Apeks Black Ice User manual

© 2014 Apeks
Copyright Notice
Warnings, Cautions and Notes
Safety Information
Dealer Inspection and Service
Annual Service and Inspection Record
Warranty Information
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Product Replacement on a Prorated Basis
Warranty Limitations
Features
Basic Setup
Attaching the MP Hose to the First Stage
GripLock™ Cylinder Band Components
Threading the GripLock™ Cylinder Band
Adjusting the GripLock™ Cylinder Band
Securing the GripLock™ Cylinder Band
Donning and Adjustment Procedures
Adjusting the Waistband Length - Nut and Bolt System
Adjusting the Shoulder Strap Length - Nut and Bolt System
Adjusting the Chest Strap
Removable Chest Strap
Weight Integration Features
SureLock II™ Integrated Weight Release System
Maximum Weight Capacity
Loading Weight into the SureLock II™ Pouches
Installing the SureLock II™ Weight Pouches on your BC
Releasing SureLock II™ Weight Pouches
Non-releasable Weight
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ination Methods using a Powerline Inator
Power Ination Using a Powerline Inator
Oral Ination using a Powerline Inator
Deation Methods Using a Powerline Inator
Deation via Oral Inator
Deation via Powerline Dump Valve
Deation via Flat Valve
Special Features
Knife Grommets
Drop Down Utility Pocket
Double Cylinder Setup - Using Apeks Twin Tank Kit
Pre-dive Inspection
BC Inspection Checklist
Post-dive Care and Maintenance
Storage
Black Ice

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© 2014 Apeks
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This manual is copyrighted, all rights reserved. It may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied,
reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without prior
consent in writing from Apeks. It may not be distributed through the internet or computer bulletin board
systems without prior consent in writing from Apeks.
©2014 Apeks BC Owner’s Manual
Apeks is a registered trademark of Aqua Lung International
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES
Pay special attention to information provided in warnings, cautions and notes that are accompanied by
one of these symbols:
WARNINGS: Indicate a procedure or situation that may result in serious injury or death if
instructions are not followed correctly.
CAUTIONS: Indicate any situation or technique that will result in potential damage to the
product, or render the product unsafe if instructions are not followed correctly.
NOTES: Are used to emphasize important points, tips and reminders.

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SAFETY INFORMATION
General Precautions & Warnings
This manual provides essential instruction for the proper tting, adjustment, inspection and care of your
new BC. Because Apeks is utilizing patented BC technology, it is very important to take the time to read
these instructions in order to understand and fully enjoy the features that are unique to your specic
model. Improper use of this BC could result in serious injury or death.
Before using this buoyancy compensator (BC), you must receive instruction and certication in SCUBA
diving and buoyancy control from a recognized training agency. Use of SCUBA equipment by uncertied
or untrained persons is dangerous and can result in injury or death.
Read this owner’s manual completely before attempting to use your BC, and become familiar with it
rst in a controlled environment such as a swimming pool, in order to weight yourself properly and to
become comfortable with using its many features and adjustments.
Before every dive, perform a complete pre-dive inspection according to the procedure prescribed in this
manual, to ensure that all components are functioning properly and no signs of damage or leaks are
present. If you nd that your BC is not functioning properly or is damaged, remove it from service until
it can be repaired by an Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor.
Your BC is not a lift bag. DO NOT use it to bring heavy objects to the surface. Doing so may cause
permanent damage to the BC, and could also result in serious injury or death due to embolism or
decompression sickness.
In an emergency such as an out of air situation or uncontrolled descent, it is important to remove and
jettison weight immediately. DO NOT depend solely on using your BC power inator to lift you to the
surface.
In the event of an uncontrolled, rapid ascent, it is important to immediately begin venting air from the
BC. Continue venting air to slow your ascent rate if neutral buoyancy cannot be reestablished.
DO NOT inhale from your oral inator. The BC may contain harmful contaminants or gases, which could
cause suffocation or injury.
Factory prescribed service for this BC must be performed at least once annually by a factory trained
technician who is employed by an Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor. Annual service consists of
a complete overhaul of the power inator, and a general air leak inspection of the bladder and valve
connections.
Disassembly, repair, or lubrication must not be attempted by persons who are not factory trained and
authorized by Apeks. Unauthorized service will render the warranty null and void.

