Aqua Lung BC 1 User manual

BC 1
Buoyancy Compensator
User's Manual
Rev. 03/16

BC 1 User's Manual
2
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This user'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.
©2016 Aqua Lung International
BC 1 User’s Manual PN 18562
You can contact a Technical Advisor via e-mail at:
[email protected]
[e-mail]
[email protected]
TRADEMARK NOTICE
Aqua Lung®is a registered trademark of
Aqua Lung America, Inc.
A NOTE is used to emphasize important points, tips and reminders.
A WARNING indicates a procedure or situation that, if not avoided,
could result in serious injury or death to the user.
A CAUTION indicates any situation or technique that could
cause damage to the product and could subsequently result in
injury to the user.
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES:
Pay special attention to information provided in Warnings, Cautions and Notes
that are accompanied by one of these symbols:

3
General Precautions and Warnings.........................................4
BC 1 Components .....................................................................7
Product Description ..................................................................8
Basic Set-up...............................................................................8
Donning and Adjustment Procedures ...................................16
Weight Integration Features ...................................................19
Ination Methods.....................................................................26
Deation Methods ...................................................................27
Buoyancy and Cylinder Capabilities .....................................29
Pre-Dive Inspection.................................................................31
Post-Dive Care and Maintenance...........................................32
Dealer Inspection and Service ...............................................33
Warranty Information ..............................................................35
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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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 func-
tioning 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 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 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.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

5
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 in-
creased 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 conforms to EN 1809: 2014.
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 exposed to temperatures no
lower than -4°F (-20°C) and no higher than 150°F (65°C).
WARNING:This is NOT a life jacket or a rescue device: 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.

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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
these instructions, please contact your Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer
or Distributor. Distributor information is available on the Aqua Lung
website at: www.aqualung.com/militaryandprofessional
WARNING:Although thismanual providessomebasicguidelines for
certain buoyancy control techniques, it is not a substitute for train-
ing 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 Aqua Lung Dealer or Distributor.
Your buoyancy compensator is primarily designed to help you maintain neutral
buoyancy while in a comfortably balanced, face-down swimming position under
water. 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.

Pull Knob
Accessory Clip
Chest Strap
Inator
Knife Grommets (2)
on each pocket
Trim Pockets (2)
Cummerbund
Accessory D-rings (4)
Dump Valve (3)
GripLock Cylinder
Band
Carry Handle
Traction Pad
Pull Knob
Inator Dump
Valve
BC 1 COMPONENTS
John Line Ring
SureLock 1
Weight System
Waist Buckle
Front Crotch Strap
Loop (2)
Rear Crotch
Strap Loop
7

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BASIC SETUP
Aqua Lung recommends that you take 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.
If it is not possible to return the BC with your regulator to a Authorized Aqua
Lung Dealer or Distributor, 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.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
BC 1 is a modular design buoyancy compensator consisting of three major
components: harness, bladder and waistband w/ integrated weight system. Its
rugged design makes it a perfect choice for military or public safety diving ap-
plications. Some specic features include stainless steel hardware, reinforced
backpack, adjustable waistband, knife grommets, crotch strap attachment points,
john line ring and removable backpad.
The doughnut shaped bladder allows for air ow migration and improved stabil-
ity. External retraction bands reduce the divers in-water prole by keeping the
bladder close to the body. The removable bladder can be swapped out when a
replacement is needed.

9
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 the appropriate size
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 (46 kg-cm) with a 9/16” 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 Authorized Aqua Lung
Dealer or Distributor before attaching the hose.

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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 of the small opening of the bail. Secure the hook
and loop on the band to hold the bail in place.
GripLock™ Cylinder Band Components
Macro Adjustment
Micro Adjustment Bail Lever Bail Slot

11
Adjusting the GripLock™ Cylinder Band
NOTE: The GripLock cylinder band adjusts for all standard cylinder
diameters and is ready for use with an aluminum 80 cf (7.25 inch /
184 mm) cylinder when the BC leaves the factory.
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.
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

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1. Make sure the cylinder valve air outlet
is facing the back of the BC.
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.
Securing the GripLock™ Cylinder Band
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.
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.
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.

