Aqua Lung 397094 User manual

BD
Buoyancy Compensator
User's Manual

2BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This owner’s 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 with out prior consent in writing
from Aqua Lung America, Inc.
©2013 Aqua Lung International
BD User’s Manual P/N 18407
You can contact a Technical Advisor via e-mail at:
[e-mail]
[email protected]
TRADEMARK NOTICE
Aqua Lung®is a registered trademark of
Aqua Lung America, Inc.
Warnings, Cautions and Notes:
A WARNING indicates a procedure or situation that, if not
avoided, could result in serious injury or death to the user.
A NOTE is used to emphasize important points, tips, and
reminders.
Pay special attention to information provided in Warnings,
Cautions and Notes that are accompanied by one of these
symbols:
A CAUTION indicates any situation or technique that could
cause damage to the product and could subsequently result
in injury to the user.

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BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
Contents
Safety Information ............................................................................................. 4
General Precautions and Warnings..................................................................... 4
Dealer Inspection and Service ......................................................................... 6
Annual Service and Inspection Record .......................................................... 7
Warranty Information - Military and Commercial .......................................... 8
Features ............................................................................................................ 10
Basic Setup....................................................................................................... 11
Attaching the MP Hose to the First Stage..................................................... 12
Threading the Cam Buckle ............................................................................. 13
Securing the Cylinder Band ........................................................................... 15
Donning and Adjustment Procedures........................................................... 17
Adjusting the Waistband Length - Nut and Bolt System ............................ 18
Adjusting the Chest Strap............................................................................... 19
Removing the Chest Strap.............................................................................. 19
Positioning the Self-Adjusting Lumbar Support (SLS) ............................... 20
Weight Integration Features ........................................................................... 20
Maximum Weight Capacity ................................................................................ 21
Loading Weight into the Weight Pouches .......................................................... 22
Loading Soft Weight into the Weight Pouch ...................................................... 24
Installing the Hook and Loop Weight Pouch...................................................... 24
Installing the SureLock™ Weight Pouch............................................................ 25
Releasing the Weight Pouches.......................................................................... 26
Non-Releasable Weight ..................................................................................... 27
Ination Methods ............................................................................................. 28
Power Ination.................................................................................................... 28
Oral Ination....................................................................................................... 28
Deation Methods............................................................................................ 29
Deation Via the Oral Inator............................................................................. 29
Deation Via the Inator Dump Valve ................................................................ 29
Deation Via the Universal Pull Dump / Over Pressure Relief Valve (OPRV)... 30
Special Features .............................................................................................. 31
Knife Grommets ................................................................................................. 31
Drop Down Utility Pocket ................................................................................... 31
Double Cylinder Setup - Using Aqua Lung Twin Tank Kit........................... 32
Pre-Dive Inspection ......................................................................................... 33
Post-Dive Inspection ....................................................................................... 34
Notes ................................................................................................................. 35

4BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
SAFETY INFORMATION
General Precautions and Warnings
This manual provides essential instruction for the proper tting, adjustment,
inspection and care of your new BC. Because Aqua Lung 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 Military or
government operated diving school (or any recognized certication 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 Aqua Lung 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 arterial gas 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 inflator. The BC may contain harmful
contaminants or gases, which could cause suffocation or injury.

5
BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
Factory prescribed service for this BC must be performed at least once annually
by a factory trained technician who is employed by an Authorized Aqua Lung
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 Aqua Lung. Unauthorized service
will render the warranty null and void.
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 re 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 has successfully passed all the tests required by
the EN 1809 standard.
TEMPERATURE LIMITATIONS: This BC should be used in temperatures no
lower than -4°F (-20°C) and no higher than 150°F (65°C).
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 assis-
tance, you may suffer serious injury or death from drowning.
If you have questions related to the testing of this product, please contact
Institut National de Plongee Professionnelle (INPP) at the number or address
listed below:
Institut National de Plongee Professionnelle (INPP)
Entrée n˚ 3 - Port de la Rouge - BP 157 - 13267 Marseille - France
Telephone [phone]

6BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
DEALER INSPECTION AND SERVICE
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 Over Pressure Relief Valve
(OPRV). 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 Aqua Lung Dealer or Distributor.
WARNING: DO NOT attempt to perform any disassembly or service
of your BC. Service requiring disassembly must only be performed
by a factory-trained Aqua Lung technician. To obtain service or repair,
such as power inator service or replacement of the bladder, see an
Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer or Distributor.
NOTE: It is important to obtain prescribed dealer service for your
BC at least once annually, from an Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer or
Distributor. Your personal safety and the mechanical integrity of your
BC depends on it.

