Oceanic Safety Systems Freedivers Recovery Vest Mark II-S User manual

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Freedivers Recovery Vest Mark II-S copyright Oceanic Safety Systems LLC., 2015
The Freedivers Recovery Vest Mark II-S
User Manual V6
This manual and the accompanying on-line videos each complement the other.
For a complete understanding of how to use your FRV, it is mandatory that
you both read this manual and view the 6 video chapters. We suggest that
you make a quick review of the manual so that the warnings can be placed
into context when you study a second time. ( http://www.youtube.com/user/
OceanicRecoveryVests)
Contents
I. USER AGREEMENT AND WARRANTY FOR THE FREEDIVERS RECOVERY VEST ...... 3
II. SAFETY INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... 8
III. HAVING SUFFICIENT CO2 IS ESSENTIAL .................................................................... 15
IV. FRV COMPONENTS......................................................................................................... 16
V. CUSTOM FITTING THE VEST. ......................................................................................... 19
VI. PREPARING THE ACTUATOR FOR SERVICE................................................................ 22
VII. PROGRAMMING THE FRV............................................................................................. 25
VIII. CARE AND CLEANING ................................................................................................. 28
IX. SUGGESTED GET-ACQUAINTED TRIAL DIVE SCHEDULE ........................................ 31
X. NEW USER ISSUES.......................................................................................................... 33
XI. TROUBLE SHOOTING..................................................................................................... 34
XII. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................... 35
XIII. REQUIRED INSPECTION & SERVICE.......................................................................... 36
XIV IMPORTANT USER MANUAL UPDATES: ..................................................................... 37
APPENDIX 1 — AIR TRAVEL WITH THE FRV. ..................................................................... 38

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Freedivers Recovery Vest Mark II-S copyright Oceanic Safety Systems LLC., 2015
The Freedivers
Recovery Vest
Mark II-S

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Freedivers Recovery Vest Mark II-S copyright Oceanic Safety Systems LLC., 2015
The FRV is designed to deliver the freediver, who exceeds self-set parameters, to the surface in
a face-up position where recovery and rescue attempts may be possible. There is no guarantee
that the diver will be able to surface, with or without the FRV. There could be obstructions in the
path (e.g., overhead seaweed, other divers, or boats) that could prevent surfacing. The FRV is only
intended to inate when the user’s parameters are exceeded. There is no guarantee of survival.
A. You Assume Risks and Responsibilities
Freediving is an inherently dangerous and risky activity. Even with the best training, planning,
and equipment, you may be injured or you may die. If you choose to participate in freediving,
you accept the risk of injury or death on behalf of yourself, your heirs, beneciaries, trustees,
successors, assigns, partners and executors. It is your responsibility to take all necessary steps to
reduce these risks. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to obtain appropriate training, to conduct
appropriate pre-dive tests, and obtain maintenance and check appropriate diving equipment, to
dive only within your abilities and experience, and to always dive with a capable buddy.
Note about freediver blackout: It is important to understand that the FRV will NOT
prevent freediver blackout (FB), nor is it designed to prevent FB. FB occurs when the level of ox-
ygen in the brain decreases below the level necessary to support consciousness. Only good diving
practices, tness and good judgment will prevent FB. FB may occur under the water during any
phase of the freedive and it may also occur on the surface immediately after ascent.
B. IMPORTANT NOTICE
THIS OCEANIC SAFETY SYSTEMS LLC (OSS) FRV USER AGREEMENT AND WARRANTY
(“AGREEMENT”) IS AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU AND OSS. YOUR USE OF THE FRV
IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT IN THIS AGREEMENT. THIS
AGREEMENT ALSO SETS OUT OSS ’S WARRANTY OF THE FRV, EXCLUSIONS AND
LIMITATIONS OF OSS ’S LIABILITY TO YOU, AND OTHER IMPORTANT PROVISIONS.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ANY TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT, YOU MUST NOT USE THE
FRV. YOU MUST READ THE ENTIRE FRV USER MANUAL AND VIEW THE TRAINING VIDEOS
AT: http://www.youtube.com/user/OceanicRecoveryVests. INCORRECT USE OF THE FRV
OR ITS ACCESSORIES WILL INVALIDATE THIS WARRANTY AND CAN CAUSE PERMANENT
DAMAGE TO THE FRV AND/OR ITS ACCESSORIES AND CAN CAUSE YOU SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO
HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE AND COUNTRY.
C. Initial Return Policy
You may return the unused FRV within 30 days after the date you receive the FRV for a complete
refund less shipping and handling. Before you use the FRV, you agree to thoroughly read and
understand the User Agreement, the Warranty, and the User Manual and watch the YouTube
Channel training videos at:http://www.youtube.com/user/OceanicRecoveryVests. When you
use the FRV, you have agreed to the User Agreement and Warranty. Once used, the FRV may not
be returned.
I. USER AGREEMENT AND WARRANTY FOR THE FREEDIVERS RECOVERY VEST

