DTD RING 12 User manual

BUOYANCY
COMPENSATOR
OWNER’S MANUAL

Revised – February 2020
1
BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR OWNER’S MANUAL
Thank you for buying a DTD – DARE TO DIVE buoyancy compensator (BC).
Our BC’s are manufactured from high quality materials. These materials are
selected for their extreme durability and useful properties. Exceptional attention
is paid to the technology and technical arrangement of all components during
the manufacturing process. The advantages of DTD – DARE TO DIVE
compensators are excellent craftsmanship, timeless design and variability; all
thanks to production in the Czech Republic.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CE certification information
2
Important warnings and precautions
2
Definitions
4
Overview of models
6
1. Wings
6
2. Backplates
7
Adjusting the backplate straps
8
1. Adjusting the shoulder straps and D-rings
8
2. Adjusting the crotch strap and D-rings
9
3. Adjusting the waist belt strap and D-ring
9
4. How to use the QUICK-FIX buckle
9
Threading the waist belt strap through the buckle
10
Tuning the compensator
11
1. Assembly of the compensator for using with single bottle
11
2. Assembly of the compensator for use with doubles
12
Optional equipment
13
1. Weighting systems
13
2. Buoy pocket
14
Pre-dive inspection of the compensator
14
Care, maintenance and storage recommendations
15
Service checks
15
General technical information
15
Operating temperature range
16
Warranty information
16
Manufacturer information
16
Annex 1 - detailed description of the wing label
17

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2
CE CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
All DTD – DARE TO DIVE buoyancy compensators have been CE certified
according to European standards. The CE mark governs the conditions for
bringing Personal Protective Equipment to market and the health and safety
requirements for this equipment. This mark thus indicates the lawfulness,
safety, and quality of the products that must comply with these regulations. All
DTD – DARE TO DIVE buoyancy compensators are Personal Protective
Equipment that comply with (EU) Regulation 2016/425 and national standards
that transpose the EN250:2014 e EN 1809:2014+A1:2016 (and all previous
editions) harmonized standards.
The certification was conducted by VTÚ, s.p., Notified body no. 2452. The EU
Declaration of Conformity for this PPE can be viewed at www.daretodive.eu in
DOWNLOAD section.
IMPORTANT WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
The buoyancy compensator is NOT a life jacket or other rescue
device! It does not guarantee a head-up position of the user at the
surface. It is NOT designed to keep the face above the water in case
of unconsciousness or lack of control. For this reason, it is important
to follow the rules of safe diving, especially the buddy system!
Read this manual carefully before use. If you do not have enough
experience in diving with this type of buoyancy compensator, take
appropriate training and test the compensator and other accessories
in a protected swimming pool environment and in the presence of an
scuba-diving instructor. In no case can these instructions replace
a certified SCUBA diving course from a recognized training
agency.
Before every dive, perform a pre-dive check of your gear. Make sure
all components are fully functional, undamaged and ready for use.
Tips for this pre-dive check can be found in this Manual. Do not use
the equipment if any part is damaged or incomplete.
Never inhale from the oral inflator! The inner bladder may contain
harmful contaminants or gasses, which could cause suffocation,
serious injury, or infection of the lungs.
Do not over inflate your compensator. The ascent must be
controlled. In case of a fast, uncontrolled ascent, begin to
immediately release the gas from your compensator to slow the
ascent. A rapid, uncontrolled ascent may cause pulmonary
embolism or decompression sickness and can result in serious injury
or death.

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This product can only be used for buoyancy management of certified
scuba divers, all other uses are excluded. Your buoyancy
compensator is primarily designed to help you maintain neutral
buoyancy while in a comfortably balanced, face-down swimming
position underwater. It is also designed to provide you with flotation
so that you can rest on the surface, but it is not designed to function
as a life preserver or personal flotation device. Always use a
compensator of the appropriate size. Oversized compensator can
cause problems while deflating whereas small compensator may not
be a sufficient source of buoyancy. The maximum recommended
bottle size that can be used with the compensator is stated on the
wing label and also in this Manual.
Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with chlorinated water, eg. in
swimming pools. Rinse the compensator immediately after each use
in chlorinated water. Chlorinated water can oxidize fibers and
materials and shorten their life. It also causes colours to fade.
Damage and discoloration due to prolonged exposure to chlorinated
water is not covered by the warranty.
Improper use, maintenance, or changes to the compensator may, in
addition to voiding the warranty, result in a hazardous situation,
personal injury or death.
Only a person trained by the manufacturer may service or repair the
compensator. Unprofessional repair will void the warranty and may
endanger the user's life and health.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage or injury to a
user of the buoyancy compensator that is caused by incorrect usage
or inappropriate adjustment that affects its functioning.

