15
Adjust the BC so that it does not restrict your breathing. Restriction of normal
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 (OP Valve)/ Dump Valve
The over pressure/ dump valve is typically located on the lower front of the
bladder assembly. 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 is less than the valve's spring pressure.
This valve may also be used to "dump" air when you are diving, by pulling 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 assembly. The RE Valve
allows you to "dump" or exhaust air manually as you adjust for neutral buoy-
ancy. The RE Valve operates by simply pulling on the power inflator mecha-
nism and corrugated rubber hose.
The RE Valve should be inspected before every dive for proper operation.
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 maintained, but
without proper tightening of these caps, they may loosen over time.
Power Inflator/ Oral Inflator Mechanism
Your BC may also be equipped with a power inflator/ oral inflator mechanism.
This unit consists of an Oral Valve Mouthpiece, Oral Valve Button, and
Pneumatic Inflation Valve (PIV) and connects directly to the RE Valve via a
steel cable (inside the corrugated hose). The PIV operates 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 Button and
breathe into the Oral Valve Mouthpiece.
CHECK ALL MECHANISMS BEFORE EVERY DIVE FOR
PROPER OPERATION.
