preserving a legacy. Carl has painstakingly restored dozens of tanks, some salvaged from shipwrecks or dive shop scrap heaps. Each restoration involves careful cleaning, repainting original logos, and documenting the tank’s origins and use. Many are displayed alongside vintage regulators, buoyancy compensators, and photos of divers who once relied on them beneath the waves.
Beyond the tanks themselves, Carl has turned part of his home into a mini museum, open to visitors by appointment. Divers and history buffs from around the world make pilgrimages to see the collection, often donating their own gear or stories in exchange. It’s become a meeting point for generations of divers—some of whom find their old tanks on display, decades after their last dive.
Why does this collection matter? In a world driven by the latest high-tech gear, Carl’s scuba tank museum reminds us of the humble beginnings of diving and the people who made underwater exploration possible. It’s a tribute to innovation, curiosity, and the spirit of adventure.
As Carl often says, “A scuba tank isn’t just metal and air—it’s a passport to another world.” And thanks to his collection, that world is being preserved, one tank at a time.