Mustang Survival MSD577SR User manual

MSD577SR
SWIFT WATER RESCUE DRY SUIT

MSD577SR – Swift Water Rescue Drysuit Owners Manual
CONTENTS
1Description
2Instructions for Use
2Neck Seals & Wrist Fitting
3Donning the Dry Suit
4Adjustment Points
7Doffing the Dry Suit
8Cleaning and Maintenance
9 Repairs
9 Storing the Dry Suit
10 Accessories
10 Warranty
11 Contact
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Patent Information:
US Patent No. 6,668,386 Canadian Patent No.2,381,720 and other Patents Pending

1
DESCRIPTION
The MSD577 SR was designed as a response to our customers who needed
a better dry suit solution for the increasingly technical and hazardous
operations they were being called upon to perform in. In the wake of
disasters such as hurricanes and floods, it was evident that rescuers required
a dry suit designed specifically for the swift water conditions encountered in
these situations.
Mustang Engineers gathered information from industry experts on the
characteristics of the missions performed in Swift Water Rescue dry suits,
and set out to design a suit tailored to the mission. The results are dramatic.
Professional Swift Water Rescue instructors across North America tested
the suit and their feedback was incorporated in the final design to improve
performance and minimize in-water drag and fatigue. The result is the best
Swift Water Rescue dry suit on the market.
Features include:
Minimized drag for improved rescuer safety and effectiveness
Innovative design and fabrics
Reduced bulk and enhanced fit provided by stretch panels, internal 3-
point adjustment system, integrated thigh straps, tri-glide suspenders
and adjustable waist belt
Padding and abrasion-resistant materials for increased rescuer
protection and safety
Highly durable and lightweight construction
Taped watertight seams and breathable GORE-TEX® laminate
CCS™ Closed comfort system neck seal for comfort and reduced
thermal burden
Lined, trim-to-fit stretch neoprene wrist seals
SOLAS retro-reflective tape on arms for visibility
Optional custom screening and patch application for easy
identification
Quick donning and doffing with diagonal cross-chest waterproof entry
zipper
WARNING: Dry suits alone provide inadequate insulation for hypothermia
protection. All users should wear appropriate thermal undergarments
to prevent hypothermia. Dry suits are not inherently buoyant. All users
should wear appropriate flotation devices with the dry suit. Water rescue is
inherently dangerous. Users should be aware of risks associated with water
rescue and complete training in the use of water rescue equipment and
techniques.
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2MSD577SR – Swift Water Rescue Drysuit Owners Manual
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
This manual supplies instructional, maintenance and safety information for
the MSD577 SR, unless specified otherwise.
NECK SEALS AND WRIST FITTING
Neck Seal Instructions
Mustang’s patented Closed Comfort Seal (CCS™) can be worn loose to provide
comfort out of the water and can quickly be drawn tight to keep the water
out. The adjustable seal also provides increased durability compared to
traditional latex seals.
For maximum effectiveness the neck seal should be adjusted to be snug, but
not uncomfortably tight.
Wrist Seal Trimming Instructions
The suit comes equipped with neoprene wrist seals that have a tapered
sealing surface. This tapered end allows you to modify the size of the
cuff opening to match the physical characteristics of your hand and wrist.
Trimming the end of the seal increases the diameter of the end opening,
allowing a larger wrist to be inserted and sealed comfortably without
damaging the wrist seal.
Required materials: Tape measure, sharp scissors
When trimming, use a very sharp pair of scissors with no nicks. Make a small
incision in the side of the ring and continue cutting around the ring until you
make a clean cut. Any little nicks can cause a tear when stretching the seal.
Be conservative with your measurements. You can always cut more but you
cannot add back!
Users with unusually boney wrists should try to make the wrist seal fit
properly further up the arm where the sealing surface is smooth. Once the
wrist seal is trimmed, it may not provide an adequate seal for a smaller wrist.
The trim table below details recommended “Trim Off” lengths relative to wrist
size. To ensure a watertight seal that provides safety, the fit should be tight
without cutting off circulation to your hand. Don’t cut off more wrist seal
than recommended, otherwise the safety provided may be compromised.
Use a tailor’s measuring tape or other device to determine each wrist
circumference [Fig 1]. Measure just
above the wrist joint towards the
elbow. Left and right wrist sizes may
vary. Measure again to confirm.
Refer to the trim table below to
determine the recommended “Trim
Off” amount. E.g.: a wrist size of
7” requires approximately 1/2” be
trimmed from the cuff end.
1.
2.
FIGURE 1