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WARNING: This is NOT a life jacket: It does not guarantee a head-up position of the
wearer at the surface. It is not designed to provide face-up otation in all situations;
therefore it does not meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations for a life preserver or personal
otation device (PFD). If you become unconscious in the water without a buddy present
to immediately give assistance, you may suffer serious injury or death from drowning.
This BC is designed for use with compressed air or Nitrox/EAN (enriched air nitrox) mixtures not
exceeding 40% oxygen. Any use of gas mixtures with increased oxygen content or the addition
of helium or other substances may cause corrosion, deterioration and/or premature aging of the
BC leading to component failure of the metal and rubber parts. The component failures could
lead to a loss of buoyancy control and/or pressure integrity of the BC resulting in injury or death.
Non-standard breathing mixtures may also present a risk of fire or explosion. The use of Nitrox/
EAN requires additional training. Failure to observe this warning may result in injury or death.
Use only nitrogen/oxygen mixtures containing no more than 40% oxygen.
CE Conformity - This BC conforms to EN 1809: 1997. It was controlled by the l’Institut National de Plongée
Professionnelle,organisme notié n°0078, entrée n°3 port de la pointe rouge 13008 Marseille -France.
TEMPERATURE LIMITATIONS: This BC should be used in temperatures no lower than -4°F (-20°C)
and no higher than 150°F (65°C).

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Your buoyancy compensator is primarily designed to help you maintain neutral buoyancy while in a
comfortably balanced, face-down swimming position underwater. It is also designed to provide you
with otation so that you can rest on the surface, but it is not designed to function as a life preserver
or personal otation device (PFD). In order to meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations, a PFD must be
designed so that it automatically rights you to a face-up position and holds your head out of the water
on the surface. The design characteristics of a personal otation device are different from those of a
buoyancy compensator. The ability of any otation device to oat you in a face-up position can also
be affected by other diving equipment you wear, including a cylinder, weight or exposure suit, and
whether it can be inated before you lose consciousness.
For this reason, it is important to always dive with and maintain close proximity to your buddy at all
times. Do not depend on any otation device to hold your face above the surface in the event that you
are rendered unconscious in the water while diving.
If you have any questions regarding your Buoyancy Compensator or the information found in
this manual, please contact your regional Apeks Dealer or Distributor. Distributor information is
available on the Apeks website at: www.apeks.co.uk
WARNING: Although this manual provides some basic guidelines for certain buoyancy control
techniques, it is not a substitute for training from a professional diving instructor. Failure to weight
yourself properly may create a hazardous condition that could lead to serious injury or death. If
you are unsure how to weight yourself in order to achieve optimum buoyancy underwater and
on the surface, do not dive until you have obtained the necessary instruction from your diving
instructor or an Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor.

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DEALER INSPECTION AND SERVICE
WARNING: DO NOT attempt to perform any disassembly or service of your BC. Service
requiring disassembly must only be performed by a factory-trained Apeks technician. To
obtain service or repair, such as power inator service or replacement of the bladder, see
an Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor.
1. It cannot be assumed that the BC is in good working order on the basis that it has received little use since
it was last serviced. Remember that prolonged or improper storage can still result in internal corrosion
and/or deterioration of o-ring seals and valve springs, as well as bladder seam degradation.
2. It is imperative that you obtain prescribed dealer service for your BC at least once a year from an
authorized dealer, including a general air leak inspection and complete overhaul of the power inator
and OPR valve. Your BC may require this service more frequently, depending on the amount of use it
receives and the environmental conditions it is used in.
3. If the BC is used for rental or training purposes in salt, chlorinated, or silted fresh water, it will require
prescribed dealer service every three to six months. Use in chlorinated water will greatly accelerate
the deterioration of most components, and require more frequent service.
4. DO NOT attempt to perform any disassembly or overhaul service of your BC. Doing so may cause
the BC to dangerously malfunction, and will render the warranty null and void. All service must be
performed by an Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor.
NOTE: It is important to obtain prescribed dealer service for your BC at least once annually,
from an Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor. Your personal safety and the mechanical
integrity of your BC depends on it.

