Pre-dive, dive and post-dive BCD examination helps to identify equipment problems before
unsafe conditions exist, preventing diving accidents. All equipment must be regularly inspected
by an authorized SCUBA equipment repair facility.
DO NOT DIVE with a BCD that does not pass any of the Pre-Dive, Dive or Post-Dive inspection
points and tests. Loss of buoyancy control or air holding integrity could occur, resulting in serious
injury or death.
DO NOT DIVE with a BCD that is damaged, leaks air, or does not function properly. Terminate
any dive as safely and quickly as possible if the BCD becomes damaged, leaks air, or does not
function properly.
Post-Dive: BCD Cleaning and examination and Storage
With proper care and service, your BCD should provide years of enjoyment. Maintenance and
care procedures must be observed and are as follows:
1.
Rinse the BCD thoroughly inside and out with fresh water after every use (do not use any
aggressive solvent and/or cleansing liquid).
-
Fill the BCD Inner Bladder, approximately 1/4 full with clean fresh water through the Oral
valve.
-
Orally inflate the BCD and shake to distribute water inside of the BCD.
-
Hold the BCD upside down, depress the Oral Valve Button, and allow all water and air to
drain from the Oral Valve mouthpiece.
-
Repeat one or two more times.
-
Rinse the entire BCD with fresh water by dipping in a tub or spraying with a hose.
-
Rinse all valves to make sure all sand and other debris is removed.
2.
Dry the BCD: if hanging, make sure it is not in direct sunlight. Dry completely if storing,
slightly inflated.
Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure to chlorinated water, such as in swimming pools. Wash
your BCD immediately after any use in chlorinated water. Chlorinated water can oxidize fabrics
and materials on your BCD, thereby shortening their life, and cause colors (especially neon) to
fade. Damage and fading from prolonged exposure to chlorinated water is specifically not
covered under warranty.
Store your BCD, after it has fully dried, by partially inflating and then placing it in a cool, dark, dry,
location: ultraviolet rays will shorten the life of the fabric and cause colors to fade.
Due to heavy usage, BCDs used for rental gear or commercial purposes or other intensive use
must be checked at least every 6 months. For recreational use, a check every 12 months by an
Authorized Apollo technician is recommended. Overall conditions and main safety parts such as
the bladder, valves, elbow, corrugated hose, and power Inflator must be inspected. If any of the
above parts shows wear or diminished performance it should be replaced immediately or
removed from usage, if replacement is not possible.
- 5 -