3
Trim Wrist Size
0” 5 1/2” - 6”
1/4” 6 1/2”
1/2” 7”
3/4” 7 1/2”
1” 8”
If wrist circumference is 6” or less,
try on the cuff “as is” to gauge the
comfort and seal provided. Continue
with trimming only if required.
If trimming is required, mark a
circular line around the cuff that
is offset from the original cuff end
by the recommended “Trim Off”
amount [Fig 2A].
Using sharp scissors, or a razor,
carefully cut the cuff end at the
marked line [Fig 2B]. Evaluate the
fit and comfort after each cut.
Apply talcum powder to your hand
and wrist to make donning the
cuff much easier. Don the sleeve
by pointing the fingers straight,
tucking the thumb into the palm
and inserting the hand through
the seal. Do not make a fist when
putting your wrist through the
seal. Forcing the wrist through a cuff that is too small may tear the cuff
end open.
If further trimming is required, shorten the cuff end 1/8” at a time
until the optimum balance of fit and comfort is achieved. It is not
recommended to exceed the original cut by more than 1/2”
To maximize the protection provided by the wrist seals, try to minimize
flexing of the wrist when in the water.
DONNING THE SUIT
Before donning the suit, ensure that appropriate undergarments have been
selected for the conditions.
CAUTION: Use extreme care when donning the drysuit. Prior to donning,
remove all rings, watches, earrings, necklaces and eyeglasses that will cause
damage to wrist and neck seals. Footwear other than socks must not be worn
inside the dry suit.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
FIGURE 2A
FIGURE 2B

4MSD577SR – Swift Water Rescue Drysuit Owners Manual
Suit Preparation Prior to Donning
Loosen the neck seal completely.
Ensure that the VelcroTM wrist covers are unfastened and the ankle gussets
are opened.
Ensure that the waist belt and thigh straps are fully loosened.
Ensure that the waterproof entry zipper is fully opened.
Ensure the suspenders are pulled out of the suit legs.
Donning the Suit
Slide your legs into the suit until your toes reach the end of the socks.
Fold back the waterproof entry zipper flap, exposing the waterproof
entry zipper.
Don the suspenders. Ensure they are crossed in back but not twisted.
Apply talcum powder inside wrist seals.
Place the right arm into the right sleeve.
Carefully place the right hand into the right cuff by pointing the fingers
straight, tucking the thumb underneath and inserting the hand through
the seal. Do not make a fist when putting your wrist through the seal.
Roll the VelcroTM wrist covers back and refasten to a snug fit.
Repeat Steps 4 - 8 for the left arm.
Bring the upper portion of the suit over your head, aligning the neck
opening with the top of the head. Reach inside the top of the neck seal
with fingers and gently pull the seal outward and down as you push your
head through. Flatten any folds or rolls of the seal against the skin.
Close the waterproof entry zipper. Reach over your left shoulder with
your right hand and grasp the zipper toggle. While holding the bottom of
the zipper, pull the toggle down until the zipper is completely fastened.
Ensure the waterproof relief zipper is completely closed.
WARNING: Failure to completely close the waterproof entry zipper
and the relief zipper will result in leakage of water inside the suit and
reduction of survival time when in the water. Have a fellow team member
double-check each slide fastener to ensure they are completely closed
against their sealing plugs.
12.Fasten the ankle gussets.
13.Burp the suit before water entry. Squat down and force excess air through
the neck opening. Tighten the patented neck seal by grasping the
drawstring and pulling the tabs out and away from the neck until a snug,
comfortable fit is achieved.
ADJUSTMENT POINTS
To improve fit, lower in-water resistance and reduce rescuer fatigue, the
integrated suspenders can be adjusted to a comfortable and secure position.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

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Before completely donning the suit, adjust the suspenders to personal
preference. The suspenders are three-way adjustable with two front
buckles and a back crossover.
After donning, tighten the removable waist belt to a comfortable position
[Fig 3A]. When used correctly, the waist belt will help to distribute the
load of the suit evenly, reducing fatigue during long operations.
Cinch integrated thigh straps to a comfortable and snug position [Fig
3B]. This will improve the fit and mobility of the suit, and reduce excess
material in the thigh areas which would otherwise increase drag and lead
to rescuer fatigue. The thigh straps are located under each of the Kevlar
hip patches.
The loose ends of the thigh straps should be secured under the hip patch
with the Velcro™ closure to eliminate snag hazards [Fig 3C].
See the next section for suspender attachment instructions
WARNING: The integrated adjustment system is not designed to be used as
a load-bearing harness of any kind. Misuse may be hazardous for the wearer
and will damage the suit.
1.
2.
3.
4.
FIGURE 3A FIGURE 3B FIGURE 3C
FIGURE 4A FIGURE 4B FIGURE 4C

6MSD577SR – Swift Water Rescue Drysuit Owners Manual
Attaching
Suspenders
Replacement
suspenders are
available for order
under Mustang part
number MA7650.
Completely
unzip the entry
zipper.
Open the suit so
that the (front and back) attachment loops are accessible [Figs 4A - 4C on
previous page].
Attach the end of the suspender, with the
buckle, to the suit’s front attachment point by
un-peeling the Velcro™ flaps and lifting the
Velcro™ strap that is folded on itself. Fold the
flaps over the strap (so that hook Velcro™ faces
hook Velcro™) [Fig 5A]. Pass the suspender
through the attachment loop. The strap end can
now be folded over itself so the Velcro patches
close. To secure the suspender, wrap the Velcro
flaps around the edges of the strap and attach to
Velcro on the opposite side of the strap.
NOTE: If the suit is supplied with a Thermal
Liner, suspender ends must be passed through
the holes provided.
4. While keeping the strap straight, attach the non-
adjusting end of a suspender to the suit’s back
attachment point [Fig 5B]. This procedure should
be similar to Step 3.
5. Repeat these steps to attach the other
suspender. It is recommended to use two suspenders for even support.
6. Use the suspender strap ends to adjust for a secure comfortable fit [Fig 6].
TOP-STOW
FEATURE:
ROLLING UP
THE ARMS
To reduce thermal
burden while away
from water, the
MSD577 SR features
an innovative waist
roll-up design to
improve comfort,
reduce suit damage
1.
2.
3.
FIGURE 5A
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 7A FIGURE 7B FIGURE 7C
FIGURE 5B

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and provide a more secure storage
system for the top half of the suit than
simply tying the arms together around
the waist.
Let the suit hang from the
suspenders and waist belt (if used)
[Fig 7A].
Wrap the right arm behind the
torso, and the left arm in front of
the torso, [Fig 7B] and roll the suit
down on top of itself as far as the
belt. Turn the interior roll panels
over the rolled suit [Fig 7C], and
pull the bungee cord tight [Fig 8A],
securing the roll in place.
Adjust the cord lock on the bungee
to maintain tension [Fig 8B].
DOFFING THE DRY SUIT
Remove all equipment worn over
the suit.
Thoroughly rinse down the exterior
of the suit while wearing it, paying
special attention to the seals and
zippers. Remove all dirt, salt and
debris.
Loosen the belt and thigh straps.
Completely open the waterproof
zipper. Make sure that the entry
zipper is completely open. A zipper
can be broken if it is not fully open
when you try to doff the suit.
WARNING: Placing undue force on
the zipper may damage the seal
and harm the integrity of the suit.
Never forcefully yank on the zipper.
5. Completely loosen the neck seal
drawstring. Insert fingers between
neck seal and neck. Gently stretch
the seal outward and upward while
pulling neck seal over your head.
6. Gently begin to pull both arms out
of the suit by grabbing the outside
cuff [Fig 9A] and turning sleeves
inside out as you do [Fig 9B].
WARNING: Pulling on the neoprene wrist seal may damage the seal.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
FIGURE 8A
FIGURE 9A
FIGURE 9B
FIGURE 8B

8MSD577SR – Swift Water Rescue Drysuit Owners Manual
7. Slowly pull hands through wrist seal.
8. Pull suit down past hips and slide legs from the suit. Turn the sleeves
right-side out again.
9. Follow the cleaning and storage instructions for the suit.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Cleaning
Thoroughly rinse your dry suit after every use.
Do not dry clean. Do not iron. Do not bleach.
2. Treat stains with a pre-wash treatment such as Shout® or Spray 'n Wash®.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse well.
3. Machine wash warm (104° F/40° C) on gentle cycle with a gentle powder
or liquid detergent. Do not use fabric softener, bleach or wash-in
treatments, as they can affect the suit’s breathability.
4. Tumble-dry warm for at least 50 minutes . The heat from the dryer will
help to reactivate the product’s durable water based repellent (DWR)
treatment.
5. Apply a topical water based repellency restorative (DWR treatment),
following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Maintenance
Regular zipper maintenance is recommended to maintain a water-tight seal,
inhibit rust and corrosion and keep the zipper gliding freely. These steps are
essential to zipper longevity:
Clean the zipper of any heavy deposits of mud, sand, salt or foreign
substances using warm soapy water.
Use one of the recommended cleaning fluids listed below to clean the
inner and outer elements of the zipper.
Apply a recommended lubricant to the outer elements of the zipper only,
according to supplier directions.
Close and open zipper carefully to thoroughly distribute lubricant. Repeat
process until zipper moves freely. Wipe away excess.
A suit that is used daily requires Steps 3 and 4 to be done on a weekly
basis, as a minimum, paying close attention to more frequent cleaning of
the zipper as required.
ZIPPER CARE
Care Product Product Name Supplier
Cleaning Fluid Zippy Cool
Zip Care
BDM Fluid
YKK USA
McNett
BDM UK
Lubricating Wax Zippy Cool
Zip Tech
BDM Wax
YKK USA
McNett
BDM UK
1.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

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REPAIRS
Should a Mustang Survival product require repair or inspection, please contact
your local dealer or Mustang Survival Customer Service. Contact us for a
Return Authorization Number (RA#) and correct shipping address prior to
sending your Mustang Survival product in for service. A Return Authorization
Number for tracking and identification purposes must accompany all products
returned to our facility.
The cost of non-warranty repairs is dependent upon the cost of the materials
and extent of the repair. After the product is inspected, Mustang Survival will
notify you of the cost associated with the repair to obtain your approval on
the costs before the repair is started.
For In-Field Repairs, Mustang Survival Recommends McNett's GORE-TEX®
Fabric Repair Kit.
STORING THE DRY SUIT
The suit can be hung to dry. Hang the suit with
all zippers half closed.
Folding and Packing
Ensure that the suit is thoroughly clean and dry
and that the main entry zipper is in the closed
position before folding and packing. To fold and
pack the suit:
Lay the suit flat on its back on a horizontal;
clean surface, allowing the suit to be
fully extended with none of the parts
overlapping [Fig 10].
Fold the left sleeve, from the shoulder,
straight across the body of the suit. Fold
the right sleeve, from the shoulder, straight
across the body of the suit on top of the
folded left arm.
Fold the socks over top of the legs until they
reach crotch level.
Fold the legs, from the crotch, up to the
chest level, right below the folded sleeves.
Fold the suit in half. It is now ready to pack
[Fig 11].
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
FIGURE 10
FIGURE 11

