Ocean Technology Systems Guardian User manual

OCEAN TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
Guardian Full-Face Mask
Owner’s Manual

i
- NOTICE -
This manual and the information contained herein are provided for use as
a maintenance and operation guide. No license or rights to manufacture,
produce, and/or sell either the manual or articles described herein are given.
Undersea Systems International, Inc., dba Ocean Technology Systems
hereinafter referred to as OTS, reserves the right to change specications
without notice. We recommend that all users read and fully understand this
manual before using a Guardian full-face mask (GFFM).
All statements, technical information, and recommendations herein are
based on tests we believe to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness
thereof is not guaranteed; and the following is made in lieu of all warranties,
expressed or implied, including the implied warranties of merchantability
and tness for purpose: Seller’s and Manufacturer’s only obligation shall
be to replace such quantity of the product proved to be defective. Before
using, the user shall determine the suitability of the product for intended
use, and the user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection
therewith. Neither Seller nor Manufacturer shall be liable either in tort or
in contract for any loss or damage—direct, incidental, or consequential—
arising from the use of or the inability to use the product. No statement or
recommendation not contained herein shall have any force or effect unless
it is in an agreement signed by ofcers of the Seller and Manufacturer.
- IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE -
(Please read before using product)
It is absolutely essential that all divers are certied divers in good
standing, properly trained, equipped, and fully understand this user’s
manual before attempting to use the Guardian FFM. While the Guardian
does provide the diver with outstanding underwater environmental
protection, it does not change or eliminate the potential hazards of
diving!
Refer to the Library page of our Web site, www.otscomm.com for a list of
any changes made to this manual since its publication.
© Copyright 2009, 2010, 2014 by Undersea Systems International, Inc., dba
Ocean Technology Systems. All rights reserved.
Specications are subject to change without prior notice.
506129-000 (F)

ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Important Safety Notice - ................................................................................... i
Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1
Certications........................................................................................................ 1
Warnings and Precautions ................................................................................. 2
Warning Note.............................................................................................. 2
Description ........................................................................................................... 3
What is a “Full-Face Mask?” ............................................................................. 3
Environmental Protection ............................................................................... 3
Physiological Considerations ......................................................................... 3
Communications............................................................................................. 3
Training and Practice for Safety......................................................................... 4
Anatomy of the Guardian Full-Face Mask ......................................................... 4
Front Aspect ................................................................................................... 4
Rear Aspect.................................................................................................... 5
Guardian Skirt ................................................................................................ 5
Visor, Frame, and Ambient Breathing Valve®................................................ 6
Danger Note ............................................................................................... 6
Regulator to Mask Interface and Air Flow ...................................................... 7
Warning Note.............................................................................................. 8
Head Harness Assembly ................................................................................ 8
Pre-Dive Set-Up And Inspection ........................................................................ 8
Regulator Set-Up and Hose Conguration ........................................................ 8
Warning Note.............................................................................................. 9
Equalizing Assembly.......................................................................................... 9
Installation of Communications........................................................................ 10
Preparation and Adjustment............................................................................. 11
Warning Note............................................................................................ 11
Donning .............................................................................................................. 11
Overall Safety Inspection................................................................................. 11
Hoods and Seals.............................................................................................. 11
Donning and Adjustment.................................................................................. 12
Diving The Guardian ......................................................................................... 13
Pre-Dive........................................................................................................... 13
Training & Emergency Procedures .................................................................. 13
Warning Note............................................................................................ 15
Post-Dive Procedures...................................................................................... 16
Warning Note............................................................................................ 16
Part Lists ............................................................................................................ 16
Accessories Included....................................................................................... 16
Guardian FFM.................................................................................................. 17
Regulator ......................................................................................................... 17
Buddy Phone®Installation Instructions .......................................................... 19
EM-OTS-2 Installation Instructions .................................................................. 20
Limited Warranty ............................................................................................... 24

iii
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Front of Mask ......................................................................................... 4
Figure 2: Back of Mask.......................................................................................... 5
Figure 3: Double Seal............................................................................................ 5
Figure 4: Regulator Quick-Release Button............................................................ 7
Figure 5: Five-Point Strapping............................................................................... 8
Figure 6: Removing Regulator............................................................................... 8
Figure 7: Fitting Hose to Regulator........................................................................ 9
Figure 8: The Equalizing Assembly ....................................................................... 9
Figure 9: Inserts of Varying Thickness .................................................................. 9
Figure 10: The Blanking Plug .............................................................................. 10
Figure 11: Fit Mask Skirt onto Skin, Not Hood..................................................... 11
Figure 12: Open Lower Straps and Bring Over Head.......................................... 12
Figure 13: Snug Evenly ....................................................................................... 12
Figure 14: To Remove Mask, Grasp Bottom and Thumb Lower Buckle Tabs ..... 15
Figure 15: Guardian FFM Exploded View ........................................................... 18
Figure 16: Guardian Regulator Isometric View.................................................... 18
Figure 17: GFFM with Buddy Phone®................................................................. 19
Figure 18: GFFM with EM-OTS-2........................................................................ 20
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1: List of Accessories Included................................................................... 16
Table 2: Guardian FFM Part List.......................................................................... 17
Table 3: Guardian Regulator Part List ................................................................. 17

