Aqua Lung Calypso User manual
Calypso
Military Buoyancy
Compensator
User's Manual
Rev 12/10
2CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
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.
A NOTE is used to emphasize important points,
tips, and reminders.
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 without
prior consent in writing from Aqua Lung America, Inc.
©2010 Aqua Lung International
Calypso Military Buoyancy Compensator
User’s Manual P/N 18202
You can contact a Technical Advisor via e-mail at:
rbedard@aqualung.com
TRADEMARK NOTICE
Aqua Lung®is a registered trademark of
Aqua Lung America, Inc.
Warnings, Cautions and Notes:
Pay special attention to information provided in
Warnings, Cautions and Notes that are accompanied
by one of these symbols:
3CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
Contents
1. General Precautions and Warnings .................................... 4
2. Introduction .............................................................................. 6
2.1 Product Description............................................................... 6
3. Preparation and Setup ........................................................... 7
3.1 MP Inator Hose Installation ................................................. 7
3.2 Connecting the MP Hose to the First Stage ......................... 8
..................................................................... 8
4.1 Oral Ination.......................................................................... 8
4.2 Power Ination...................................................................... 8
4.3 CO2 Ination......................................................................... 9
................................................................... 9
5.1 Deation Via the Oral Inator................................................ 9
5.2 Deation Via the Rapid Exhaust Valve (REV) .....................10
5.3 Deation Via the Over Pressure Relief Valve (OPRV).........10
6. Donning and Adjustment......................................................11
7. Calypso Pre-Dive Checklist..................................................12
8. Calypso Post-Dive Checklist ...............................................13
9. Warranty Information ............................................................14
10.1 Aqua Lung Two Year Limited Warranty™...........................14
10.2 Restrictions........................................................................14
10. Annual Inspection and Service Record ..........................15
Calypso Military BC Exploded View.................................16
Notes........................................................................................17
4CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
WARNING: Your BC is not a life jacket or preserver. Do not de-
pend on it to save your life under any circumstances.
1. General Precautions & Warnings
WARNING: Before using this buoyancy compensator, you must
-
nique of SCUBA diving from a Military or government operated
shall render all warranties, express or implied, null and void.
WARNING: In an emergency such as an out of air situation or
uncontrolled rapid descent, it is important to immediately remove
and jettison weight immediately.
WARNING: Your BC is not a lift bag. DO NOT rely on it to bring
heavy objects to the surface. Doing so may permanently damage
the BC, and could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: Repair, service, or disassembly must not be attempted
by persons who are not factory trained and authorized by Aqua
LungAmerica, Inc. Unauthorized service will render the warranty
null and void.
-
trained persons is dangerous and can result in serious injury
or death.
WARNING: 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 if neutral buoyancy
cannot be re-established.
WARNING:
contain contaminants or gases, which could cause suffocation
or asphyxiation.
WARNING: Do not apply any type of aerosol spray to the BC.
Doing so may damage certain plastic components, including
important valve connections.
5CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
therefore it does not meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations for a
unconscious in the water without a buddy present to imme-
diately give you assistance, you may suffer serious injury or
death from drowning.
WARNING: Your buoyancy compensator is primarily designed to
help you maintain neutral buoyancy while in a comfortably bal-
anced, face-down swimming position underwater. It is also designed
-
up position and holds your head out of the water on the surface.
diving equipment you wear, including a cylinder, weight or exposure
maintain close proximity with them at all times. Do not depend on
that you are rendered unconscious in the water while diving.
If you have any questions regarding your Buoyancy Compensator or
WARNING: Although this manual provides some basic guidelines
for certain buoyancy control techniques, it is not a substitute for
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 you diving instructor.
RAPID EXHAUST VALVE
WHISTLE
COVER
6CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Outer Bag and Utility Pocket
The outer bag is constructed of a heavy duty, urethane backed 840 de-•
nier material that resists cuts, tears, and abrasion. The inner surface of
the collar is plush lined, to prevent chang against bare skin. Featuring
a pleated utility pocket with "Hook and Loop" closure, the bag is sewn
throughout with high tensile nylon thread. Vented openings at the bottom
allows instant drainage when exiting the water. A clip and alligator "Hook
and Loop" attachment is provided to hold the H.A.B.D or S.E.A system,
an independent backup air source.
The Calypso BC is specically designed for military use with open circuit
breathing apparatus. The distribution of the buoyancy chamber provides
excellent safety performance, either during buoyant ascent (vertical stabil-
ity) or at the surface (natural support position with head and shoulders out
of the water).
MP ai• r is supplied to the inator assembly by a quick disconnect inator
hose attached to the rst stage regulator. Air can be added to the BC by
pushing the power ination button or added manually through the oral
inator. The inator assembly is connected with a heavy duty cable to
the Rapid Exhaust Valve (REV) at the top of the airway, which allows the
BC to be easily vented for ne buoyancy adjustments by simply pulling
on the inator. A signal whistle is provided with the oral inator for diver
safety. The quick disconnect (QD) tting cover will keep water and debris
out of the inators key components (See Fig. 1).
The Over Pressure Relief Valve (OPRV) primary function is to relieve •
excess air pressure from inside the BC bladder. The OPRV is a critical
feature that prevents stress or damage to the BC bladder. It can also
be opened manually to facilitate rapid dumping of air through the Rapid
Exhaust Valve (REV).
7CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
3. PREPARATION AND SET UP
Inner Bladder
Th• e inner bladder is constructed of a radio frequency welded, polyurethane
material with internal gussets for maximum strength. The bladder can be
easily removed for repair or replacement.
The• CO2 inator features a high quality, corrosion resistant ring
mechanism. This buoyancy compensator is designed to be used with
two 38 gram cartridges.
Harness
A• crotch harness with split strap design provides greater comfort while
maintaining ease of adjustment.
WARNING:
cause the hose to burst when pressurized, which can result in
serious injury.
Most rst stage regulators contain medium pressure (MP) ports that are smaller
than the high pressure (HP) ports - 3/8" MP ports vs. 7/16" HP ports. Some
older regulators have HP and MP ports which are the same size (3/8"). All
Aqua Lung regulators have a high pressure port that is clearly marked "HP",
with a small, restrictive hole that is visible when the port plug is removed. If
your regulator has all 3/8" ports and you cannot determine whether a port is
medium pressure or high pressure, use the following procedure:
Connect your submersible pressure gauge, via its high pressure hose,1.
to the port in question. If your pressure gauge has 7/16" threads, you will
need a 7/16" female to 3/8" male adapter (P/N 101785). Check to ensure
that a second stage is connected, and all other ports are sealed.
Attach the regulator to a fully charged cylinder and open the cylinde2. r valve.
Take a pressure reading. If the gauge is connected to a medium pressure3.
port, it will indicate less than 200 psi.
A
B
C
D
E
8CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
Disconnect the inator hose from the quick disconnect (QD) tting and 1.
set the hose to the side.
Use an appropriate size wrench or hex key, remove the port plug from a 2.
medium pressure port that is located to the left of the port used for the
primary second stage.
Inspect the threaded male tting of the inator hose to ensure there is an 3.
o-ring present. Make sure the o-ring is free of any visible signs of debris,
damage or decay.
Screw the male threaded end of the hose into the medium pressure port4.
to the left of the primary second stage. Tighten the hose with a 9/16"
crowfoot and torque wrench (recommended torque 40 inch-pounds).
To orally inate your BC (See Fig. 2),
place your lips on the oral inator mouth-
piece (A) and exhale a small amount of
air into the mouthpiece. This will purge
any water that may be still in the hous-
ing. While continuing to exhale into the
mouthpiece, depress the oral inator
button (B) to inate the BC. Immediately
after exhaling, release the oral inator
button to prevent air from escaping.
For the power inator to work, the medium pressure inator hose must be
connected. To connect the MP inator hose, grip the grooved sleeve (C) with
your thumb and forenger and slide the sleeve back. Place the hose tting
over the quick disconnect (QD) tting (D), and push inward while releasing
the sleeve. Check to ensure the hose is securely attached.
To inate your BC with medium pressure air, depress the power inate button
(E). Do not hold the inator button depressed continuously underwater, as
this could cause you to become excessively buoyant. Instead, depress the
button in short bursts until you become neutrally buoyant.
9CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
WARNING:
emergency, such as an out of air situation.
To provide emergency otation on the surface, the BC can be rapidly inated
by pulling on the lanyard attached to the CO2 inator mechanism. Before
entering the water, ensure that the CO2 cartridge has not been previously
used, and explain the function of this mechanism to your buddy.
WARNING:
to rise faster than the maximum allowable ascent rate of 30 fpm,
leading to an increased risk of decompression sickness or air
embolism, both of which could result in severe injury or death.
