We have been advised of imitation quadrant stickers on cylinders brought into IDEST centres for filling, and cylinders carrying such stickers for sale on an online marketplace. The origin of these stickers appears to be:
Cascade Aviation and Marine Services Limited
The quadrant label for cylinder testing is intellectual property of IDEST. Only technicians certified by IDEST, working in centres authorised by IDEST may use quadrant labels (and these must be purchased from IDEST)
The standards displayed on this label are incorrect so it is a fair assumption that this company are not working to correct inspection and testing protocols, using certified tools, or being regularly inspected as per HSE DVIS 11.
In addition, the Cylinder Test Certificate includes the IDEST and SITA logos. Again, the use of these is not authorised by IDEST or SITA.
Cascade Aviation and Marine Services Limited (which may also have traded as T.P.F Services / T.P.F Parachute Services) is not, and has never been, a member of the IDEST scheme. Companies House gives the following information [link]:
Name: Cascade Aviation and Marine Services Limited
Registered office address: 2, Honeysuckle Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE5 1TX
Company number: 08751248
Officer(s): Timothy John MORAN
Correspondence address: High Green, St. Briavels, Lydney, United Kingdom, GL15 6TS
Status: Dissolved on 14 July 2026
We are also aware of a notice from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) about the same company in relation to “Concerns Regarding the Inspection and Packing of Parachutes” [link].
The standards for cylinder testing require that inspections and tests are carried out by a competent person. The Health and Safety Executive guidance information sheet (DVIS11) suggests cylinder filling companies and dive centres only accept cylinders that have been examined and tested by organisations that are:
- Appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport for the purposes of inspection of gas cylinders and/or
- Working within the terms of a UKAS accredited scheme.
Advice regarding use: We advise anyone in possession of cylinder(s) tested by Cascade Aviation and Marine Services Limited to have them checked by an IDEST (or DfT) certified inspection centre as soon as possible.
Advice regarding filling: Ultimately it falls on the filler to be satisfied of the safety and suitability of the cylinder ahead of filling in accordance with BS EN ISO 24431:2016. However, IDEST cautions against filling cylinders tested by Cascade Aviation and Marine Services Limited until they have been checked by an IDEST (or DfT) certified inspection centre.
Enlarged photographs are available below.