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ANNUAL SERVICE & INSPECTION RECORD
Black Ice serial # is located on
tag in pocket. Black Ice serial #
DATE DEALER NAME CITY, STATE COUNTRY TECH INITIALS
Purchase Date:
Store Name:
Country:
BC Model:
Serial Number:

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WARRANTY INFORMATION
All warranty transactions must be accompanied by proof of original purchase from an Authorized Apeks
Dealer or Distributor. Be sure to save your sales receipt, and present it whenever returning your BC for
warranty service.
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Warranty coverage on buoyancy compensators covers the product throughout its useful life, subject to
the conditions listed below and utilizes a pro-rated replacement policy*.
Apeks warrants to the original purchaser for the useful life of the product, from the date of purchase, that the
product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship, provided that it receives normal use, proper
care and prescribed dealer service subject to the limitations listed below. The Limited Lifetime Warranty is
extended only to the original purchaser for purchases made from an Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor
and is not transferable. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement only at the discretion of Apeks.
* PRODUCT REPLACEMENT ON A PRORATED BASIS
Products under the Limited Lifetime Warranty that malfunction due to material or manufacturer defects
that have also had a signicant amount of use will be replaced on a prorated basis. Prorating will be
determined by a percentage factor based on the condition of the product and how long the product
was used prior to the warranty claim. This can be useful to evaluate Limited Lifetime Warranty claims
since the warranty period is for the “useful life of the product” and not a set length of time. The following
guidelines should be used in determining what prorated percentage will be used.
NOTE: This can be a subjective evaluation. Fair and reasonable judgment should be used.
Prorated Values of Products Sold at Retail Apeks Pays Customer Pays
Like new and less than 2 years old 100% 0%
Slightly used and less than 5 years old 75% 25%
Very used and /or more than 5 years old 50% 50%
Worn out 0% 100%

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WARRANTY LIMITATIONS
Warranty coverage does not extend to damage(s) caused by improper use, improper maintenance,
neglect, unauthorized repairs, modications, accidents, re, casualty or normal wear and aging.
Cosmetic damage(s), such as scratches, nicks and fraying are not covered under warranty except
when the product is new, out of the original packaging.
This warranty does not extend to equipment used for rental, commercial or military purposes.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights. You may have rights which vary from state to state and
country to country.
APEKS DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES. SOME STATES IN THE U.S. AND CERTAIN FOREIGN COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW
EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAG-
ES, SO THIS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
WARNING: It is dangerous for untrained and uncertied persons to use the equipment
covered by this warranty. Therefore, use of this equipment by an untrained person
renders any and all warranties null and void. Use of SCUBA equipment by anyone who
is not a trained and certied diver, or receiving training under the supervision of an
instructor, could lead to serious injury or death.

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FEATURES
Adjustable Shoulder Strap Design - Nut and Bolt System
Chest Strap
The chest strap ts across your sternum and keeps the shoulder straps from slipping to the sides,
ensuring a comfortable and secure t. The chest strap has the option of being removed for those
divers who nd it unnecessary.
Quick Release Waistband
The BC waistband has a simple to use, quick release clip. Web-slides allow for ease of adjustment by
simply pulling forward on the waistband D-rings. The D-rings can easily be removed from the web-slides
for extra waist adjustment.
Adjustable Waistband - Nut and Bolt System
The BC waistband is adjustable to three different sizes through the nut and bolt system. This adjustment
system allows divers to customize the BC to accommodate different diving environments and exposure
suit options.
Wrapture™ Harness System with Valve Strap
The Wrapture Harness with valve strap allows the cylinder to be pulled in close to the body and remain in
a perfectly vertical position. This allows the diver to stand straight up in total comfort without the cylinder
pulling backwards.
In addition to the standard webbing shoulder adjustments, the BC shoulder straps can be tted into two
different positions using the nut and bolt system. This will shorten or lengthen the BC to accommodate
different diving environments and exposure suit options.