10 MSD577SR – Swift Water Rescue Drysuit Owners Manual
ACCESSORIES
Recommended Dry Suit Liner – MSL351 Dry Suit Liner
Thermal protection is needed for a variety of water and weather conditions.
The MSL351 was designed to integrate with Mustang Dry Suits improving
protection against hypothermia without limiting mobility. The liner combines
different weight Polartec® fleece panels to maximize heat loss when wearing
the dry suit out of the water and to provide extra insulation protection
when in cold water. The MSL351 has shortened, tapered sleeves that won’t
interfere with wrist seals and full-length tapered legs that fit inside dry suits
comfortably without bunching. The liner provides warmth without weight, is
highly breathable, quick drying, durable and machine washable.
Water Rescue Vests - MRV100 SR (Rescuer Vest) and MRV200 SR
(Instructor Vest)
All dry suits should be worn in conjunction with a flotation device.
These IRIA Certified rescue vests are made of rugged, high visibility rip stop
nylon and contain extra flotation to combat the reduced buoyancy effects of
turbulent water. An integrated structural harness and single piece over-the-
shoulder foam design provide extra strength, structural integrity and body
protection. Multiple adjustment points provide a secure fit that prevent ride
up and a “live bait” quick release belt helps the rescuer to escape dangerous
situations. Fast Tabs on both shoulders act as easy attachment points for
accessories such as knives, scissors or strobe lights.
The MRV100 is the choice for rescue professionals involved in boat and shore
operations or low to medium risk swift water environments. Includes two
quick-drain front pockets for storing extra gear.
The MRV200 enables rescue swimmers to safely and quickly reach victims
in high risk swift water environments. Removable front and back pockets
reduce snag risks and a one hand self extrication leash aides in self rescue. An
internal nylon plate disperses force when the chest harness is under tension
and provides protection against impact.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited Warranty
Mustang Survival products are warranted to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase by
the initial purchaser (the Customer End user) under normal and intended
conditions and use. Proof of purchase may be required at the discretion of
Mustang Survival. Products, which, in the sole judgment of Mustang Survival,
have received excessive or abusive use or have been altered in any way by a
dealer, the Customer or any other person, will not be covered by this limited
warranty. Mustang Survival requires return of the product (postage or delivery
costs prepaid by Customer) for inspection before determining whether the
product will be covered under limited warranty. A return authorization is
required before the goods are returned and should be obtained by contacting
our Customer Service Department. Once returned, Customer Service, Quality
Assurance and Sales Departments inspect the product as required. It is then
determined whether the product will be covered under this limited warranty.
If the product is deemed to be covered under our warranty policy, it will

11
either be repaired or replaced at the sole discretion of Mustang Survival
at no charge to the Customer. The only obligation or liability of Mustang
Survival under this limited warranty is to repair or replace the product and
Mustang Survival shall not, under any circumstances be liable for loss of use
or any consequential damages sustained by the Customer. All other warranties
expressed or implied, and remedies with respect to the condition or use of the
product, which might otherwise be provided by law in any jurisdiction, are
specifically excluded.
CONTACT
For further information concerning this manual or the suit, contact:
Mustang Survival Corp.
3810 Jacombs Road
Richmond, BC V6V 1Y6
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: mustangsurvival.com

12 MSD577SR – Swift Water Rescue Drysuit Owners Manual

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14 MSD577SR – Swift Water Rescue Drysuit Owners Manual

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Mustang Survival and seahorse design is a registered trademark of Mustang Survival Corp.
Our commitment to quality has earned our Richmond facilities ISO 9001 registration, the highest
of all international standards. This is our guarantee you’re receiving the ultimate in design and
manufacturing.
HT0577 Printed in Canada (Rev 21Apr2008)
For 40 years Mustang Survival has been committed
to providing life support solutions. Through constant
innovation and the application of new technologies, Mustang
is the leading supplier of quality flotation and hypothermia
protection products to the most demanding users – from
fishermen, sailors and power boaters to the Coast Guard, jet
fighter pilots and even NASA astronauts.
DO NOT REMOVE
PRIOR TO SALE.