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DEFINITIONS
Buoyancy compensator – a device for adjusting
buoyancy that consists of a wing and a backplate.
It can be amended by a weighting system or other
suitable accessories.
In accordance with European standards, our BCs
can only be considered certified where all
components are present, as per the original DTD
– DARE TO DIVE configuration. Any variation of
the original configuration invalidates conformity to
European certification standards.
Wing – a part of the buoyancy compensator
comprised of an inner bladder, outer shell, inflation mechanism, and safety
valve. The inner bladder and outer shell are made material Cordura with PU
coating. Inflation mechanism consists of simple joint without a deflating valve,
corrugated hose with inner line preventing loosening and stretching of the hose,
and inflator end-piece which allows regulated inflation by pressing an inflator
button (placed on the side) with varying force, fast deflating by pressing the
button at the end of the inflator, and inflating of the wing by mouth. Safety
overpressure valve prevents damage or destruction of the wing by over-filling
and is placed at the lower left side of the wing. Wings are delivered with inflator
hose (except for CCR-type wings).

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Backplate – usually a stainless steel
or aluminium plate equipped with
harness, D-rings, and other parts
designed to carry the main cylinders.
The hole pitch for attaching a double
cylinder or adaptor for one cylinder
corresponds to the 11 inches
standard (approximately 280 mm).
The plate can be used with all types
of DTD – DARE TO DIVE wings.
Bottle straps – a pair of straps, fitted with plastic or stainless steel buckle, used
to attach a single bottle to the buoyancy compensator. Pay attention to the
correct threading of the strap, detailed decription can be found later in this
Manual.
Weighting system – this is an optional additional equipment for BC. We offer
several types that can be used both individually and in combination with each
other. You will find more information later in this Manual.

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OVERVIEW OF MODELS
Buoyancy compensators DTD – DARE TO DIVE are manufactured in various
sizes, materials and color combinations. Here we offer you an overview of basic
models with their trade name, model code, certified buoyancy and
recommendations for use. All our models can be combined with each other.
1. WINGS
The basic division of the wings depends on the method of use. In this way, we
distinguish wings for use with one (single) bottle and wings for use with two
connected bottles (doubles). Furthermore, we distinguish the different lift of the
individual wings, according to which we determine the maximum volume of the
used bottle(s). Another optional feature is the shape of the wing – circular
(donut) or horseshoe - the choice depends on the personal preference of the
user.
Wing model for diving
with single bottle, horseshoe shape,
trade name CUB
Wing model for diving
with single bottle, circular shape,
trade name RING
Wing model for diving
with doubles, horseshoe shape,
trade name STREAM
Wing model for diving
with doubles, circular shape, trade
name STREAM RING

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Wing models overview:
2. BACKPLATES WITH COMPLETE HARNESS
We supply backplates made of stainless steel in thicknesses of 3mm or 6mm,
and also made of anodized, salt water-resistant aluminum alloy. Backplate
complete set is equipped with straps and all necessary fittings including a
buoy pocket, which can be used to store small accessories. Basic adjustment
of the backplate strap is described in detail later in this Manual.
Backplate with
continuous harness
Backplate with
adjustable harness
and ADJ buckles
Backplate with
adjustable harness
and QUICK-FIX buckles
Trade name
Model code
according to CE
Buoyancy
(N)
Recommended
use max.
RING 12
P74-104
120
single bottle 11 l
RING 14
P74-101
140
single bottle 12 l
RING 17
P74-102
170
single bottle 15 l
RING 20
P74-103
200
single bottle 18 l
CUB 15
CUB 15
150
single bottle 15 l
CUB 18
CUB 18
180
single bottle 18 l
STREAM 15
P74-202
150
doubles 2x 7 l
STREAM 20
STREAM 20
198
doubles 2x 12 l
STREAM 25
STREAM 25
250
doubles 2x 18 l
STREAM RING 17
P74-203
170
doubles 2x 8 l
STREAM RING 20
P74-204
200
doubles 2x 12 l
STREAM RING 23
P74-201
229
doubles 2x 15 l

