What can happen if scuba tanks are not properly maintained and tested?

If scuba tanks are not properly maintained and tested, they can fail under pressure. This failure can occur due to various reasons, such as corrosion, wear and tear, or the structural integrity of the tank being compromised. Scuba tanks are designed to hold compressed air at high pressures, and any defect or degradation can lead to catastrophic failure, posing serious safety risks to the diver. Regular maintenance and testing are essential to identify any potential issues, ensuring the tanks can safely withstand the pressures they are subjected to during diving.

While it is true that improper maintenance may lead to damage or degradation of the tank, which is relevant to the context, the critical safety concern focuses on the risk of failure under pressure, which is the most serious consequence and therefore is highlighted as the correct answer.