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Freedivers Recovery Vest Mark II-S copyright Oceanic Safety Systems LLC., 2015
D. Warranty Information
NOTE: The original purchaser is automatically registered. If you are not the original
purchaser, please consult the OSS website: www.oceanicss.com to validate your warranty and to
update warranty registration information within 15 days of transfer. All warranty transactions must
be accompanied by proof of original purchase. Be sure to save your sales receipt and present it
whenever you return your FRV for warranty service or when selling your FRV to another person.
The receipt contains the FRV’s serial number.
Limited Lifetime Warranty Limitations and Exclusions: The Warranty Is Subject to the Fol-
lowing Limitations and Exclusions:
1. Limited 5-year Warranty (Excludes Batteries and the Vest Soft Parts)
Your FRV must be used in accordance with the FRV User Manual. The Warranty does not apply
to defects or damage caused by: (i) misuse, neglect or improper or rough handling (including
punctures, bending, compressing or dropping of the FRV); (ii) any use of the FRV not in
accordance with the FRV User Manual; (iii) using the FRV with or connecting the FRV to any
product, accessory software and/or service not manufactured, supplied or approved by OSS ;
(iv) normal wear and tear; or (v) accidents, re, power changes, other hazards, acts of God and
other causes beyond the reasonable control of OSS . Cosmetic damage(s), such as scratches,
nicks and fraying are not covered under warranty except when the product is new, out of the
original packaging. This warranty does not extend to the FRV or its accessories used for rental,
commercial or military purposes. The Warranty will be void if: (i) the FRV has been opened,
modied or repaired by any person other than OSS ; (ii) the FRV’s serial numbers have been
removed, erased, defaced or altered in any way or is illegible, as determined by OSS in its sole
discretion; or (iii) the FRV has been exposed to chemical products, including, but not limited to,
solvents and insect repellents; (iv) This product has been used in excess of 100 meters (328 feet)
or in unmanned submersions including, but not limited to, submersions in an unmanned vehicle or
on a rope, (v) damaged by accidents, re, power changes, other hazards, acts of God and other
causes beyond the reasonable control of OSS. Only the FRV remote communicator, the actuator
and the vest have been designed for underwater use. Never dive with the charger connected to
the FRV. Doing so will damage the accessories and/or the FRV, and will also void the Warranty.
Warranty coverage on your FRV covers the product for 5 years subject to the conditions listed
above and utilizes a prorated replacement policy below. OSS warrants to the purchaser for 5
years, from the date of shipping, that the product will be free from defects in materials and work-
manship, provided that it is subjected to normal use, proper care and prescribed service subject
to the limitations listed above. Some components may be replaced with another component with
a different serial number. The replacement component will be either completely re-manufactured
and tested like new, or at our option, we will make the replacement with new components.