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SureLock II™ Weight System and Trim Pockets
The SureLock II weight system has two pockets that will each hold up to 16 lbs. of releasable weight. The
two rear trim pockets will each accommodate an additional 5 lbs. of non-releasable weight. A track system
allows the SureLock II pockets to be inserted easily into the BC and “click” securely into place.
Powerline Inator and Flat Valves
The weather-proven Powerline inator is included on the Black Ice. Also, streamlined, low prole at
valves offer additional options of releasing air from the BC.
Drop Down Utility Pocket
A drop down utility pocket provides additional space for dive accessories such as lights, masks, etc.
to be stored securely.
Removable Back Pad
The back pad in the Black Ice is considered optional and can be removed. It is held in place by simple
hook and loop attachments.
GripLock™ Cylinder Band
The GripLock cylinder band allows for quick and easy adjustment when securing your cylinder. The GripLock
cylinder band will accommodate all standard size cylinders. There is no need to wet the cylinder band prior
to putting it on the cylinder, simply adjust it once until changing to a different diameter cylinder.
Knife Grommets
Located on the left side pocket are two grommets which can accommodate an optional knife.

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BASIC SETUP
Apeks recommends that you bring your buoyancy compensator, together with your regulator, to your
Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor for the installation of the MP inator hose and other accessories.
The retailer can also answer any questions you may have pertaining to the information in this manual.
If it is not possible to return the BC with your regulator to your authorized dealer, you may install the MP
quick disconnect inator hose by carefully performing the steps in the following procedure.
NOTE: The terms “Hook & Loop” are used throughout this manual. Hook & Loop is commonly
known as Velcro®, which is a trademarked brand of hook & loop. Some of the BC components
have hook & loop attachments, including the cylinder band, weight pouch aps and inator
hold down.

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1. Remove the inator hose from the power inator body by
gripping the grooved sleeve over the quick disconnect coupling
with your thumb and forenger. Slide the sleeve back.
2. Remove the port plug from a MP port on the regulator using
an appropriately sized wrench.
WARNING: DO NOT connect the inator hose to a
high pressure (HP) port (greater than 200 psi / 14 bar).
This may cause the hose to burst when pressurized,
which can result in serious injury. If you are unsure
which regulator port is medium pressure (MP) or
high pressure (HP), consult your regulator owner’s
manual or your dealer before attaching the hose.
3. Check to ensure the o-ring is present and in good condition.
Screw the threaded end of the hose into the port and tighten to
40 in-lbs. (4.5 Nm) with a 9/16” wrench.
ATTACHING THE MP HOSE TO THE FIRST STAGE

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THREADING THE GRIPLOCK™ CYLINDER BAND
If the GripLock cylinder band has been removed from the bail, re-thread using the following procedure:
Insert the open end of the cylinder band into the large opening of the bail, around the slide bar and out
the small opening of the bail. Secure the hook and loop on the band to hold the bail on place.
GRIPLOCK™ CYLINDER BAND COMPONENTS
Macro Adjustment
Micro Adjustment Bail Lever Bail Slot

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ADJUSTING THE GRIPLOCK™ CYLINDER BAND
2. Adjust the macro adjustment for the proper cylinder size.
3. Secure the hook and loop after cylinder size is selected.
1. There are three macro settings for cylinder size.
A. Larger cylinder
B. Al 80 cf (7.25 in/184 mm)
C. Smaller cylinder
Macro Presets
WARNING: The BC must be completely deated of air before adjusting the GripLock cylinder
band. Failure to do so may result in the cylinder slipping during the course of a dive.
NOTE: The GripLock cylinder band adjusts for all standard cylinder diameters and is ready for
use with an aluminium 80 cf (7.25 inch / 184 mm) cylinder when the BC leaves the factory.

