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Both valves should be checked/serviced annually by a SI TECH approved service center.
Inflation Valve
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Avoid exposing the quick connector socket on both valve and hose to water and sand.
Use the protective cap when the hose is not attached.
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Rinse the drysuit and Inflator Valve with fresh water after every dive. After rinsing, attach the hose
and purge air through the valve until clean and dry. If the action of the inflate button becomes stiff,
spray a suitable silicone based spray into the quick connect socket and work the push/slide button.
Exhaust Valve
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After each dive, especially if water contains debris and sand, flush the Exhaust Valve thoroughly with
fresh water while turning the cover/lid back and forth. Make sure the valve is empty from water
when diving in cold conditions.
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The Exhaust Valves is equipped with a filter, that prevents lint from your undergarments getting stuck
in the check valve which could cause the valve to leak. Flush the filter through the attachment nut.
Before each dive, check that the ratchet action of the lid feels distinct. Old models of SI TECH
valves might be without ratchet action.
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Before donning your drysuit – check that the valves are properly fitted.
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SI TECH AB recommends you to limit drysuit compartments that can trap and contain gases
which could cause buoyancy control problems. This means that the BCD should normally not
be used for buoyancy control during the dive.
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A tightly fitting suit, belt or other equipment may restrict the flow of gas within the suit
causing reduced deflation capacity of the Exhaust Valve. A non-restrictive-fit is desirable, but
the suit must not be too large, especially not over the shoulder area .
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Be sure that the neck seal is properly trimmed and folded for comfortable fit. A neck seal that
is too tight can restrict the flow of blood to and from the brain. A neck seal that is too loose
will allow gas to leak out and cause a reduction of pressure within the suit that will have a
negative effect on the Exhaust Valve’s capacity to provide automatic buoyancy control.
Remember to squeeze the drysuit before entering the water feet first. If not, you may
risk the neck seal turning inside out.
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Differing compositions and physical properties of various drysuit undergarments affect
the flow of gas through to the exhaust valve.
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While diving, avoid inflating when your feet are above your head.
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Using yourself and your drysuit as a lift bag will put your life in danger. For the same reason,
never attach a lift bag to your Drysuit or BCD Hose.
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If you are unfamiliar to diving with a drysuit tell your dive buddy and/or your dive master.
Allow yourself time to get familiar with the characteristics of your drysuit.
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Diving can be a potentially dangerous activity. Stressed divers can make decisions that may
prove fatal. Dive within your physical, mental and experience limitations. Get to know your
equipment and practice in a comfortable environment. Your personal fitness, experience,
knowledge and judgment are factors that will be crucial for your ability to handle a crisis
situation. Give up diving for the day if you are not feeling well or if you do not feel comfortable
with the dive situation, your own ability or equipment. Always perform a pre-dive check on all
your diving equipment and correct any malfunctions before diving.
All diving is done at your own risk.