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Freedivers Recovery Vest Mark II-S copyright Oceanic Safety Systems LLC., 2015
1 a. FRV Components Replacement—Actuator and Remote
FRV products that malfunction due to material or manufacturing defects will be replaced by OSS. In
fulllment of the Warranty, OSS may, at its sole discretion, use parts that are new, equivalent to new
or reconditioned, or may provide a new, equivalent to new or reconditioned FRV in replacement of the
FRV you have returned.
1 b. FRV Lithium Ion Battery Warranty Limitations and Exclusions 2-year limited Warranty
The Lithium Ion Battery Warranty is subject to the following limitations and exclusions:
(i) The Battery Warranty does not apply if the FRV is recharged while in direct sunlight or while
exposed to temperatures in excess of 45°C (113°F) or while using a charger other than the charger
supplied with the product.
(ii) The Battery Warranty does not apply to battery failure caused by: (a) misuse, neglect or
improper or rough handling (including punctures, bending, compressing or dropping of the FRV);
(b) any use of the FRV not in accordance with the FRV User Manual; (c) use of the FRV with or
connection of the FRV to any product, accessory, software and/or service not manufactured, supplied
or approved by OSS; (d) accidents, re, power changes, other hazards, acts of God and other causes
beyond the reasonable control of OSS.
You are responsible for ensuring that the battery in your FRV is adequately charged before
each dive. The Warranty Period is the two (2) year period commencing on the date of shipment of the
FRV. In the event the battery fails, OSS’s sole liability and obligation to you, and your sole right and
remedy against OSS, is for OSS, at its option, to replace the battery according to the prorated basis
below. The condition of the battery for purposes of prorating replacement costs is to be determined
solely by OSS. See page 12 for the optimal use and care of the battery.
Prorated values for the Lithium Ion battery:
(i) Like new and less than 1 year old—OSS pays 100%, customer pays 0%.
(ii) Slightly used and less than 2 years old—OSS pays 50%, customer pays 50%.
(iiI) More than 2 years old— customer pays 100% of replacement cost.
Out-of-Warranty Battery Replacement
The FRV battery can only be replaced or repaired by OSS. OSS offers a battery replacement service
for a fee, which will be available for a period of a minimum of (10) years from the original date of pur-
chase of the FRV.
1 c. FRV Vest soft parts: 2-year limited Warranty and Prorated values for replacement
The FRV soft parts, dened as actuator pouch, sleeve, straps and ination bladder are the least
durable and the most vulnerable parts subject to potential user abuse. Therefore, the warranty period
is less than other FRV components. To extend the utility of the soft parts, be sure to carefully observe
handling and cleaning of your FRV components. These parts will be replaced on a pro-rated basis as
determined by the date of shipment of the FRV and the condition of the parts as determined solely by
OSS.

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Freedivers Recovery Vest Mark II-S copyright Oceanic Safety Systems LLC., 2015
Pro-rated value for Vest Soft Parts:
(i) Like new and less than 1 year old—OSS pays 100%, customer pays 0%.
(ii) Slightly used and less than 2 years old—OSS pays 50%, customer pays 50%.
(iii) Very used and less than 2 years old—OSS pays 25%, customer pays 75%.
(iv) After 2 years or when worn out—OSS pays 0%, customer pays 100%.
2. Warranty Procedure
If you believe you have a warranty claim with respect to the FRV, please consult the on-line help
resources available at www.oceanicss.com or the FRV User Manual before submitting your warranty
claim and seeking warranty service. OSS will perform its warranty obligations. You are responsible
for prepaying all shipping costs (including insurance) incurred when sending the FRV to OSS and for
returning your repaired or replacement FRV to you.
3. Transfer of Your FRV
You agree not to sell, give, or lend your FRV, or otherwise permit any person
to use your FRV, unless that person has agreed to this User Agreement and
Warranty, read the User Manual and watched the on-line training videos. You may
sell, give, or lend your FRV to another person, provided that you give that person this Agreement at
the same time and notify them that by using the FRV, they agree to be bound by this User Agreement
and Warranty. You also agree to give any person to whom you give or sell your FRV, simultaneously
with the FRV, proof of your date of purchase of your FRV, without which they will not be entitled to
submit a claim under the Warranty. It is important to have the purchaser register their ownership
with OSS so that OSS may communicate directly with them regarding offers, upgrades and safety
information regarding the FRV and so that we can record the FRV serial numbers for the current
owner. This information is important for communication for such things as product updates, notices or
for recalls.
4. Terms of Warranty and User Agreement Apply to Borrowers, Transferees, Assigns, Users
The terms of this User Agreement and Warranty are binding on all transferees, buyers, assigns, users
and borrowers of the FRV, their heirs, successors, executors, trustees, and beneciaries.
5. Personal Injury or Death
YOU AGREE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH
FREEDIVING, AND THAT OSS, ITS OWNERS, MANAGERS, PARTNERS, AGENTS,
REPRESENTATIVES, HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, BENEFICIARIES, ASSIGNS, EXECUTORS,
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS ARE NOT LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, YOUR HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, TRUSTEES, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS,
PARTNERS, EXECUTORS, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE,
COST, EXPENSE OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF, CAUSED BY OR RELATING TO PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH WHILE DIVING, EVEN IF THE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH IS CAUSED
IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OR DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY THE FRV, AND REGARDLESS OF
WHETHER OR NOT THE FRV FUNCTIONED PROPERLY OR WAS DEFECTIVE IN ANY WAY