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SECURING THE GRIPLOCK™ CYLINDER BAND
1. Make sure the cylinder valve air outlet is facing
the back of the BC. Secure the valve strap around
the base of the cylinder valve. It does not need to
be cinched all the way, just enough to keep the
cylinder vertical and the back of the BC straight,
parallel with the cylinder.
WARNING: Check that the macro adjustment is set for the appropriate size cylinder.
Failure to do so may result in the cylinder slipping during the course of a dive.
NOTE: There is no need to wet the GripLock cylinder band prior to securing it to the cylinder.
When properly adjusted, the cylinder band will retain it’s tension. If adjustment is necessary
for a larger or smaller size cylinder (pre-set for use on an aluminum 80 cf cylinder 7.25 inch /
184 mm), follow the procedure in the section: Adjusting the GripLock Cylinder Band.
NOTE: Over-tightening the valve strap can result in the BC being drawn in towards the cylinder
which may be uncomfortable to wear.
NOTE: Your BC comes equipped with a valve strap. This strap allows you to place the BC in
the proper position for perfect tank placement. Place the valve strap over the cylinder valve
and adjust as needed.
NOTE: Pull the micro adjustment only until it is snug against the cylinder. If the lever is difcult
to close, the micro adjustment is too tight. Loosen the micro adjustment and close lever to secure
GripLock band to cylinder. If it is difcult to remove the GripLock band from the cylinder, this is an
indicator that the micro adjustment was too tight when installed.

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3. Push the lever forward until it stops in the pre-locked
position.
NOTE: The pre-locked position ensures your ngers do not get caught in the lever.
4. Push the lever down into the locked position. Verify
the lever is secured in the locked position. Once the
cylinder band is set up, further adjustment is typically
not needed.
2. For optimum cylinder retention, center the
GripLock buckle assembly on the curve of the
cylinder. Connect the bail into the bail slot of
the lever. Hold the lever and pull the webbing to
tighten the micro adjustment. Secure the hook
and loop webbing on the micro adjustment.

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DONNING AND ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
WARNING: Verify the tension of the cylinder band prior to every dive. Failure to do so may
result in the cylinder slipping during the course of a dive.
5. Check that the cylinder band is secure by pulling on the band while holding down the cylinder at the
valve. If the cylinder band moves, it is too loose. Check that the macro adjustment is set for the correct
size cylinder. Repeat steps 1-4 to tighten and secure the cylinder band.
1. Remove the weight pouches from the BC.
2. Disconnect the waist buckle and chest strap.
3. Ensure that the quick release buckles on both torso straps are securely fastened. While rmly holding
the torso strap where it connects to the BC lobe, fully extend each torso strap to its maximum length
by pushing straight up on the slide buckle.
4. While your dive buddy lifts and holds the BC/cylinder behind you, place your arms through the BC
torso straps as if you were putting on a jacket.
NOTE: If additional length is needed in the waistband, remove the webbing from the webslides.

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5. While your buddy continues to hold the cylinder, connect the waist buckle. Pull forward on the D-rings
to tighten the waistband. The weight of the cylinder should rest on the lumbar region (lower part) of
your back.
6. Connect the chest strap buckle. Pull on the free end of the strap to tighten. The chest strap should
feel comfortable across the chest, it should not be overtightened so that it feels restrictive.
7. After your buddy has released the cylinder and the BC feels comfortably supported on your hips and
shoulders, bend forward at the waist and adjust the torso straps to a comfortable length by pulling
on the torso strap D-rings.
8. If necessary, readjust the waist buckle and chest strap so that they are comfortably snug, but
not restricting.
NOTE: Adjusting the shoulder straps too tightly will transfer the cylinder weight from the hips
to the shoulders, restricting your arm movement and decreasing comfort.
NOTE: If the webbing has been removed from the webslides, pull the waistband D-rings to
the side until snug.

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1. Disconnect the chest strap buckle, shoulder strap
buckles and waist buckle.
2. To remove the bolts which fasten each section to the
harness, hold the nut with a 3/8” box wrench and unscrew
the bolt with a medium sized Phillips screwdriver.
3. Align the grommet holes in the waistband with the
holes in the harness. Insert the bolt through the front
of the harness, through the waistband, and thread the
nut onto the bolt from behind the waistband. Hold the
nut securely with a 3/8” box wrench and tighten the bolt
with a medium size Phillips screwdriver.
4. Don the BC over your exposure suit to check the t.
ADJUSTING WAISTBAND LENGTH - NUT AND BOLT SYSTEM
Your BC waistband is connected to the harness with two stainless steel nut and bolt combinations. There
are three positions that allow you to lengthen or shorten the waistband, with the outer grommets being the
longest setting. If necessary, the waistband can easily be remounted onto one of three grommet attach-
ment points by performing the following procedure: