Aqua Lung Rapid Diver User manual

Rapid Diver™ System
User's Manual
Rev 2/18

2Rapid Diver™User's Manual
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 International.
©2018 Aqua Lung International
Rapid Diver™ System User’s Manual PN 18563
Rapid Diver™ System PN 769410, 769401, 769402
TRADEMARK NOTICE
Aqua Lung®is a registered trademark of
Aqua Lung International
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.
Congratulations and thank you for choosingAqua Lung. Your Rapid Diver System
meets all existing standards for quality and performance and has been designed
and manufactured with the greatest care.
INTRODUCTION
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
Product Description...................................................................................... 7
Assembling a Rapid Diver System.............................................................. 8
Donning and Adjustment ........................................................................... 15
Ination Methods ........................................................................................ 18
Deation Methods....................................................................................... 19
Buoyancy and Cylinder Capabilities......................................................... 21
Pre-Dive Inspection .................................................................................... 22
Post-Dive Inspection .................................................................................. 23
Rapid Diver System and Accessories ...................................................... 24
Technical Specications ............................................................................ 26
Dealer Inspection and Service .................................................................. 27
Warranty Information ................................................................................. 29
Notes ............................................................................................................ 30
TABLE OF CONTENTS

4Rapid Diver™User's Manual
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: Before using this product, 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.
WARNING:Beforeevery dive,perform acomplete pre-diveinspection
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 product is not functioning
properly or is damaged, remove it from service until it can be repaired
by an Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer or Distributor.
WARNING: This manual provides user instructions for the Rapid
Diver Pro BC and Rapid Diver System as a complete unit. Products
that make up a Rapid Diver System will have user specic manuals
included with each product. Before diving with your new Rapid
Diver System it is important that you read each product specic
manual in its entirety. This allows you to become familiar with the
procedures for using each piece of equipment before, during and
after the dive. Improper use of your Rapid Diver System could lead
to serious injury or death.
WARNING: DO NOT inhale from your oral inator. The BC may
contain harmful contaminants or gases, which could cause
suffocation or injury.
WARNING: Becomefamiliarwith yourBCin acontrolled environment
such as a swimming pool, in order to weight yourself properly and to
become comfortable with using its many features and adjustments.
WARNING: The use of some equipment requires additional training
beyond that of conventional SCUBAinstruction. Be sure to obtain
the appropriate instruction from a recognized training agency
based on the type of diving equipment being used.

5
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: This is NOT a life jacket or 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.
WARNING: 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:Specialinstructionandprocedures areneededwhendiving
in cold water (temperatures below 50° F / 10° C). This instruction is
beyond the scope of this manual. Use of this product without proper
instruction in cold water diving techniques could result in serious
injury or death. Consult a professional diving instructor prior to using
this product in cold water.
WARNING: 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.

6Rapid Diver™User's Manual
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 Aqua
Lung Dealer or Distributor.
WARNING: 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.
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 rate if neutral buoyancy cannot
be reestablished.
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
NOTE: 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.

7
(1) Rapid Diver Pro BC
(2) Soft pack
(3) Core Supreme (ACD) Regulator
(4) Cylinder bands Long
(5) Cylinder bands Short
(6) 27 cubic foot (4 L) Steel Cylinder
(7) Two Gauge Console
(8) Cutting Shears
(9) Micro Mask (Black)
(10) Soft Case
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Rapid Diver System consists of the following items:
123
4
5
6
9
10
8
7
NOTE: Components that are included with the Rapid Diver System will vary
depending on the part number ordered.

8Rapid Diver™User's Manual
When you rst receive your Rapid Diver System, it will be unassembled in
its box. It is beyond the scope of this manual to cover the assembly of Life
Support equipment, as this requires professional training. It will be necessary
to take your Rapid Diver System into an Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer to have
your Rapid Diver System assembled.
ASSEMBLING A RAPID DIVER SYSTEM
1. Place the BC on a at surface with the
front cylinder mount face-up (Fig. 1).
NOTE: The short cylinder bands must
be used to set-up a front cylinder mount
conguration.
Front Mount Assembly
Fig. 1
Front Cylinder Mount
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.
NOTE: A water hydration bladder can t inside the soft pack pocket. Water hydration
bladders are not available through Aqua Lung.
A cylinder can be attached horizontally to the front cylinder mount on the Rapid
Diver Pro BC (Fig. 1). This will create a more streamlined position and allows
for greater range of motion in the water.

9
3. The procedure for weaving the cylinder band through the cam buckle is covered
in Threading the Cam-Buckle section of this manual.
4. Open the cylinder band buckles and loosen the bands.
5. Insert the cylinder into the bands from the
right side. Position the cylinder so that the
valve on/off handle is pointed down towards
the diver’s feet (Fig. 4).
6. The procedure for securing the cylinder
band to the cylinder is covered in Securing the
Band to the Cylinder section of this manual.
2. Insert the open end of the cylinder band through the webbing on the bottom
of the BC. Position the ribbed side of the traction sleeve face up. Insert the
cylinder band into the top of the traction sleeve, under the front cylinder mount
straps and out the bottom of the traction sleeve (Fig. 2). The traction sleeve
should be positioned directly over the front cylinder mount (Fig. 3). Repeat
process for other cylinder band.
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Fig. 4

10 Rapid Diver™User's Manual
7. Assemble the regulator rst stage to the cylinder valve (See manual provided
with regulator for attachment instructions). Make sure the rst stage faces
towards the diver (Fig. 5a).
8. Route the second stage regulator hose over the neck using the four hook and
loop attachments (Fig. 5b-e).
9. Connect the MP inator hose and secure it in place using the hook and
loop attachment (Fig. 5f). The procedure for connecting the MP inator hose
is covered in the Ination Methods section of this manual.
10. The two gauge console may be attached to the BC according to the
divers preference.
11. Slowly pressurize the system while carefully listening for leaks. If any leaks
are detected, do not dive with your Rapid Diver System until the source of the
leak has been corrected.
A
B
C
D
E
F
Fig. 5

11
Rear Mount Assembly
1. Place the soft pack on a at surface
with the rear cylinder mount face-up
(Fig. 6).
NOTE: The long cylinder bands must be used to set-up a rear cylinder mount conguration.
Fig. 7 Fig. 8
Fig. 6
Rear Cylinder
Mount
2. Position the ribbed side of the traction sleeve face up. Insert the open end
of the cylinder band into left side of the traction sleeve, under the rear cylinder
mount straps and out the right side of the traction sleeve (Fig. 7). The traction
sleeve should be positioned directly over the rear cylinder mount (Fig. 8). Repeat
process for other cylinder band.
A cylinder can be attached vertically to the soft pack on the rear of the Rapid
Diver Pro BC (Fig. 6). This conguration allows for larger cylinders to be used
when needed.

12 Rapid Diver™User's Manual
6. The procedure for securing the cylinder band to the cylinder is covered in
Securing the Band to the Cylinder section of this manual.
7. Assemble the regulator rst stage to the cylinder valve (See manual provided
with regulator for attachment instructions).
8. Connect the MP inator hose and secure it in place using the hook and
loop attachment (Fig. 5f). The procedure for connecting the MP inator hose
is covered in the Ination Methods section of this manual.
9. Slowly pressurize the system while carefully listening for leaks. If any leaks
are detected, do not dive with your Rapid Diver System until the source of the
leak has been corrected.
5. Slide the cylinder band over the cylinder
so the soft pack is at the desired position in
relation to the cylinder valve. Make sure the
cylinder valve air outlet is facing the back of
the soft pack (Fig. 9).
4. Open the cylinder band buckles and loosen the bands.
3. The procedure for weaving the cylinder band through the cam buckle is covered
in Threading the Cam-Buckle section of this manual.
Fig. 9
NOTE: When using the Rapid Diver System with a rear mount cylinder set up, a
standard SCUBA regulator conguration must be used.

13
Threading the Cam Buckle
1. Firmly grasp the metal D-ring with your
left hand (Fig. 10).
2. While firmly holding the metal D-ring,
rotate buckle back towards the webbing.
The buckle should form an angle with
the metal D-ring as shown in the top
view (Fig. 11).
3. Insert band through the metal D-ring,
then through the middle slot of the
buckle (Fig. 12).
TOP VIEW
4. Insert band through the inside slot of
the buckle (Fig. 13).
NOTE: Threading steps are imprinted on
the plastic cam buckle.
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13

14 Rapid Diver™User's Manual
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
1. While holding the cylinder secure, pull the
free end of the cylinder band webbing until
there is a very tight t between the cylinder
mount and the cylinder (Fig. 14).
2. 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 (Fig. 15).
3. 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. (Fig. 16).
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
4. Check the cylinder band is secure by
pulling on the band while holding the
cylinder at the valve. If the cylinder band
moves, it is too loose. Repeat steps 1-3.
NOTE: Ensure the cam buckles are positioned on the bottom of the cylinder when
using a front mount set-up.