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Freedivers Recovery Vest Mark II-S copyright Oceanic Safety Systems LLC., 2015
YOU HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE AND RELEASE AND AGREE TO INDEMNIFY OSS, ITS
OWNERS, MANAGERS, PARTNERS, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES HEIRS, SUCCESSORS,
BENEFICIARIES, ASSIGNES, EXECUTIVE TRUSTEES, AND OFFICERS FROM ANY AND
ALL LIABILITIES OR OBLIGATION TO YOU OR YOUR HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, TRUSTEES,
SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, EXECUTORS AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES FOR ANY LOSS,
DAMAGE, COST, EXPENSE OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF, CAUSED BY OR RELATING TO YOUR
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH WHILE DIVING, EVEN IF YOUR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH
IS CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, BY THE FRV, REGARDLESS OF
WHETHER OR NOT THE FRV FUNCTIONED PROPERLY OR WAS DEFECTIVE IN ANY WAY.
6. NOTICE
This warranty gives you specic legal rights. You may have rights which vary from state to state and
country to country.
OCEANIC SAFETY SYSTEMS LLC. DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY LIABILITY FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. SOME STATES IN THE U.S. AND CERTAIN
FOREIGN COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THIS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Acronyms used in this manual:
Oceanic Safety Systems LLC is OSS; and
Freedivers Recovery Vest is FRV; and
Overpressure Valve is OPV.

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Freedivers Recovery Vest Mark II-S copyright Oceanic Safety Systems LLC., 2015
The User Manual is available at the OSS website: www.oceanicss.com/support
You must read this entire FRV User Manual before using your FRV. Incorrect use of the FRV or
its accessories will invalidate your Warranty and can cause permanent damage to the FRV or its
accessories and to the user of the FRV.
This manual is copyrighted, all rights reserved. It may not, in whole or in part, be copied,
photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable
form without prior consent in writing from OSS. It may not be distributed through the Internet or
computer bulletin board systems without prior consent in writing from OSS. ©2013, Oceanic
Safety Systems LLC.
Pay special attention to information provided in warnings, cautions and notes that are accompanied
by one of these symbols:
II. SAFETY INFORMATION
Warnings indicate a procedure or situation that may result in serious injury or death if
instructions are not followed correctly.
Cautions indicate any situation or technique that will result in potential damage to the
FRV, or render the FRV unsafe if instructions are not followed correctly.
Notes are used to emphasize important points, tips and reminders.
Symbols for Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
General Precautions & Warnings
Warning Although this manual provides some basic guidelines for certain aspects of
freediving, it is not a substitute for training from a professional diving instructor. Do not
dive until you have obtained the necessary instruction from a diving instructor.
Warning Before using this FRV, you must review this agreement, the user manual and
the training videos on the YouTube channel and have had basic instruction in freediving.
Use of the FRV by untrained persons is dangerous and can result in injury or death.
Warning Study the contents of this manual and accompanying YouTube videos
and become familiar with the FRV rst in a controlled environment ,such as a deep
swimming pool or in shallow, clear water, in order to weight yourself properly and to
become comfortable with using the FRV’s many features and adjustments.
Warning This manual provides essential instruction for the proper tting, adjustment,
inspection and care of your new FRV. Because OSS. utilizes patented and patents
pending technology, it is very important to take the time to read these instruction in order
to fully understand the features of this product made specically for freedivers. Improper
use of this FRV could result in serious injury or death.