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ADJUSTING THE BACKPLATE STRAPS
Backplate is part of a buoyancy compensator and is supplied with a
high-quality harness that is threaded through in a way that ensures proper
system functioning. Do not change the way the harness is fed through the
backplate. If you do try to take the harness out, remember exactly how it
is threaded through in order to prevent interference with the functioning of
the whole system.
When fitting the main strap, ordinary clothes such as pants and a T-shirt are
sufficient. If you intend to dive in a dry suit with undergarment, wear extra layer.
Put the backplate (without the wing) on your back, and run the crotch strap
between your legs. The belt buckle on the waist strap must pass through the
crotch strap loop and rest on the right side of the crotch strap when fastened.
The waist belt and crotch strap should be as snug as possible, but still
comfortable.
1. Adjusting the shoulder straps and D-rings
Before first use, adjust the shoulder straps so that the buoyancy compensator
fits snugly on your back and does not move. The length of the shoulder strap is
adjusted by gradually sliding it through the beltstop located in the lower corners
of the backplate. At the level of the collarbone, insert three fingers under the
strap. If this is difficult, loosen the straps. If it is easy or the strap is completely
loose, shorten it by sliding it through the beltstop. Repeat the whole procedure
until you can insert three fingers under the straps without much resistance, but
not completely loosely. At the same time, it should be possible to slip your arms
out under the strap. Make sure both straps are the same length. After adjusting
the straps, the backplate should be high enough to reach the upper edge with

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your fingers. The bottle is then placed on the back at such a height that it does
not prevent the head from tilting, and at the same time you are able to reach
the bottle valve and operate it (test this in water). By placing the bottle correctly,
you will also achieve the right anteroposterior balance - trim.
Once you fit the main straps, you must adjust the D-rings. The chest D-rings
should be as low as possible, while still allowing you to cross your arms over
your chest comfortably.
TIP: The D-rings should be high enough for you to reach the left ring with your
left thumb, and the right ring with your right thumb.
2. Adjusting the crotch straps and D-rings
The backplate also includes a crotch strap with two D-rings. Its length is
adjusted by moving the strap through the rear D-ring. The crotch strap should
be adjusted so that the cylinder does not slide on your back, while still being
comfortable. The correct position of the rear D-ring is such that it does not hurt
your buttocks while swimming, and so that you can easily reach it using either
single bottle (or doubles) attached. When adjusting this D-ring, also consider
using larger and longer bottles than you normally use. We also recommend
tightening the strap securely at the back D-ring, making sure to prevent it from
coming untied (especially in the case of frequent scootering).
TIP: If the gear outweighs the lower parts of your body, slacken the crotch
strap a bit and tighten the shoulder straps. This will push the cylinder closer to
your head, and your centre of mass will be higher. If the gear outweighs the
upper part of your body, do the opposite.
3. Adjusting the waist belt strap and D-ring
The waist belt should be snug, but still comfortbale. It must not restrict
breathing. The D-ring on the left side of the waist strap should be roughly on
your hip (lateral axis of the body). If it is too far forward, it will be more difficult
to find it when operating the pressure gauge. If it is too far back, it will be difficult
to get to it, especially when the wing is inflated.
4. How to use the QUICK-FIX buckle
Handling the openable, adjustable QUICK-FIX buckle is very simple. The
buckle consists of two parts, each of which is attached to a different part of the
shoulder strap. One part is firmly sewn in the strap, the other part is threaded
and secured against sliding out in the sliding part of the strap. The required
length of the shoulder strap is achieved by passing the sliding part through the
fixed eye of the buckle, pulling on the free end of the sliding strap and tightening
as required.