15
DONNING AND ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
Rapid Diver is a universal t system. To ensure proper performance, make sure
your system is set-up and adjusted as follows: (Fig. 17)
NOTE: The Rapid Diver system can be balanced on the cam buckles for quick access
when donning the system.
1. Connect both shoulder strap buckles on the soft pack to the top of the BC
and adjust as necessary.
2. Attach both waist straps buckles to the soft pack and front cylinder mount.
The waist straps should be oriented so they adjust forward.
3. Make sure the lower waist strap buckles are adjusted all the way forward and
tucked into the elastic retainer. Adjust the upper waist strap buckles half way.
4. The crotch strap should only be connected to the rear buckle at this time.
Fig. 17
Soft Pack
Waist Straps
Elastic Retainer
Crotch Strap
Shoulder Straps
Front Cylinder
Mount

16 Rapid Diver™User's Manual
5. Place your arms through the waist straps
and grab the outside of the BC. Raise the
Rapid Diver up and place your head through
the opening in the BC and lower it onto your
shoulders (Fig. 18).
6. Pull one waist strap forward while
simultaneously lifting the cylinder until
it is even with your stomach. Repeat the
process to tighten opposite waist strap
(Fig. 19).
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
7. The excess waist strap webbing can
be stored between the BC and your chest
(Fig. 20).
Fig. 20

17
8. Bring the free end of the crotch strap
between your legs and fasten it to the front
buckle (Fig. 21).
Fig. 21
WARNING: Adjust the BC so it does not restrict your breathing. Restriction of
normal breathing while wearing your BC could result in serious injury or death.
Before each dive, check all bands, straps and buckles for proper adjustment.

18 Rapid Diver™User's Manual
INFLATION METHODS
The working pressure of the power inator is as follows: 103 PSI (7 BAR)
minimum to 294 PSI (20 BAR) maximum.
To orally inate your BC, place your lips on the oral inator mouthpiece (Fig. 22a)
and exhale a small amount of air into the mouthpiece to purge any water that may
still be in the housing. While continuing to exhale into the mouthpiece, depress
the oral inator button (Fig. 22b) to inate the BC. Immediately after exhaling,
release the oral inator button to prevent air from escaping.
Oral Ination
For the power inator to operate, the medium pressure (MP) inator hose must
be connected. To connect the MP hose, grip the grooved sleeve at the connection
tting (Fig. 22d) with your thumb and forenger and slide the sleeve back. Place
the connection tting over the quick disconnect tting (Fig. 22c) and rmly push
inward while releasing the sleeve. Check to ensure that the hose is securely
attached. After the hose is attached to the power inator, pressurize the rst
stage regulator by slowly opening the cylinder valve.
Power Ination
To inate your BC with medium pressure air, depress the power inator button
(Fig. 22e). Do not hold the inator 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.
WARNING: Do not rely on the power inator as the only means to inate your
BC. It is important to practice the technique for orally inating your BC so that
you are prepared for any type of malfunction or out of air situation that could
render the power inator inoperable. You may otherwise be unable to achieve
positive buoyancy in an emergency, which could lead to serious injury or death.
A
E
C
B
Fig. 22
D

19
DEFLATION METHODS
Throughout the course of a dive, it will be necessary to release air from the BC
using one of the three methods described in the following instructions. 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 in the water.
The deation rate of the power inator is as follows: 20 Newtons per second.
To deate the BC using the oral inator, lift the inator body to its highest
possible position (above the head). Press the oral inator button (Fig. 22b) to
start venting air. To close the valve, release the oral inator button.
Deation (Oral Inator)
Deation (Inator Dump Valve)
Your BC comes equipped with a inator dump valve (Fig. 23f) on the top of
the airway assembly. The inator dump valve has a cable inside the hose that
attaches the lower inator to a dump valve at the top of the airway assembly.
You can vent air from the BC by gently pulling straight down on the lower
inator. To close the valve, stop pulling down and release the inator.
CAUTION: It is not necessary to use excessive force when releasing air from
the inator dump valve. Travel of the valve is limited and pulling harder will
not increase the air ow. Excessive force can damage the inator dump valve
mechanism, rendering it inoperable.

20 Rapid Diver™User's Manual
G
F
B
Fig. 23
Deation (Dump Valve)
Your BC comes equipped with a dump valve / over pressure relief valve
(OPRV) (Fig. 23g). The primary function is to relieve excess air pressure
inside the bladder. If the internal pressure exceeds the spring pressure, the
OPRV automatically opens to release air, preventing damage to the BC. The
dump valve can also be opened manually by pulling on the pull knob and
cord assembly to quickly dump air from the BC. To close the dump valve,
release the knob and cord assembly.
CAUTION: The proper function of the over pressure relief valve (OPRV) is vital
to prevent damage to the BC bladder. Unauthorized service or tampering may
render this valve inoperable and could cause the bladder to leak or burst. This
type of damage is not repairable and is not covered under warranty.
WARNING: Most training agencies recommend that you should descend in an
upright, feet-rst position, in order to maintain a slower and more controlled
descent. This is especially true if you experience difculty equalizing your ears
or if you are descending in low visibility conditions.