1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of your new OTS Guardian full-face
mask! This full-face mask (FFM) is one of the few that has been designed
from the ground up as a scuba diving mask. Years of experience has
gone into the development and design of the Guardian and second stage
regulator. It was designed with comfort, t, and function in mind. Having
been in the underwater communications business for over two decades,
Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) has been deeply involved in the FFM
industry due to the mating of our communications technology with most of
the world’s leading FFM producers. The Guardian FFM is the culmination
of this experience combined with what we’ve learned from listening to the
needs of our customers. For years, we at OTS talked about what was
needed and wanted in a full-face diving mask. Our goal was to design a
product that was comfortable, t the vast majority of the diving population,
was simple to use, and easy to maintain. More importantly, it had to be
rugged and perform as well or better than anything on the market.
Today, OTS is proud to provide you with this advanced diving apparatus
and hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
All who intend to use this FFM must read this manual carefully prior to
preparing and using this equipment. Training must be obtained before
using this or any other advanced diving equipment. Become familiar with
emergency procedures and ensure you are equipped with proper bailout
equipment appropriate for the type of diving you are performing. If you
have any questions or don’t fully understand this manual, please contact
OTS directly or an authorized OTS service center (OTS contact information
listed under the “Limited Warranty” on page 24).
CERTIFICATIONS
• OTS Guardian Full-Face Mask is tested and certied to a maximum
diving depth of 50m according to EN 250:2000+A1:2006.
• OTS Guardian Full-Face Mask is designed for water temperatures
below 10°C and is suitable for cold-water diving applications according
to EN 250:2000+A1:2006.
• OTS Guardian Full-Face Mask is tested and certied for diving
applications with breathing air according to EN 12021.
• OTS Guardian Full-Face Mask has been tested and certied according
to the European standard EN 250:2000+A1:2006.

2
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
While reading and reviewing this manual, please note the following
indicators for Warnings and Dangers:
Warning Note
The “Warning” symbol indicates something that
might cause damage to the equipment, or, if not
properly performed, may lead to a hazardous
situation that could cause injury or death.
Danger Note
The “Danger” symbol indicates a most important
point that if not avoided will result in a situation
that causes injury or death.
Warning Note
• Diving a Guardian full-face mask or any scuba diving equipment without
proper training and experience can result in serious harm or death.
• This is an advanced piece of diving equipment that requires special
training and practice prior to diving it in an open water environment.
Proper maintenance and care of this equipment is essential for safe
operation.
• Have your Guardian full-face mask and other equipment serviced on
a regular basis. This should be at least annually, possibly more if your
equipment is used extensively or in environments that would require
decontamination. Do not dive any equipment that is not properly
maintained, damaged, or worn.
• Always inspect the mask for damage prior to diving if you suspect it has
been subjected to any abuse, tampering, or impact. If necessary, have it
inspected by a certied OTS repair technician.
• It is YOUR responsibility to insure that your equipment is in good condition
and operating properly. Remember, this is LIFE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT!
• Diving is an inherently dangerous sport. Participating in this activity puts
you at risk of serious injury or even death.

3
DESCRIPTION
What is a “Full-Face Mask?”
The OTS Guardian FFM differs from standard scuba equipment in that the
second stage regulator is incorporated into the mask and the mask covers
your “full” face, hence the term.
There are four primary reasons to dive a Guardian FFM:
1. Environmental protection
2. Physiological considerations
3. Communications
4. For the fun of it
Environmental Protection
Anytime a diver is in water that would be considered less than healthy
(e.g., biological/chemical contamination, extreme cold, etc.), protection
is of the utmost importance. The Guardian FFM affords a signicant
protection advantage over that of standard bite mouthpiece regulators
and masks. While not a substitute for full protection as required in hazmat
diving, the Guardian FFM, along with dry gloves and a drysuit with
attached latex hood, can afford protection from contaminated water that
standard equipment cannot. This conguration is commonly seen in light
commercial and public safety diving.
Physiological Considerations
The Guardian FFM protects the diver in other ways as well. If, for any
reason, a diver were to become unconscious underwater, the Guardian
FFM is able to maintain a breathable airspace in front of the diver’s nose
and mouth assisting in survival (assuming the scuba tank has air). This
aspect of the Guardian FFM is extremely useful for divers with TMJ, divers
with dentures, disabled divers, and divers using high concentrations of
oxygen (convulsion risk; special oxygen cleaning required).
Communications
For underwater communications, an airspace is required to allow for
articulation and placement of a microphone. This is best accomplished
with the Guardian FFM. The Guardian FFM has an oral/nasal cavity
that provides optimal communications, while some FFMs have the nose
separated from the mouth. This separation alters the voice slightly, as in
pinching your nose when talking.