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Threading the waist belt strap through the buckle
Take the left side of the waist belt strap and thread through the individual holes
in the buckle, starting at the end hole (pic. 1, 2, 3). After we recommend securing
the strap by pulling it back through the first hole (pic. 4)
TIP: Do not shorten the straps after the first fitting. Wait until you test your gear
in the water. You will be doing additional adjustments for 3 to 5 dives until the
gear is fitted properly on your back – as snug as is comfortable. Only then you
can shorten them to leave an extra 10 to 15 cm on each side. We recommend
finishing off the right side of the waist strap in an arc. When shortening straps
do not forget to finish them off properly so that they do not fray.
pic. 1
pic. 2
pic. 3
pic. 4

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TUNING THE COMPENSATOR
1. Assembly of the compensator for using with single bottle
We recommend first bolting the wing and the backplate loosely together. Run
the bolt through the wing and then the backplate in such a way that the nut
faces your back and the bolt head shows up on the wing. Do not tighten the bolt
yet; the wing should be loose enough on the backplate to facilitate the
assembly. Attach the wing in such a way that the logo can be seen while looking
at the backplate; that is, the corrugated hose knee-joint is on the opposite side
from the backplate.
Attaching the inflator: detailed description in „2. Assembly of the compensator
for use with doubles“.
How to thread the bottle straps
Pass the straps with the buckle designed to hold the cylinder through a strap
slot in the wing (1). The Velcro on the strap must be turned to the outside, in
the direction of the wing’s perimeter. Continue by threading the strap through a
corresponding horizontal slot in the backplate (2), and then through a slot on
the other side of the backplate´s bending (3). Then thread the strap through a
strap slot in the wing (4, 5). Move the strap so that the Velcro near the buckle
runs through both strap slots of the wing. Leave about 10 cm of the strap close
to the buckle without threading it through the wing. Follow the same procedure
for the second strap.
pic. 1
pic. 2
pic. 3
pic. 4
pic. 5
pic. 6

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Threading the strap through the belt buckle
pic. 1
pic. 2
pic. 3
pic. 4
When finished, both parts of the Velcro should line up and ensure that the
buckle does not unfasten.
2. Assembly of the compensator for use with doubles
When using a buoyancy compensator with
doubles (two bottles connected by steel bands),
you first thread the wing on the screws, which
are incorporated in the middle of the steel bands
(just like when using one bottle, the inflator
elbow is on the side with bottles). Then proceed
by placing the backplate on the same screws.
Then fasten the whole system with wing nuts.
Correct attachment of the inflator hose:
pass the low-pressure inflator hose under rubber
bands on the corrugated hose. Continue by
passing it under the rubber band on the left strap
of the backplate above the D-ring, and attach
it to the inflator.
This way, the inflator will be in a place where
there will be no collisions with other equipment
and you will always find it where you need it.

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OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Our company also manufactures plenty of additional items for buoyancy
compensators, such as weigthing systems, different types pockets, argon
straps, harnesses, etc. Some of them are introduced on following pages, the
rest can be seen on our website www.daretodive.eu, section
eshop.daretodive.eu.
1. WEIGHTING SYSTEMS
There are seven different weight systems in our product portfolio. Any of them
can be used both individually or combined with each other for better weight
distribution. Here is a brief description of all types, detailed information,
including photos, can be found on our website.
Weighting system for backplate (pair), pockets are slipped
on a waist strap and fastened to a backplate with special
bolts and nuts (included). Pockets are placed horizontally
(standing diver) on a waist belt strap.
Weighting system for single bottle (pair), pockets are
slipped on bottle straps, they include inner throw-away
pockets, vertical placement.
Trim pocket (piece) can carry one piece of weight block,
can be attached to the strap exactly where you need it.
Trim pockets for backplate (pair), can be attached to the
backplate. ATTENTION this weights cannot be loosened
during the dive!
Weighting system DORP-DOWN large (pair), pockets are
slipped on a waist strap and fastened to a backplate with
special bolts and nuts (included). Pockets are placed
vertically (standing diver) on a waist belt strap.
Weighting system DORP-DOWN small (pair), pockets are
slipped on a waist strap and fastened to a backplate with
special bolts and nuts (included). Pockets are placed
vertically (standing diver) on a waist belt strap.
Weight belt with stainless steel buckle, polypropylene strap
length 1,5 m with integrated stainless-steel buckle.