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Warning The FRV is not intended to replace a freediver’s dedicated
partner who is capable of monitoring the user’s progress and assisting in
an emergency. Use of the FRV in the presence of other divers may lead to
collision with them should the other divers be positioned above the user when
the user’s vest deploys.
Caution Do not place the FRV in microwave ovens, high-pressure containers,
or on induction cookware.
Warning The FRV is manufactured to utilize CO2 cylinders, which could
result in explosion hazards if mistreated. Please review the special warning
and use section dealing with carbon dioxide cylinders.
Warning The FRV is not to be used for duration and/or depth diving, which
exceed the FRV’s specications. The FRV should not be used when it is not
being worn by the diver, such as sending the unit down under the water on a
rope line.
Caution Your usual breath hold-time may be cut in half by factors including , but not
limited to, your physical condition, the surface interval from your last dive, the depth
of the dive, anxiety or excitement, and the amount of work during the dive, as well as
many other factors. Consider this carefully when you set your maximum time and depth
triggers.
Warning The FRV is not for use in environments with overhead hazards, or
line or net entrapment environments, which might trap the diver under the
water when the vest inates.
Warning The FRV is not a substitute for safe freediving practices, including but
not limited to: sufcient surface intervals between freedives, diving within the
freediver’s physical ability, and diving with a dedicated partner.
Warning The FRV will not protect the unconscious diver from avoiding a
collision with any hazard, including, but not limited to, oncoming boats, kelp
beds, oil rigs, or sea life.
Warning Never use this device while scuba diving and be very careful about
combining freediving activities with scuba diving. Conducting freedives within
a 24-hour period after conducting scuba dives, combined with the effects of
multiple rapid freedive ascents, increases your risk of decompression
sickness, which may cause serious injury or death.
Warning The FRV is intended for use with the standard weight belt worn
around the waist or on the back below the vest collar. Any other items worn
over the FRV will compromise its effectiveness and could be hazardous.
Divers should always apply their weight belt last so that it can be ditched
easily if needed.

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Warning Factory prescribed service for this FRV must be performed any time the
FRV malfunctions. Disassembly of the hard and soft goods may only be accom-
plished by OSS. Unauthorized service will render the warranty null and void.
Warning This FRV is designed for use with carbon dioxide cylinders only. Any use of
other gas mixtures may cause corrosion, deterioration, and/or premature aging of the
FRV leading to component failure of the metal and rubber parts. The component failures
could lead to a loss of buoyancy control and/or pressure integrity of the FRV resulting in
injury or death.
Warning You must not use the FRV to extend your dive prole. Using the FRV
can never be an excuse for unsafe practices. Don’t exceed your safe dive prole
and don’t depend on the FRV to protect you from unsafe dive practices.
Warning DO NOT inhale from your oral inater. The FRV is not a breathing apparatus
or a source for emergency air. Air in the FRV may contain harmful contaminants or gas-
es, which could cause suffocation or air embolism injuries.
Specic Warnings Regarding Carbon Dioxide (CO2) cylinders Precautions for use in freezing
temperatures:
CO2 gas expands in hot weather, and contracts in cold weather. At -30 degrees °F (-33 degrees °C,
the bladder ll is just 87% of the volume created at 70 degrees °F (22 degrees C.)
Under freezing conditions, the CO2 gas charge lls the bladder more slowly and less completely.
Conrm that each cylinder is full:
Never assume the CO2 ination gas is in the cylinder. The burden of inspection of the cylinder is
yours. In order to know if the gas is in the cylinder, the rst step is to remove the cylinder from the
ination system or package and look at the narrow end; the puncture surface. This surface is where
the ination system penetrates and allows the gas to ll your FRV. If this surface has any puncture
marks, holes, or any sign that is has been pushed in, DISCARD THE CYLINDER IMMEDIATELY.
Every CO2 cylinder has a ‘Minimum gross weight’ marked on the side of the cylinder. This marking is
the sum of the empty steel cylinder AND the weight of CO2 that is supposed to be contained in the
cylinder. Ultimately, weighing is the only accurate method known to ensure that the full CO2 charge
is in the cylinder. A scale, such as a digital postage scale, may be used if it is accurate enough for the
intended measurement. For example: A cylinder with a marked minimum gross weight of 68g MUST
weigh 68g OR GREATER, never less. If you weigh a cylinder and the actual weight is less than the
marked weight, remove it from service and discard it. Typically, CO2-lled cylinders do not lose their
charge unless they are punctured, rusted, crushed, overheated, or altered.
Warning Your FRV is not a lift bag. DO NOT use it to bring heavy objects to the surface.
Doing so may cause permanent damage to the FRV.
Warning Before every dive day, perform a complete pre-dive inspection according to the
procedure prescribed in this manual to ensure that all components are functioning proper-
ly and no signs of damage or leaks are present. If you nd that your FRV is not function-
ing properly or is damaged, remove it from service until it can be repaired by OSS.