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Adjust the BC so that it does not restrict your breathing. Restriction of nor-
mal breathing while wearing your BC could result in injury or death. Before
each dive, check all bands, straps, clips, and/or waist panels for proper
adjustment.
Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection
Over Pressure Valve (OPV)
The over pressure / dump valve is typically located on the lower front of
the bladder assembly. Some models have two OP Valves. As its name
implies, the OP Valve prevents over inflation of the bladder. The valve
automatically releases air when the internal bladder pressure exceeds
the valve's spring pressure. The valve will automatically close when the
internal bladder pressure becomes less than the valve's spring pressure.
This valve may also be used to "dump" air when you are diving, by pull-
ing the knob / string that is attached to the valve.
The OP Valve should
be inspected before every dive for proper operation.
Remote Exhaust Valve (RE Valve)
Your BC may be equipped with a remote exhaust valve. If it is, it is
located on the upper left, just behind the shoulder, on the bladder assem-
bly. The RE Valve allows you to "dump" or exhaust air manually as you
adjust for neutral buoyancy. The RE Valve operates by simply pulling on
the power inflator mechanism and corrugated rubber hose.
The RE Valve should be inspected before every dive for proper op-
eration. Also, inspect that both threaded caps on the RE Valve, are
tightened securely. The exhaust cap must be tightened a minimum
1/12 turn (3/8 inch) after it first contacts the body. The RE Valve was
designed to be serviced. Without proper tightening of these caps,
they may loosen over time and be lost.
Power Inflator/ Oral Inflator Mechanism
Your BC may also be equipped with a power inflator/oral inflator mecha-
nism. This unit consists of an Oral Valve Mouthpiece, Oral Valve But-
ton, and Pneumatic Inflation Valve (PIV) and connects directly to the
RE Valve via a steel cable (inside the corrugated hose). The PIV oper-
ates over a pressure range of 6.5-13.8 bar (95-200 psi). To inflate the
BC using the PIV, attach a low pressure hose to the quick disconnect
(QD) fitting and depress the PIV button. To inflate the BC using the oral
inflator, depress the Oral Valve Dump Button and breathe into the Oral
Valve Mouthpiece.
CHECK ALL MECHANISMS BEFORE EVERY DIVE FOR
PROPER OPERATION AND LEAKS.