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2. BUOY POCKET
Buoy pocket is supplied in a set with a backplate or it can
be purchased separately in the offered colors. The pocket
is attached to the backplate with the included eight screws
and nuts. It is used to store, for example, a decompression
buoy, it also increases the comfort of the diver.
PRE-DIVE INSPECTION OF THE COMPENSATOR
Before each use, the compensator must be given a thorough visual inspection
and functional test. Never dive with a BC that shows signs of damage to its
inner bladder, inflation mechanism or valves.
Periodically it is advised to check the buoyancy compensator OPV for damage
or corrosion and the harness straps for signs of significant wear, especially at
the shoulder or waist slots on the backplate.
Inspection checklist
1. Connect the wing inflation mechanism to the breathing gas source using a
quick-release inflator hose. Press and release the inflator button intermittently
to make sure that the airflow is not blocked and that the airflow has stopped
completely when the button is released.
2. Pull on the OPV cord to test the valve spring and seal. Fully inflate the wing
until the overpressure valve opens.
3. Check the operation of the overpressure valve by repeatedly inflating the
wing to make sure that the valve opens to release the overpressure, but closes
immediately so that the inner bladder remains fully inflated.
4. Check the tightness of the entire system again with your diving buddy
immediately after immersion.
If during the pre-dive check according to the above points you
will hear or see a gas leak, do not use the compensator! Always
have such a fault checked by an authorized service center.
5. Make a final check that the bottle straps are properly tightened (when diving
with one bottle).
6. Tighten all nuts that connect the wing to the backplate, or to the doubles.
7. Before entering the water, check your weighting system to make sure
everything is properly attached and the release buckles are fully functional.
Unexpected loss of weights can cause sudden, uncontrolled
ascent, which can result in serious injury or death.

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CARE, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
With proper care and service, the compensator can serve you for a very long
time.
The following care and maintenance procedures should be followed:
1. After each day of use, rinse the compensator thoroughly inside and
out with clean fresh water (do not use any aggressive solutions and/or
cleaning agents).
• Fill the inner bladder upto approximately 1/4 with clean fresh water
through the oral inflator.
• Fully inflate the compensator and shake it well, so that the water
covers the entire inner surface.
• Turn the compensator upside down and drain it completely
through the oral inflator.
• Immerse the inflator in clean fresh water or rinse the outer shell
with a hose.
• Rinse all valves and remove any sand and dirt or crystallized salt.
2. Inflate the compensator and allow it to dry properly before storing. DO
NOT DRY IN THE SUN. Store the compensator partially inflated,
ideally spread horizontally, out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry and
clean place.
SERVICE CHECKS
We strongly recommend that an inspection should be performed at least once
a year by an authorized. Annual inspection consists of a complete overhaul of
the inflation mechanism, and a general air leak inspection of the bladder and
valve connections. Any damage caused by insufficient maintenance of the
compensator is excluded from the warranty.
Due to frequent use, buoyancy compensators used in diving
centers, diving equipment rentals, compensators used for
professional purposes or otherwise intensively used, must be
checked at least once every 6 months. It is necessary to check the overall
condition and main safety components of the compensator. If any of these parts
show signs of wear or deterioration in performance, they must be replaced
immediately or - if replacement is not possible - the compensator must be used.
GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The operating pressure of the inflator is 5-12 bar.
The operating pressure of the safety valve with spring 1.4 is 0.25 bar.

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OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE
min
max
min
max
Air
-20°C
+50°C
-4°F
122°F
Water
-2°C
+40°C
28°F
104°F
Diving in extreme conditions with a water temperature below
10°C (50°F) is risky and requires a specific course for diving in
cold water or under ice!
WARRANTY INFORMATION
The manufacturer provides a warranty for the buoyancy compensator for a
period of 2 years from the date of purchase stated on the sales document. The
warranty covers defects in material and components of the buoyancy
compensator.
The following issues are excluded from the warranty:
• This warranty does not cover abrasions, mechanical punctures or
tears of the inner tube or outer casing.
• This warranty does not cover seam separation caused by chemicals,
including long-term exposure to chlorine.
• This warranty does not apply to equipment used for rental,
commercial, governmental or military purposes.
• This warranty does not cover damage to the compensator used for
purposes other than diving.
• This warranty does not cover damage to the compensator or its
components during transport. !!! Especially when transporting the
wing on a boat to/from the dive, make sure that the wing is at least
partially inflated and properly secured and that it does not collide with
other compensators or parts of the boat !!!
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
The manufacturer of buoyancy compensators DTD – DARE TO DIVE
is company
PLANTEKO, spol. s r.o. (Ltd.)
U Mlýna 12
66451 Kobylnice
Czech Republic
Contacts:
[phone]
[e-mail]
www.daretodive.eu

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Annex 1
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE WING LABEL