Throughout the course of a dive, it will be necessary to release air from the
BC using one of the three methods described below: Each method uses a
valve that is in a different location. The method you choose at any time may
depend on whether you are making your initial descent feet rst, head rst, or
maintaining neutral buoyancy underwater. Always remember to utilize the valve
that is at the highest point on the bladder, depending on your position.
WARNING: Whenever you ascend, whether intentionally or acci-
dentally, you must simultaneously vent air from the BC as needed
to maintain buoyancy control. If air is allowed to expand inside the
BC unchecked, you may experience a rapid, uncontrolled ascent,
which could lead to serious injury or death if not immediately
corrected. To regain buoyancy control during an uncontrolled
ascent, you must continuously exhaust air from the BC until you
have stopped ascending.
Air can be vented through the inator by holding the inator above your head
and depressing the oral inator button. This method can be used for making
an initial feet rst descent, but is not very useful while you are in a face down
swimming position.
NOTE: Depressing the oral inator while the BC is empty may
cause water to enter the air bladder.
10 CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
Inside the oral inator's corrugated hose is a cable that attaches the oral inator
to the rapid exhaust valve (REV) at the top of the airway assembly. You can
vent air from the BC by gently tugging straight down on the oral inator.
The rapid exhaust valve (REV) provides an effective and convenient way to vent
air from the BC while in either an upright or facedown swimming position.
NOTE: Most training agencies recommend that you descend in an up-
right, feet rst position, in order to maintain a slower and more controlled
descent. This is especially true if you experience difculty equalizing your
ears, or if you are descending in low visibility conditions.
The over pressure relief valve (OPRV)
is located near the bottom right side
of the bladder. This valve relieves
air when the internal pressure of the
bladder is too great, to prevent over
pressurization.
The OPRV can also act as a manual
dump valve. It can be activated by pull-
ing on the ball and cord assembly to
release air from the BC (See Fig. 3).
CAUTION: The proper function of the over pressure relief valve
-
ized service or tampering may render this valve inoperable, and
could cause the bladder to leak or rupture. This type of damage
is not repairable, and is not covered under the terms and condi-
tions of the Aqua Lung Two Year Limited Warranty™.
C
A
B
E
D
C
A
11CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
Adjust the crotch strap 1. (A) as
needed to t using the three bar
slide (B). Place the Calypso BC
overyourheadanddownonyour
shoulders. Bring the free end of
the crotch strap between your
legs and fasten the crotch strap
clips to the D-rings (C) located
on the inner side of the BC (See
Fig. 4). If re-adjustment of the
crotch strap is needed, remove
the BC and repeat step 1.
Adjust the waistband (2. D) to the
properlengthusingthethreebar
slide (E). Bring the free end of
thewaistbandaroundyourright
side and attach the waistband
clip to the same D-ring (C) as
the crotch strap. Positioning the
waistband (D) on the outside of
the crotch strap (A) will keep
both strap assemblies stream-
lined (See Fig. 5).
6. DONNING AND ADJUSTMENT
12 CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
7. CALYPSO PRE-DIVE CHECKLIST
Diver Name_____________________________ Date_____________
Calypso Number_________
NOTE: The threads of the CO2 cartridge may be lightly coated with
Christo-Lube MCG 111 (recommended) to help protect the cartridges
from corrosion.
WARNING: Before each use, the Calypso must be given a thor-
ough visual inspection and functional test. NEVER dive with a
Calypso that shows signs of damage to its bladder or valves
until it has received a complete inspection and service.
______ 5.Fully inate the Calypso until the OPRV on the inator assembly
opens to relieve excess pressure, yet immediately closes to allow the bladder
to remain taut and fully inated.
______ 6.Fully inate the Calypso, once again until the OPRV opens.
Manually exercise the Rapid Exhaust Valve (REV) by pulling on the corrugated
hose, 1/4" of pull is all the pull that is required to open the REV (Excessive
force will damage the airway). Ensure the REV opens to release air from
the Calypso, yet closes immediately to retain existing air. Fully inate the
Calypso until the OPRV opens, let the Calypso stand fully inated for
minutes. Ensure the Calypso remains rm before deating.
______ 7. Diving supervisor will check previous steps and record deciencies below.
WARNING: If any leakage can be heard, or if the bladder begins
until it has been repaired by a trained technician.
________________________ ________________________
Diver Signature Diving Supervisor Signature
Remarks_________________________________________________________________
______ 1.Visually inspect the Calypso, all strap and buckle assemblies.
______ 2.Remove and inspect both CO2 cartridges to check their condition.
If the CO2 cartridges have been discharged, replace them with new CO2
cartridges. Do not reinstall discharged CO2 cartridges, as this may cause
internal corrosion to occur.
Initials
______ 3.Connect the powerline to a clean air source, via the MP quick
disconnect hose. Depress and release the inator button intermittently to
ensure that the airow is unobstructed, and that the airow stops completely
when the button is released.
______ 4.Fully inate the Calypso until the over pressure relief valve (OPRV
opens. Manually operate the OPRV by pulling on the attached ball and cord.
Fully inate the Calypso, once again until the OPRV opens. Ensure that it
opens to relieve excess pressure, yet immediately closes to allow the bladder
to remain taut and fully inated.
13CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
8. CALYPSO POST-DIVE CHECKLIST
Diver Name_____________________________ Date_____________
Calypso Number_________
______ 1.Pressurize the power inator with Medium Pressure (MP) air, via
the quick disconnect hose.
______ 2.Using a garden hose, direct water through the oral inator to ush
the interior of the bladder, and then thoroughly rinse the exterior of the BC.
______ 3.Completely drain the bladder of water, either through the oral inator
or the OPRV, being careful to avoid operating the power inator.
______ 4.Inate the BC and allow it to dry inside and out before storing. Store
the BC partially inated, away from direct sunlight, and in a clean, dry area.
________________________ ________________________
Diver Signature Diving Supervisor Signature
Remarks_________________________________________________________________
CAUTION: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme
heat. Nylon fabric may quickly fade when exposed to the
sun's ultraviolet rays, and extreme heat may damage the
welded seams of the BC bladder.
Avoid repeated or prolonged use in heavy chlorinated
water: Chlorinated water, and water that has been heavily
treated with PH balancing chemicals, may eventually cause
the BC fabric to decay prematurely.
Do not allow the BC to chafe against any sharp objects or
rough surfaces that could abrade or puncture the bladder.
Do not set or drop heavy objects, such as block weights
on the BC.
Avoid any contact with oil, gasoline or other solvents.
To prevent permanent damage from corrosion, salt crystals, or
chlorine attack, thoroughly rinse the BC inside and out with fresh
water after every day of use, using the following procedure:
Initials
CAUTION: -
ized with air. This will prevent foreign particles and contaminants
button is accidentally depressed.
WARNING:
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
-
ties, expressed or implied.
14 CALYPSO BC 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 vest for warranty service.
Aqua Lung America warrants to the original purchaser for a period of two
years 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 and is not transferable. This war-
ranty is limited to repair or replacement only at the discretion of Aqua Lung
America, Inc.
9.1 The Aqua Lung Two Year Limited Warranty™
ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MER-
-
ABILITY, SO THIS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
This warranty extends to inator parts and to the seams of the BC bladder. Factory pre• scribed
annual service by a trained technician is required.
This warranty does not extend to abrasion, punctures, 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, modications, 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.•
9.2 Restrictions
The following restrictions apply to this warranty:
15CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
10. Annual Inspection and Service Record
Serial Number ___________________________
Purchase Date ___________________________
Calypso Number _________________________
Date Technician Name Observations Stamp
10
11
9
8
7
12
5
3
2
12
3
4
4
6
5
16 CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
Part numbers in BOLD ITALICS indicate standard overhaul replacement part.
Key # Part # Description
1------ 13216 Nut, CO2, Military, HR
2------ 15737 Gasket, CO2, Stem Nut
3------ 13207 Actuator, CO2, 3/8 Thread 840 Grams w/ 2 Gaskets
4------ 15738 Gasket, CO2 Stem Base (wide gasket)
5------ 704014 Washer, CO2 Cartridge Firing Mech. (narrow washer)
6------ 13220 Cartridge, CO2, 38 Gram
7------ 42754 Dump Valve Conv Kit, ACME, 32.00, Univ.
8------ 4394051 Outer Bag Only, Calypso, Military, Packaged
9------ 394052 Bladder, Calypso, Military, Packaged
10 ----- 42746 Airway Complete, Powerline
11 ----- 12219 Whistle, Survival, Blk, ACME 649
12 ----- 15309 Gasket, Connector Seal
17CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
NOTES
18 CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
NOTES
19CALYPSO BC USER'S MANUAL
NOTES
©2010 Aqua Lung International
2340 Cousteau Court • Vista, CA 92081
Phone (760) 597-5000 • Fax (760) 597-4900
www.aqualung.com/militaryandprofessional
PN 18202 Rev. 12/10
Calypso Military
Buoyancy Compensator
User's Manual
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