Halcyon HDV R 14 User manual

HDV R 14
Diving vehicle
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
and
WARNINGS FOR USE
05/2010

Welcome to the world of HALCYON
HALCYON congratulates and thanks you for your trust in purchasing our vehicle. Every
“underwater scooter” is the result of extensive experience and prolonged prototype testing.
A capable and creative staff, assisted by highly courageous diving experts with proven
professional and recreational abilities, have created this and other underwater vehicles to
assist and extend your underwater dives.
However, never overestimate your abilities and always take specific underwater diving
courses to be able to use your underwater vehicle in total safety.
Always remember that fun should NEVER put your life at risk.
The HALCYON staff

HDV R 14 1.1
Due to constant technological advancement, the manufacturer may modify the content of this manual without prior notice.
1
WARNING !
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS, WARNINGS
AND INFORMATION. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT IT IS CAREFULLY AND
FULLY READ BEFORE USING THE UNDERWATER SCOOTER!
Observance of the instructions contained in this manual will allow you to carry out use,
transport and maintenance operations safely, while guaranteeing optimal vehicle operation
and reduced running costs. The company Halcyon is not liable for damage resulting from
negligence on behalf of the user or from failure to observe these instructions .
The Distributor HALCYON , declares that:
•the Halcyon diving vehicle (henceforth called “HDV”) shall be delivered to the buyer
in perfect working condition, complete with its use and maintenance manual;
•any person attempting to use the diving vehicle shall be deemed to have undergone
specific training in the use of similar diving vehicles and to have obtained the
necessary certification issued by a qualified agency;
•any person attempting to use the diving vehicle shall be deemed to have read the
use and maintenance manual provided, and hence the instructions contained
within, in particular:
-how to use the diving vehicle, with details regarding the diver’s correct
equipment configuration, the diver’s posture during use, the position that
must be maintained by the diving vehicle during the dive, and that the vehicle
must not be bound with systems hard to release to its user in any way
whatsoever.
-the environmental conditions where use of the diving vehicle is especially
dangerous, such as deep-water dives, obstructed environments, muddy or
suspension-filled environments; the special precautions to be adopted when
dives are effected in such environments and the need of having undergone
suitable training held by qualified agencies;
-dangerous behaviour that is to be avoided such as, for example, use of the
diving vehicle to accelerate the descent or ascent rate;
•it is therefore assumed that the user has been fully informed on how to use and
maintain the product as well as of its technical characteristics, and that he shall
scrupulously abide by these rules.
•It hence follows that any damage to persons or objects, deriving from incorrect
maintenance of the diving vehicle or from its use other than as stipulated by this
manual or without the precautions described within, cannot be attributed to defects
of the product.
The company Halcyon is not liable for losses or damages suffered by third persons
consequent to the use of this diving vehicle.
The HDV is not a toy, nor a suitable rescue means. It’s exclusive function is to help
expert divers in immersions to cover greater distances than could be normally covered
with fins only. The HDV and its components, specifically the battery and battery charger,
are intended for adult and expert use after carefully reading these instructions.

HDV R 14 1.1
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In order to prevent any harm to things or individuals, the user of the battery and battery
charger supplied with our diving vehicles must first read the use and maintenance manual
and strictly observe the indications on correct use and product features, preventing
inexpert personnel or minors from handling, even inadvertently, the HDV and
supplied instruments.
Our HDV are equipped with a “cut off” device that protects internal components, impeding
operations when voltage is too low. When this device is triggered, it inevitably, shuts
off.
This feature must always be kept in mind to avoid any hazards for the diver who, when
planning a dive, will leave sufficient time to surface even without HDV power should the
battery, due to the amount of time under water, die.
HALCYON is not liable for any damages to persons and/or property caused by use other
than that described in this manual and in neglect of the precautions described herein.
Due to constant technological developments, HALCYON diving vehicles may be modified
at any time without prior notice.
This manual is not a substitute manual for an adequate course held by certified
agencies on the correct use of HDV on dives.
Use of the HDV under the influence of alcohol and drugs and in any situation in
which psycho-physical conditions are not suited for diving is prohibited.

HDV R 14 1.1
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Contents
1General safety and accident prevention regulations............................................................................................4
2Description and operating principle ......................................................................................................................5
3Using the vehicle.....................................................................................................................................................5
4Preliminary operations............................................................................................................................................6
4.1 Opening the battery compartment....................................................................................................................6
4.2 Extracting the battery.......................................................................................................................................6
4.3 Recharging the battery.....................................................................................................................................7
4.4 Inserting the battery .........................................................................................................................................7
4.5 Closing the battery compartment .....................................................................................................................8
5Correct use...............................................................................................................................................................8
6Red battery low warning led.................................................................................................................................10
7HDV diving settings...............................................................................................................................................10
7.1 Inserting the ballast........................................................................................................................................11
7.2 Settings and trim adjustments........................................................................................................................11
8Safety instructions ................................................................................................................................................12
8.1 Indicator label.................................................................................................................................................12
8.2 Training..........................................................................................................................................................12
8.3 Equipment configuration and riding position...................................................................................................13
9Using the HDV diving vehicle...............................................................................................................................15
10 Entering the water with the HDV......................................................................................................................15
11 Exiting the water with the HDV........................................................................................................................16
12 “Parking” the HDV underwater........................................................................................................................16
13 Descent rate ......................................................................................................................................................16
14 Ascent rate ........................................................................................................................................................16
15 Using the HDV in apnoea .................................................................................................................................16
16 Depth and operating environments.................................................................................................................17
16.1 Obstructed environments...............................................................................................................................17
16.2 Muddy or suspension-filled environments......................................................................................................17
17 Positions and behaviours to be avoided when diving...................................................................................17
18 Hazardous area and residual risks..................................................................................................................18
18.1 Safety device..................................................................................................................................................18
19 Electrical and mechanical safety systems applied to the HDV HDV R 14....................................................19
19.1 Electronic engine control................................................................................................................................19
19.2 Electronic battery control................................................................................................................................19
19.3 Switch ............................................................................................................................................................19
19.4 Mechanical clutch on the propeller.................................................................................................................19
19.5 Trigger guard..................................................................................................................................................19
20 Running time.....................................................................................................................................................20
21 Speed.................................................................................................................................................................20
22 Precautions for use ..........................................................................................................................................20
23 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................................21
24 HDV flooding, sinking.......................................................................................................................................21
25 Cleaning and storage .......................................................................................................................................21
26 Maintenance......................................................................................................................................................22
27 Disposal and scrapping ...................................................................................................................................23
28 Handling ............................................................................................................................................................23
29 Storage ..............................................................................................................................................................24
30 Technical specifications ..................................................................................................................................24
31 Spare parts........................................................................................................................................................24
32 Product identification.......................................................................................................................................25
33 Battery charge (general rules).........................................................................................................................25
34 How to correctly charge the battery................................................................................................................26
35 NiMH battery information.................................................................................................................................26
36 Ideal battery charging conditions....................................................................................................................27
37 Ideal battery depletion conditions...................................................................................................................27
37.1 Important note on battery depletion!...............................................................................................................27
38 “CUT OFF” battery protection system, operating principle and instructions for use................................27
38.1 Procedure to follow in the event the cut off device is triggered ......................................................................28
39 NiMH battery, frequently asked questions: ....................................................................................................28
40 Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................29
41 RoHS and WEEE conformity............................................................................................................................30
42 Noise levels.......................................................................................................................................................31
43 Vibration levels .................................................................................................................................................31
44 After-sales service............................................................................................................................................31
45 CE conformity ...................................................................................................................................................32

HDV R 14 1.1
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1 General safety and accident prevention regulations
Pay special attention to the hazard signs in this manual. There are 3 levels of hazard
signs:
This sign is a warning that failure of the user to adhere to the described
operations will expose him to health hazards that may lead to serious or
permanent harm.
This sign is a warning that failure of the user to adhere to the described
operations will expose him to possible health hazards that shall not,
however, lead to serious or permanent harm.
This sign is a warning that failure of the user to adhere to the described
operations may lead to damage of the vehicle.
Please read the instructions in this manual carefully, before using the vehicle.
Copyrights for this manual belong exclusively to the company HALCYON Reproduction of
this document, in part or in whole, is forbidden unless prior consent is obtained in writing.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
Although diving with the HDV is great fun and relieves you of substantial effort, do not ever
forget that it is a machine and …
IT CAN BREAK!
Never consider the HDV to be an aid in dangerous situations.
IT IS NOT A LIFE-SAVING DEVICE!
Always remember that you can ONLY COUNT ON YOUR OWN STRENGTH.

HDV R 14 1.1
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2 Description and operating principle
The HDV consists of a perfectly watertight, streamlined, hollow body, see figure 1, inside
which the electric motor, rechargeable batteries and speed-reduction gear are housed. On
the outside, two manoeuvring handles (1) are found at the rear, one of which has an
integrated trigger (2) to control propeller rotation by means of a lever (3). At the front, a
handle (4) is used for gripping and carrying the vehicle. The propeller (10) is located at the
rear end and is protected by a surrounding circular strip which constitutes the flow
conveyor (5). The main switch (6) used to select one of the two speeds (7), is also found
at the rear.
In front is situated the head cap (8). By opening it we can access to the battery
compartment, the locking wheel (9) is inserted in the shell.
Figure 1
3 Using the vehicle
The diving vehicle distibuited by HALCYON is a vehicle that has been designed and
constructed for dive transportation purposes. Customers and third parties are forbidden
from carrying out any alterations that may substantially modify its intended purpose.
The vehicle has been designed, sized and constructed for the sole
purpose described above. Any other use or operation that does not
comply or agree with the instructions contained in this manual, may result
in damage to the vehicle. This would prevent the conditions for which it
has been designed and built from being achieved, and may compromise
its technical and safety characteristics. The manufacturer shall not be liable for damage to
persons and/or objects deriving from inappropriate use of the vehicle.

HDV R 14 1.1
Due to constant technological advancement, the manufacturer may modify the content of this manual without prior notice.
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4 Preliminary operations
Make sure the following parts are in the box:
A HDV R 14 model
A battery
A battery charger
A salt water ballast
This instruction manual
4.1 Opening the battery compartment
Stand the HDV upright on a flat surface resting it on the flow conveyor (5).
Turn the front hand wheel (9) counter-clockwise. Rotating the hand wheel, the shell (8)
(see fig. 1) start to lift. Continue rotating until the shell detaches from the engine body.
Remove the shell.
Note: always rinse, accurately clean and dry the HDV before opening it. Sand or mud can
enter the OR housing (19) (see fig. 6) and jeopardize the perfect hermetic seal.
4.2 Extracting the battery
Figure 2
Figure 3

HDV R 14 1.1
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After removing the shell, stand the HDV vertically, detach the red connector (15) (do not
pull the wires), unscrew the ring nut (11), remove the terminal (12) (see fig. 2) and extract
the battery (14) pulling it upwards off the rod (13). (see fig. 3)
4.3 Recharging the battery
Figure 4
To recharge the battery, put it in a safe place away from people and flammable objects.
connect the charge connector (24) to the battery charger (see battery charger
instructions). Next connect the battery charger power cord to the mains. When charged,
disconnect the battery charge.
WARNING: do not use the battery charger with the power cord damaged or broken.
Electrical shock hazard with even fatal consequences.
4.4 Inserting the battery
With the HDV in vertical position, repeat the battery extraction procedure in reverse order,
being careful to insert the rear stops (16) between the battery support rods (see fig. 3).
After inserting the battery, connect the terminal (12) and tighten without forcing the ring nut
(11) (see fig. 5) being careful to only connect the red connector (15) if the HDV is
immediately used.
Figure 5

HDV R 14 1.1
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4.5 Closing the battery compartment
Stand the propeller protection on a level surface. Carefully check that the lock O-ring (19),
(see fig. 6) is properly seated and that it is clean and suitably greased with silicone oil (the
one commonly used for underwater gear). Check that the rim of the body (20), is clean,
and if necessary pass a clean cloth to remove any dust or sand. Insert the front shell (8)
matching the screw (18) up with the hole (17). Turn the wheel (9) clockwise until it closes
completely and tighten using only two fingers.
Figure 6
5 Correct use
Check the preliminary operations (scooter complete with gaskets and perfectly closed).
Proceed as follows to start the HDV:
Always make sure the switch (6) is in the off position, submerge the HDV under water and
make sure nothing is caught between the propeller blades. If something is found between
the propeller blades, remove the HDV from the water and free the propeller blades of the
foreign object. Be extremely carefully since using hands or other parts of the body
between the propeller blades is potentially hazardous, even if a safety clutch is
installed between the propeller and engine. For this reason, avoid introducing your
hands in the propeller area and, if necessary for cleaning purposes or to remove
foreign objects, use or stick or other suitable tool.
Turn the switch (6) (see fig. 1) to the required speed. The on light, blue led, (25)(see fig.
7) should turn on.

HDV R 14 1.1
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Figure 7
Grasp the two HDV handles (1) (fig. 1) or, if using the tow cord, hook the carabineer to the
tow sling.
Press the trigger (2) until the engine starts.
To stop the engine, let go of the trigger (2).
To change propeller rpm, use the switch (8), rotating it to the positions described on the
label (see fig. 8). A reference on the knob indicates the selection.
This latter operation can be conducted at any time, even underwater.
When finished use, turn the switch (6) (7) so that the blue led turns off (see fig.7).
IF YOU DO NOT USE THE TOW CORD, DO NOT DRIVE THE HDV SINGLE-HANDED.
YOU MAY RISK LOSING CONTROL.
Figure 8
WARNING: when you press the trigger, the propeller starts to rotate and the HDV
starts to move.

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6 Red battery low warning led
A second red led is found next to the blue led (25) (see fig. 7).
When the red led, next to the blue one, turns on (the blue led stays on), this means that
the battery is low. About 10/15 minutes of autonomy remain at this point depending on the
temperature of use and battery wear conditions. At the end of this period, the HDV will
stop due to the cut-off device.
When the red led turns on, it remains on for as long as the switch is in the on position.
When the HDV is turned off, it may remain off the next time the HDV is turned on even if
the battery was not charged and turn on when the trigger is pressed. The battery low
indicator only works correctly when the HDV is running (propeller submerged and rotating).
Note: the sole purpose of the battery depleted signal is warn the diver that the
battery is low. HALCYON is not liable for the failed operation or erroneous
evaluation of residual battery charge which led to the incorrect assessment of HDV
autonomy.
The system is based on battery voltage readings that cannot fully guarantee
residual battery charge calculations. The indication highly depends on battery
wear.
7 HDV diving settings
The HDV should have NEUTRAL buoyancy and be practically horizontal meaning it
should not sink but remain stable at the desired depth. The vehicle is supplied neutrally
buoyant or slightly float in fresh water. Additional weights (23), are provided to compensate
for differences between use in fresh or salt water (see fig. 9) consisting in a stainless steel
ballast that should be included or removed according to whether the HDV is used in fresh
water (NOT USED) or seawater (USED).
Figure 9

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7.1 Inserting the ballast
Proceed as follows to insert the ballast (23): (see fig. 9)
Open the HDV and extract the battery (see previous chapters).
Insert the ballast in the specific housing being careful to screw in the two yellow ballast
stop knobs (21) without forcing them.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Figure 9 illustrates the HDV in salt water settings, when using
the HDV in fresh water, the ballast (23) should be removed from the HDV, the two
knobs (21) may stay screwed into the HDV. This makes the HDV lighter and re-
establishes the correct centre of gravity for the HDV to assume the right position
underwater.
7.2 Settings and trim adjustments
You may need to adjust the float or trim settings (trim is the HDV longitudinal axis
inclination).
As for floating, the HDV is produced to slightly float in both fresh water (without using the
ballast 23) and salt water (using the ballast 23).
As for trim, you can change factory settings by moving the battery along the rods (13) fig.3.
Remove the battery, rotate the screw (21) with a 5 mm Allen key, screwing in or out to
adjust the battery position. Screwing it in, the HDV tends to position itself with the rear
sinking, unscrewing it causes the opposite. Replace the battery connect the terminal (12)
and the ring nut (11) try the HDV in the water until the desired settings are reached (see
fig. 10).
Figure 10

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8 Safety instructions
8.1 Indicator label
The following indicator label is found on the vehicle. It should not be removed, tampered
with or destroyed. The user of the vehicle shall be responsible for replacing any worn out
or illegible label with a new one, it must be requested to our after-sales service.
HALCYON will not be liable for damages and accidents happened in consequence of
behaviors in contradiction to the indications in it reported.
IMPORTANTE! NOTICE!
LEGGEREILMANUALEDIISTRUZIONI–READTHEINSTRUCTIONSMANUAL----ATTENZIONEALL’ELICA–PAYATTENTIONTOTHEPROPELLER
NONUSARELOSCOOTERPERAUMENTARELAVELOCITA’DIRISALITA-DONOTUSETHESCOOTERTOINCREASETHEASCENTSPEED
RUOTAREL’INTERRUTTOREINPOSIZIONEOFFQUANDOLOSCOOTERNONE’UTILIZZATO-TURNTHESWITCHOFFWHENTHESCOOTERISNOTINUSE
RIMUOVERELEBATTERIEDOPOL’USO-REMOVETHEBATTERIESAFTERTHEUSE
NONFUMAREOUSAREFIAMMELIBEREDURANTEL’APERTURA-DONOTSMOKEANDDONOTUSEOPENFLAMESDURINGTHEOPENINGPROCEDURE
PRIMADIOGNIIMMERSIONECONTROLLARECHEICONNETTORIELETTRICISIANOINSERITI,CONTROLLARELEGUARNIZIONIDITENUTAEASSICURASI
CHELOSCOOTERSIACHIUSOAFONDO
BEFOREEVERYDIVECHECKTHATTHEELECTRICALCONNECTORSAREINSERITEDPROPERLY,CHECKTHEGASKETSENSURETHATTHESCOOTERIS
CLOSEDCOMPLETELY.
LEBATTERIEVANNORICARICATEINLOCALIAERATI,NONDEVONOESSERERICARICATEALL’INTERNODICONTENITORIERMETICI,NONDEVONOESSERE
RICARICATEINPARALLELO,SEPRESENTANOPERDITEDILIQUIDOORIGONFIAMENTINONPOSSONOESSEREPIU’UTILIZZATE
BATTERIES MUST BE CHARGED IN WEL-VENTILATED ROOMS AND MUST NOT BE CHARGED INSIDE AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS. THEY MUST NOT BE
CHARGEDINPARALLEL.DISPOSEOFLEAKYORSWELLEDBATTERIES
NONBAGNAREICONTATTIELETTRICI-DONOTWETELECTRICALCONTACTS---NONUSARELOSCOOTERSENONPERFETTAMENTEFUNZIONANTE-DO
NOTUSETHESCOOTERIFITISNOTPERFECLYOPERTIONAL
NONRIMUOVEREQUESTAETICHETTA-DONOTREMOVETHISLABEL---USARESOLOIMMERSO–OPERATEIMMERSEDONLY
Use by children prohibited round sticker.
Rectangular sticker indicating the need to read the instruction manual.
8.2 Training
The HDV may be used by any diver but it is assumed that whoever is effecting the dive
has obtained the necessary certification issued by qualified certification agencies. At any
rate, use of the HDV implies that the user has undergone specific training that
permits him to use the vehicle safely and to fully appreciate its potential. Do not forget that
the greatest danger is constituted by the underwater environment being explored.

HDV R 14 1.1
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8.3 Equipment configuration and riding position
HALCYON diving vehicles are TOW BEHIND type (as opposed to the so-called “ride on
top” kind) and thus ideal use requires the diver to be towed by behind the HDV.
READ CAREFULLY! The HDV should not be improperly bound to the diver. The user
should be able to abandon the HDV at all times and with extreme ease. The HDV must be
connected to the diver by a cord and quick-release carabineer. The diver should always
carry a sharp knife on dives to manage emergency situations including that of cutting the
cord and abandoning the vehicle.
Proper ways to connect the HDV to the diver.
The tow cord should be suitable dimensioned. Use of a 4 – 6 mm cord made of non-
decaying synthetic material, in good working order and with at least 100 kg (220 lbf)
haulage capacity is considered correct.
The carabineer must be made of rustproof material in good working conditions and
equipped with an easy to grasp opening device. It must also be usable with gloves. The
carabineer should be connected to the harness or “D” ring on technical balancing jackets.
Examples of the harness and carabineer to be used
Improper ways to connect the HDV to the diver.
These include cords with knots, chains and elastic cords, to name a few, that do not allow
the vehicle to be immediately abandoned in the event of emergency!
Correct way to connect the tow cord to the scooter.
The tow cord should be connected to the HDV through the two holes near the handle on
the propeller conveyor. See the following illustrations.
Cord attachment to the left handle

HDV R 14 1.1
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Attachment to the right handle, knot that allows for tow cord length adjustments.
Figure 11
Diver position Fig. 11 illustrates a driver in technical configuration with the HDV correctly
positioned. Other positions are admitted but considerably reduce drive efficiency. Tow cord
length is extremely important for good towing efficiency. The right arm should remain
slightly bent, drive the vehicle by pointing it in the direction to be followed but never hold
the HDV which exerts all drive force on the tow cord.
If you prefer not to use the tow cord, both handles must be used. This type of use does not
permit high speeds since resistance is higher with consequent arm fatigue.
The diver’s position during the dive must be more or less horizontal (posture and
buoyancy always derive from correct equipment configuration and adequate training). This
ensures safety, longer running times, speed and riding comfort.
Be especially careful when setting out your equipment especially as regards: hoses,
regulators, pony bottles, pressure gauges, audible alarms, flashlights and pertinent cables,

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reels, etc., making sure they do not dangle and that they cannot come
into contact with the propeller or entangle themselves on the bottom or
on your buddy, creating
possibly serious hazard situations.
Correct equipment configuration is a crucial factor for safe diving in general and
becomes vital when diving with the HDV. As a rule, the type and position of the diving
equipment should guarantee perfect streamlining and no elements should protrude or be
left dangling.
9 Using the HDV diving vehicle
Underwater diving is a potentially dangerous activity and incorrect use of the HDV further
increases the hazards of the dive itself.
Before use, make sure the battery is charged, that connectors are connected and that no
electrical parts are rusted. Check that the head cap is closed properly, check its condition,
especially following accidental bumps, or accidental scratches, and make sure that the
trigger and main switch are functioning correctly. At this point the HDV is ready for use.
After entering the water, the main switch must be switched on by rotating it.
The main switch must be turned to running mode only when the HDV is
in water. Rotating the propeller out of the water may be dangerous and
damage the seal of the motor shaft.
Once in the water, the propeller is activated by pulling the trigger
incorporated on the right manoeuvring handle towards you. Releasing the trigger will stop
propeller rotation.
Speed can be regulated slow or fast, see the previous paragraph fig 7.
10 Entering the water with the HDV
Entering the water is one of the most delicate moments in the dive.
Various factors like the change in temperature, use of a respirator, the
weight of the equipment and other difficulties make the addition of the
HDV an inevitable added burden.
Before turning on or using the HDV, make sure that all the equipment
you use for the dive is correctly positioned and in good working order. Only use the HDV
after completing these checks. Incorrect dive preparation is highly dangerous and, in some
situations, the HDV may represent an additional hazard.
Pay particular attention when entering choppy water since waves could lift and launch the
HDV against you with even fatal consequences.

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11 Exiting the water with the HDV
Exiting the water is another delicate moment in the dive and, here too,
the addition of the HDV could be an extra burden.
According to where you started the dive, always make sure the HDV is
the last piece of equipment to recovery. Always put your safety first.
Pay particular attention when exiting choppy water since waves could lift
and launch the HDV against you with even fatal consequences.
12 “Parking” the HDV underwater
When diving you may need to “park” the HDV to continue the dive with
fins only, recovering the HDV later. We strongly recommend you leave
the HDV far from areas with currents that could cause the HDV to collide
with rock walls, the sea bottom or boats. Violent collisions could
compromise the HDV’s hermetic seal and irreparably damage it.
During decompression stops, be careful the HDV does not cause uncontrolled depth
variations, turning it off and leaving it at your side.
DO NOT USE THE HDV TO MAINTAIN THE DECOMPRESSION OBBLIGATION!
13 Descent rate
The HDV allows you to accomplish a fast descent rate. AVOID using it to accelerate your
descent since problems related to equalising and psychological/physical adjustment are
increased.
14 Ascent rate
The HDV MUST NEVER BE USED FOR VERTICAL ASCENTS. In fact,
using it in such a manner may result in an excessively rapid ascent
WHICH IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. Hence it is better to
DEACTIVATE IT BY TURNING THE MAIN SWITCH TO THE OFF
POSITION, position it out of the way, and ascend normally.
15 Using the HDV in apnoea
Diving in apnoea is highly dangerous in itself. The use of the HDV in
apnoea could cause serious accidents. Always be certain and aware of
your capabilities. Adequate training courses are essential for your
safety.

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16 Depth and operating environments
DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM OPERATING DEPTH!!!
The dive is already VERY DANGEROUS at that depth. INCORRECT USE OF THE HDV
IN SUCH ENVIRONMENTS INCREASE DIVING HAZARDS.
It is important to remember that maximum diving vehicle operating depth refers to the HDV
in prime conditions. Collisions, scratches or deformations significantly reduce this limit.
16.1 Obstructed environments
Dives in such environments are already VERY DANGEROUS.
INCORRECT USE OF THE HDV IN SUCH ENVIRONMENTS INCREASES THE DIVING
HAZARDS. For example: if the control valves are hit accidentally whilst travelling at high
speeds, these may break, with obvious consequences. DIVING IN SUCH
ENVIRONMENTS REQUIRES ADEQUATE TRAINING BY QUALIFIED AGENCIES. It is
hereby emphasized that the running time of both the HDV and the breathing gas must be
planned in such a manner that every team member has TWICE the necessary resources
available. It is also obligatory to carry another extra HDV.
16.2 Muddy or suspension-filled environments
These include those environments, obstructed or otherwise, in which visibility may
suddenly fall to zero due to the suspension that is created by moving the bed sediment.
Dives in these environments are already VERY DANGEROUS. INCORRECT USE OF
THE HDV IN SUCH ENVIRONMENTS INCREASES THE DIVING HAZARDS.
DIVING IN SUCH ENVIRONMENTS REQUIRES ADEQUATE TRAINING BY QUALIFIED
AGENCIES.
For example: the rotating propeller that faces downwards can lift a considerable amount of
suspension.
Accidental activation of an emergency HDV in tow may create highly critical
situations.
17 Positions and behaviours to be avoided when diving
The diver’s head or other body parts should never be beyond the
propeller conveyor (5) (see fig. 1) where flow is suctioned.
Do not direct the flow from the conveyor at you. This thwarts the
propulsion drive and could move your equipment away from you.
Do not ride the HDV.
Do not attach the HDV to your tanks or their supports in any way.
Do not attach the HDV to your body, legs, arms or other parts in any way.
Do not use more than one HDV simultaneously.
Do not start the HDV with body parts other than your right hand.
When using the HDV, always keep your left hand far from the propeller, better is resting
against your body, on your side, or on your right hand to more comfortably control the
HDV.
Do not direct propeller flow at the sea bottom to avoid raising sand or mud.

HDV R 14 1.1
Due to constant technological advancement, the manufacturer may modify the content of this manual without prior notice.
18
18 Hazardous area and residual risks
The propeller is protected by an external radial circular band. Therefore it is exposed on
both the suction and expulsion sides. Additional protections were not installed in these
areas since they would significantly reduce fluid passage in the conduit, drastically
reducing propulsion system performance. A protection grill on the flow suction side can be
easily clogged when near aquatic plants or algae normally suspended in the water, forcing
the diver to frequently stop to clean the grill which is not always possible in safety
conditions underwater. A grill placed on the flow output side would prevent any cords or
lines caught in the propeller to be removed, inhibiting HDV operations. This would
frequently distract the diver and cause him to forget that the greater hazard is represented
by the surrounding environment and diverting the his main focus away from the dive. For
the above reasons and, considering that the propeller is protected by a safety clutch, we
believe that the natural behaviour of being careful not to place hands or other body parts
between propeller blades is safer for the diver (who in correct use, is always behind the
propeller) than being distracted by cleaning and untangling any objects from the grills
around the propeller.
Catching and cutting risk
Do not introduce any object or body part in the flow conveyor in contact
with rotating propeller blades. Except for the hand on the trigger, keep at
least 40 cm away from the propulsion group during use.
A CAP OR OTHER HAIR RESTRICTION DEVICE MUST BE WORN BY
DIVERS WITH LONG HAIR. LONG HAIR MAY BECOME ENTANGLED IN THE
PROPELLER IN THE EVENT OF IMPROPER USE.
ALSO BE CAREFUL OF ANY OBJECTS SUCH AS FISHING LINES, DIVING
EQUIPMENT, FLOATING TOYS OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT MAY COME NEAR THE
PROPELLER.
PROTECTIVE GLOVES MUST ALWAYS BE WORN
Crushing risk
When closing the tube or shell, be careful not to insert fingers between
the two parts.
NEVER LEAVE THE HDV UNATTENDED ESPECIALLY NEAR
CHILDREN OR AMATEURS. ALWAYS TURN IT OFF BEFORE
EXITING THE WATER AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE (see previous chapters).
18.1 Safety device
A torque-limiting device is installed between the motor and the propeller. When the
resistance felt by the propeller exceeds a certain torque, this device intervenes, preventing
the propeller from rotating.
The device will generate a rhythmic sound signalling its insertion. If this
situation occurs, release the trigger immediately, switch off the power by
means of the main switch and free the propeller of the foreign body.
Do not leave the torque-limiting device inserted for more than 10
seconds. It has been conceived for emergency purposes and may be
damaged by prolonged use.