13
3. Push the lever forward until it stops in
the pre-locked position.
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.
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.
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.
NOTE: The pre-locked position ensures your ngers do not get
caught in the lever.

TOP VIEW
BC 1 User's Manual
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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 buckle back towards the webbing.
The buckle should form an angle with the
metal D-ring as shown in the top view.
3. Insert band through the metal D-ring, then
through the middle slot of the buckle.
4. Insert band through the inside slot of the
buckle.
NOTE: The threading instructions are
imprinted on the plastic cam buckle.

15
1. Slide the cylinder band 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.
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.
Securing the Band to the Cylinder
2. While holding the cylinder secure, pull the
free end of the cylinder band webbing until
there is a very tight t between the cylinder
plate and the cylinder.
3. Close the buckle halfway to hold the
cylinder band taut, and thread the free end
of the band through the open slot in the end
of the buckle.
NOTE: Universal cylinder bands adjust for all standard cylinder diameters.

5. Check 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 1-4.
4. 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.
BC 1 User's Manual
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DONNING AND ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
8. Fully inate the BC and check there is no restriction of normal breathing
and movement.
9. If necessary, re-adjust the BC straps as needed.
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.
1. Remove the weight pouches from the BC.
2. Disconnect the chest strap, 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 cummerbund
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 rmly downward on the
torso strap d-rings.

17
Adjusting the Waistband Length - Nut and Bolt System
Each side of the BC waistband is connected to the harness with two nut & bolt
and washers combinations (all hardware is stainless steel). 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 on the waist-
band with the grommet holes on the har-
ness. Place a washer onto the bolt. Insert
the bolt through the grommet holes on the
harness and waistband. Place a washer
onto the bolt from behind the waistband,
followed by the nut. Hold the nut securely
with a 3/8” box wrench and tighten the bolt
with a medium size Phillips screwdriver.
Repeat the process for the remaining
hardware.
4. Don the BC over your exposure suit to
check the t.

BC 1 User's Manual
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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. 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.
Adjusting the Chest Strap
Crotch Strap (optional)
An optional crotch strap (PN 427038) can be attached to the three crotch strap
attachment points sewn into BC (two front and one rear). The addition of a crotch
strap can prevent the BC from riding up on diver, providing a more secure t.

Hook and Loop PouchSureLock 1 Pouch
19
Your BC comes equipped with either a Hook and Loop or SureLock 1 Integrated
Weight System. The SureLock 1 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 BC 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.
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.
WEIGHT INTEGRATION FEATURES

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NOTE: Your BC may not be able to oat by itself on the surface if your
BC is loaded with weight at or near its maximum buoyancy. In water, the
weight of cylinders and other equipment may contribute to the negative
buoyancy of your full set of SCUBA equipment.
WARNING:The lift capacity may not exceed the weight pouch carry
capacity (See Buoyancy and Cylinder Capabilities). The negative
buoyancy of the weight plus the negative buoyancy of the cylinder
(when full), should not exceed the BC’s positive buoyancy. The
inability to achieve neutral buoyancy while at depth or positive
buoyancy on the surface may lead to a hazardous situation that
could lead to serious injury or death.
Weight Capacity Chart
BC 1
BC Size Trim Weight Releasable Weight Weight Pocket Type
SM 5 lb/2.5 kg X 2 32 lb/14.5 kg 16 lb/7.25 kg X 2
MD 5 lb/2.5 kg X 2 32 lb/14.5 kg 16 lb/7.25 kg X 2
ML 5 lb/2.5 kg X 2 32 lb/14.5 kg 16 lb/7.25 kg X 2
LG 5 lb/2.5 kg X 2 32 lb/14.5 kg 16 lb/7.25 kg X 2
XL 5 lb/2.5 kg X 2 32 lb/14.5 kg 16 lb/7.25 kg X 2
Maximum Weight Capacity
The Hook and Loop or SureLock 1 weight system features two interchangeable
weight pouches which can be lled with either block weights or “soft weight”
(pouches containing lead shot), in increments of 4 pounds or less. For ease
of operation, low-prole block weights are strongly recommended. Refer to the
Weight Capacity Chart for maximum weight capacity.