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BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
BD serial # is located on tag in
pocket. BD serial #
DATE TECHNICIAN NAME &
NUMBER
TECHNICIAN
SIGNATURE
STAMP
Purchase Date:
BC Model:
Serial Number:
ANNUAL SERVICE AND INSPECTION RECORD

8BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
All warranty transactions must be accompanied by proof of original purchase
from an Aqua Lung® authorized dealer/agent. Be sure to save your sales receipt,
and present it whenever returning your Aqua Lung product for warranty service.
WARRANTY INFORMATION - MILITARY AND COMMERCIAL
The Aqua Lung®One Year Limited Warranty™
Aqua Lung America warrants to the original purchaser for a period of one
year from the date of purchase that the product will be free from defects in
material and workmanship; provided that it receives normal use, proper care,
and prescribed dealer service subject to those restrictions stated below. This
limited warranty is extended only to the original purchaser for purchases
made from an authorized Aqua Lung® dealer/agent, and is not transferable.
This warranty is limited to repair or replacement only at the discretion of Aqua
Lung America, Inc.
ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
OR MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
LIMITED IN DURATION TO A PERIOD ENDING ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE
OF PURCHASE.
AQUA LUNG AMERICA DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY LIABILITY FOR
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT
ALLOW EXCLUSIONS OF LIABILITY, 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 these
products by an untrained person renders any and all warranties null
and void. Use of SCUBA equipment by anyone who is not a certied
diver, or receiving training through a Military or government operated
diving school (or any recognized certication agency), shall render
void all warranties, expressed or implied.

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BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
Restrictions
The following restrictions apply to this warranty:
• This warranty extends to inator parts, and to the seams of the bladder.
Factory prescribed annual service by a trained technician is required.
• This warranty does not extend to abrasion, punctures, or tears of the
bladder, or seam separation caused by chemical attack; including
prolonged exposure to chlorine.
• This warranty does not extend to damages caused by improper use,
improper maintenance, neglect, unauthorized repairs, modications,
accidents, re, or casualty.
• Cosmetic damage, such as scratches, fraying, and nicks are not covered
by this warranty.
• This warranty covers products purchased in the United States. For
warranties that may apply elsewhere, please contact your local
representative.
• Failure to meet any of the above requirements will render the warranty
null and void.
WARNING: Failure to maintain this equipment and perform
the required Aqua Lung America, Inc. factory maintenance
in accordance with the factory manual renders any and all
warranties expressed or implied, null and void.

10 BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
FEATURES
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.
Adjustable Waistband - Nut and Bolt System
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.
Chest Strap
The BC waistband has a simple to use cummerbund with quick release clip.
Waistband D-rings allow for ease of adjustment by simply pulling the D-rings
to the side for a secure t.
Cummerbund with Quick Release Clip
The integrated weight system has two pockets that will each hold up to 16
lbs. of releasable weight. A hook and loop system on the pockets/BC will hold
the releasable weight securely in place. The two rear trim pockets will each
accommodate an additional 5 lbs. of non-releasable weight
Hook and Loop Weight Pockets
The SureLock weight system has two pockets that will each hold up to 16 lbs. of
releasable weight. A mechanical release system allows the SureLock pockets
to be inserted easily into the BC and "click" securely into place.
SureLock™ Weight Pockets
A universal cylinder band allows for quick and easy adjustment when securing
your cylinder. The cylinder band will accommodate all standard size cylinders
and will t all current Aqua Lung BC's that accept a cylinder band.
Universal Cylinder Band
Five angled stainless steel D-rings are located throughout the BC for attachment
of extra equipment.
Angled D-rings
Two rear trim pockets on the harness (one on each side) will accommodate an
additional 5 lbs. of non-releasable weight. The weights are secured in the pockets
with a simple clip system.
Trim Pockets (Non-Ditchable Weight)

11
BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
The weather-proven Powerline inator with rapid exhaust valve (REV) is in-
cluded on the BD. A universal pull dump is attached to the rear of both right /
left lower lobes and the upper right shoulder. The universal pull dump valves
give you an additional option of releasing air from the BC.
Powerline Inator and Universal Pull Dump
A drop down utility pocket (located on left side) provides additional space for
dive accessories such as lights, masks and emergency signaling devices. The
pocket can be rolled up when not in use. A secondary pocket is located on the
right side of the BD.
Drop Down Utility Pocket
Located on the left side pocket are two knife grommets which can accommodate
an optional knife.
Knife Grommets
BASIC SETUP
Aqua Lung recommends that you bring your buoyancy compensator, together
with your regulator, to your Authorized Aqua Lung 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.
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, pockets
and inator hold down.
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.
Self-Adjusting Lumbar Support (SLS)
The self-adjusting lumbar support system allows the diver to adjust the position
of the lumbar pad on the harness for maximum comfort.

12 BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
ATTACHING THE MP HOSE TO THE FIRST STAGE
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.
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” crowfoot and
torque 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.

