19
Donning Procedure
Diving equipment is heavy! To avoid injury or fatigue and to
become familiar with each other's equipment, have your buddy
assist you! Take this opportunity to be sure your buddy under-
stands how your weight release works.
Be sure you have read and performed the Proper Fit page in the Fitting
and Assembly section of this manual first.
• Open the cylinder band buckles and loosen the bands.
• Align the system so that the top of the bladder assembly is even with
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the cylinder valve (slightly higher or lower may be required depending
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on the diver’s size and the type of tank, but this is a good starting
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.
point).
• Make sure that the two sets of bands are in vertical alignment with
.
.
your tank and not twisted to one side.
• Pull the bands snug and close the buckles. Secure the loose end of
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the bands on the Velcro touch fastener.
• Connect the regulator to the cylinder valve and finish assembling the
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system per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Be sure you are familiar with the low pressure inflator system on
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.
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your Zeagle BC. Inflate the system and check for leakage.
• Weights can be installed in the weight pockets before the BC is
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.
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donned or after. It may be easier to add your weights after you have
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the system on to avoid lifting the tank and weights together. Con-
. .
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siderations include the amount of weight and the distance to enter
. .
.
the water. Ask your buddy for help in either case.
• Loosen the shoulder straps.
• Have your buddy balance the system while you put it on like a
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. .
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jacket.
• Remember, the system should be worn low with the bottom of the
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vest at the top of your hips
• Fasten the side panels and/or the waist band.
Extend the cummerbund side panels as far as possible before wrap-
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ping them around your body. Be sure to get the waist tight.
• Fasten the sternum strap and adjust it. If you are wearing a drysuit,
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be sure that the sternum strap does not obstruct the drysuit inflator
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hose or valve.
• Adjust the shoulder straps.
• Fasten the split saddle strap if your system is so equipped.