4
Training and Practice for Safety
As with any piece of high-tech equipment, the Guardian FFM does require
additional training and practice. Air sharing in an out-of-air situation is more
difcult, often requiring bailing out of the mask (depending on your gear
conguration). See “Training & Emergency Procedures” on page 13
for detailed instruction on this topic. When properly used however, the
Guardian FFM provides an additional margin of safety to diving. Proper
use of communications to relay a problem, combined with the security of
the ve strap harness system securing the Guardian FFM, adds a degree
of safety to diving not found in standard equipment.
Anatomy of the Guardian Full-Face Mask
Front Aspect
KEY:
1. Upper Visor Clamp
2. Ambient Breathing Valve®
(ABV®)
3. Oral/Nasal Cavity
4. Lower Clamp
5. Push-to-Talk (PTT)
Communications Port
6. Hose Fitting (9/16” x 18)
7. Guardian Regulator
8. Exhaust Purge Cover
9. Inhalation Check Valve (2)
10. Visor
11. Buckle (5)
9
8
210
3
1
5
67
4
11
Figure 1: Front of Mask

5
Rear Aspect
KEY:
1. Tab (5)
2. Skirt (outer)
3. Quick-Release Button (red)
4. Regulator Port
5. Wire Form
6. Equalizing Block
7. Equalizing Insert
8. Skirt (inner)
5
2
1
3
7
6
4
8
Figure 2: Back of Mask
Guardian Skirt
The skirt of the Guardian FFM is made of
high grade (55-60 Shore A) liquid silicone
with some unique features that add to
its durability, comfort, and functionality.
Inside you will notice we have designed
the mask with a double-seal (Figure 3).
The double-seal makes the mask more
comfortable, but more importantly it
assists in sealing the mask (especially
at the temples—a common problem area
for sealing on most FFMs). This unique
design ensures the Guardian FFM will t
virtually every type face, small to large.
Practically eliminated is the “burping” at the temples found in other masks.
Dives of extended lengths are made more gratifying with a properly tting
mask. Additionally, the tabs to the buckles are designed to minimize any
damage resulting from improper donning of the mask. These tabs have
“button-holed” buckles—meaning if the head harness is pulled too hard
and out to the sides, the buckle will pull from the “button-hole.” While
this will require reassembling the buckle onto the skirt, it helps prevent
damage from occurring to the skirt. This is a common problem in other
masks. The buckles are extremely rugged and made of nylon instead of
metal, so they’re not prone to corrosion. If however, you break or lose one,
they are easy to replace.
Figure 3: Double Seal

6
Visor, Frame, and Ambient Breathing Valve®
The Guardian FFM visor is constructed of high strength polycarbonate.
Although scratch-resistant, it is not scratch-proof. Protect the mask when
not diving by storing it in its bag. When diving, minor scratches on the
outside of the visor are difcult, if not impossible, to see due to water lling
the scratch. You should be most concerned with protecting the inside of
the visor from scratches.
The visor is held in place with the visor frame. This frame consists of the
upper and lower visor clamps. Constructed of glass lled nylon, these
clamps are secured by a pair of stainless steel Allen head screws (6-32 x
1”, 7/64” Hex), one on each side of the clamps. The upper visor clamp has
a channel on the back that retains the cable for the left earphone when
using an ear/microphone assembly (part No. 910369-000 w/ Hot-Mic®and
910379-000 w/ Super Mic®, available separately) for communications. The
lower visor clamp contains the regulator port, regulator “quick-disconnect”
(see Figure 4 on page 7) on the interior of the mask, and the inhalation
vents.
The Ambient Breathing Valve®(ABV®) is designed to conserve the diver’s
air while on the surface. This is NOT a snorkel. Generally, when diving
with a FFM, the diver is breathing off of a scuba bottle. With the ABV in
the open position and on the surface, the diver is able to breathe ambient
air without removing the FFM. There is a check valve on the inside of the
ABV which allows ambient air to enter the valve only; air is exhaled out
through the regulator. This also prevents air from escaping through the
ABV should it be open underwater.
It is extremely important that the diver’s air supply is turned on prior to
diving. This may seem obvious; however, if the mask (with the regulator)
is put on and the diver is breathing through the ABV, the diver could
unknowingly enter the water without air. Upon surface entry, if positive
buoyancy is not rst established, with the diver’s air off, the ABV only
working above water, unable to inate a BCD or dry suit, the diver could
sink to the bottom with dire consequences.
Danger Note
ALWAYS ensure the diver’s air supply is turned ON prior to entry into the water!
CLOSE THE ABV, test breathe the mask and regulator with at least two full
breaths and watch the submersible pressure gauge! There should be a slight
drop in pressure. This will ensure the diver has the air supply turned on prior to
diving. Add sufcient air to the BCD to have positive buoyancy upon entry. Make
this a matter of routine prior to entry. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury or death. Ensure clamp screws are in place and securely fastened before
diving. If missing a screw, DO NOT DIVE FFM.