DIVE
BCD EXAMINATION and PROCEDURES
This is the final BCD check before you begin your actual dive. The
examination can be performed on the beach, on the boat, or on
the water's surface next to the boat.
OPERATIONAL INSPECTION
After your gear is assembled and you have put your BCD and
scuba cylinder on, perform the following operational check.
Check the PIV (3) and the OPV (7). Inflate the BCD using the PIV
(3) until the OPV (7) opens to exhaust the excess air. Use short
bursts of air instead of one long flow to better control the inflation
of the BCD.
Leave the BCD inflated for 60 seconds and check for any leaks. If
you are at the water's surface, you may not hear any leaks but you
may see a steady stream of air bubbles which could indicate a
leak. Use your dive buddy to help with this check.
Check the EDV (2): Deflate the BCD using the EDV (2). You
should hear the air exhausting out of the EDV from the mouth-
piece(1).
Check the OIDV (2): Orally inflate the BCD using the OIDV (2).
Leave the BCD inflated for 60 seconds and check for any leaks.
Deflate the BCD using the OIDV (2).
Have your dive buddy check the tank band for proper assembly
and tightness. (See instructions on page 6).
Check that all connections are secure.
If the BCD fails to pass any of these tests or there is any doubt
about any of the components,
DO NOT DIVE WITH THE BCD
.
Have the BCD inspected by an authorized repair facility.
CAUTION
Do not attach a high pressure hose to the Pneumatic Inflation Valve
(PIV). The Pneumatic Inflation Valve (PIV) handles only low pres-
sure air (150 psi or less). Read the inflator manufacturer's instruc-
tions concerning proper connection locations and procedures.
Product damage or personal injury can result from improper con-
nection.
These instructions do not necessarily incorporate all steps required
under all conditions for oral inflation of the BCD underwater. Oral
inflation of the BCD underwater requires special training and prac-
tice. This should first be attempted under controlled conditions with
the supervision of a certified instructor.
Never breathe from the BCD Oral Inflation/Deflation Valve (OIDV)
Mouthpiece. Your BCD may contain contamination that may be
hazardous if inhaled.
Use of the Oral Inflation/Deflation Valve (OIDV) or the
Overpressure Valve (OPV) for deflation may allow water to enter
the BCD bladder. Repeated use may allow enough water in to
reduce the amount of buoyancy provided by the BCD. Drain the
BCD of any accumulated water after each dive.
BCD's USE and FUNCTION
Your new BCD:
Provides surface flotation:
The BCD adds to your surface buoyancy and allows you to put
more effort into swimming instead of flotation. The BCD alone,
however, will not necessarily provide adequate surface flotation.
Provides neutral buoyancy at various depths:
When you have reached your desired diving depth, adding or
releasing the correct amount of air will assist in achieving neutral
buoyancy.
Allows adjustment of Buoyancy:
The BCD provides the diver with the ability to adjust their
buoyancy by releasing and adding air to the BCD.
PAGE 15
PAGE 4