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BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
THREADING THE CAM BUCKLE
1. Firmly grasp the metal D-ring with your
left hand.
2. While rmly holding the metal D-ring,
rotate the back towards the webbing. The
buckle should form an angle with the metal
D-ring as shown in the top view.
Your BC ships from the factory with the cylinder band already threaded, but
in the event it becomes unthreaded, please follow the directions below:
3. Insert band through the metal D-ring, then
through the middle slot of the buckle.
TOP VIEW

14 BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
4. Weave band through the inside slot of
the buckle.
5. Insert band through the outer slot of the
buckle.
NOTE: This nal threading step is done when the BC is secured by the
cylinder buckle halfway to prevent the webbing from slipping and the
free end of the cylinder band is thread through the open slot in the end
of the buckle. This procedure is done in Securing the Cylinder Band
section of the manual.

15
BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
SECURING THE CYLINDER BAND
WARNING: The cylinder band will initially stretch as it becomes
wet. Always wet the band before making the nal adjustment;
apply enough tension to ensure that the cylinder is completely
secure. Test this connection before every dive. If the cylinder
slips free from the BC during the dive, you may loose your air
supply, which could lead to serious injury or death.
NOTE: BC cylinder bands adjust for all standard cylinder diameters:
6.9 in (17.5 cm), 7.25 in (18.5 cm), and 8.0 in (20.3 cm). The cylinder
bands are properly threaded to the buckles when the BC leaves the
factory. If rethreading is necessary, follow the procedure in the section:
Threading the Cam Buckle.
1. Remove the free end of the cylinder band
from the outer slot on the cam buckle.
NOTE: Your BC comes equipped
with a tank positioning strap. This
strap allows you to place the BC
in the proper position for perfect
tank placement. Place the tank
positioning strap over the cylinder
valve to hold the BC in place.

16 BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
2. Wet the cylinder band and then slide it over the cylinder so that the BC is
at the desired position in relation to the cylinder valve. Make sure the cylinder
valve air outlet is facing the back of the BC.
3. While holding the cylinder secure, pull
the free end of the cylinder band until there
is a very tight t between the pack and the
cylinder.
4. Close the buckle half way to hold the
cylinder band taut, and thread the free end
of the band through the open slot in the end
of the cam buckle.
5. Pull the cam buckle closed so that it lies at against the cylinder. Secure
the end of the cylinder band with the hook & loop attachment.
6. 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. Repeat
steps 1-5 to tighten and secure the cylinder band.

17
BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
DONNING AND ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
1. Remove the weight pouches from the BC.
2. Disconnect the waist buckle and cummerbund.
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.
5. While your buddy continues to hold the cylinder, connect the cummer-
bund and waist buckle. 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 waistband and waist buckle 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.

18 BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
ADJUSTING THE 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
attachment points by performing the following procedure:
1. Disconnect the chest strap buckle,
shoulder strap buckles, waist buckle and
cummerbund.
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.

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BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
ADJUSTING THE 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. Before donning the
BC, loosen and disconnect the chest strap. After donning the BC, connect the
chest strap and tighten by pulling on the free ends of the straps. The chest strap
should feel comfortable across the chest; it should not be overtightened so that it
feels restrictive. Once the shoulder straps are in position, adjust the shoulder strap
length by pulling down on the D-rings until the BC ts comfortably. Your BC offers
a vertical adjustment of the chest strap. Become familiar with the adjustment of
this strap so that you can perform this adjustment in the water if necessary.
REMOVABLE CHEST STRAP
The chest strap on your BC is removable. To remove the chest strap, unweave
the straps from the male and female parts of the chest buckle. For each strap,
pull the free end through the plastic rings connected to the strap. Pull the strap
through the plastic rings that are connected to the BC.

20 BD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR USER'S MANUAL
WEIGHT INTEGRATION FEATURES
Your BC comes equipped with either a Hook and Loop or SureLock Inte-
grated Weight System. The SureLock weight pouches are secured with a
mechanical locking mechanism. The Hook and Loop weight pouches are
secured with hook material on the pouches to loop material on the pockets.
Either weight system supplements or replaces a conventional weight belt.
This unique feature allows you to quickly jettison either one or both weight
pouches in the event of an emergency, thereby maintaining better control
over your rate of ascent. The weight pouches can be easily reloaded into the
BC pockets while you are wearing the BC.
Hook and Loop PouchSureLock™ Pouch
NOTE: It is very important to read the following instructions and
become thoroughly familiar with the correct methods for installing
and releasing weight before you dive with your BC.
POSITIONING THE SELF-ADJUSTING LUMBAR SUPPORT (SLS)
1. Disconnect the cummerbund.
2. Lift up lumbar pad and adjust up or down
on the harness.
3. Secure loop material on the lumbar pad to
hook material on harness to retain position.
4. Try on BC to make sure SLS is positioned
properly. Adjust as necessary.
For optimum comfort, the Self-adjusting Lumbar Support (SLS) should be
positioned so it ts in the natural arch of your lower back.