Scuba Force EXPLORER NST User manual

Dry suit owner manual
EXPLORER NST
XPEDITION / XPEDITION SE

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DRY SUIT OWNER MANUAL
SCUBA FORCE
Dry suit manual
Congratulations on your purchase of a SCUBA FORCE drysuit. It has been carefully
crafted to high quality standards using high quality material. Under proper use, this
suit makes the diving more comfortable and enjoyable.
SCUBA FORCE drysuits are intended for use by certified divers who are trained in
the handling of dry suits or for divers who are under the direct supervision of a
qualified instructor.
Even if you are experienced in using dry suits, we strongly recommend taking the
time to read this guide. It contains many important safety instructions and techniques
that help to extend the life of your dry suit.
If the instruction manual is not available or lost, it can be downloaded from our
website.
www.scubaforce.eu
If you have further questions, we are of course always available.
SCUBA FORCE
Dive2gether.net Tauchsport GmbH
Reststrauch 197
41199 Mönchengladbach
Tel.: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
SCUBA FORCE Dry suits are certified after DIN EN 142252-2:2017
Implementing testing institute:
DGUV Test
Prüf- und Zertifizierungstelle
Fachbereich Persönliche Schutzausrüstung
Kenn-Nummer 0299
Postfach 1653
42760 Haan

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Index
COPYRIGHT ..........................................................................................................................................5
WARNING, CAUTION AND NOTE .......................................................................................................5
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE .................................................................................................................. 5
SAFETY ................................................................................................................................................. 6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..............................................................................................6
IMPORTANT SAFETY / PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR DRY DIVING SUITS ........................8
SCUBA FORCE DRY SUITS .................................................................................................................9
PROPER USE AND FUNCTION OF A DRY SUIT ................................................................................9
SELECTION AND ADJUSTMENT OF A DRY SUIT .............................................................................9
SIZE TABLE……………………………………………………………………………………………………10
BEFORE TIGHTENING:
PUTTING THE DRYSUIT ON THE UNDERGARMENT: ....................................................................11
USUAL SCUBA FORCE DRYSUIT EQUIPMENT ..............................................................................13
DRY SUIT VENTILES.......................................................................................................................... 15
NECK AND ARM CUFFS.................................................................................................................... 15
DRY BOOTS & SLIM LINE BOATS ....................................................................................................15
WATERPROOF ZIPPER .....................................................................................................................15
FURTHER EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................................................16
ACCESSORIES FOR DRY DIVING ....................................................................................................17
DIVING CLOTHING (COOLING PROTECTION) ................................................................................17
HEAD HOOD .......................................................................................................................................17
DRY GLOVE SYSTEMS ......................................................................................................................17
CUFFS .................................................................................................................................................18
RUBBER BOOTS ................................................................................................................................18
NEOPRENE CUFFS ............................................................................................................................19
TIGHTENING ARM CUFFS .................................................................................................................20
TIGHTENING NECK CUFFS ...............................................................................................................21
REMOVING ARM CUFFS ...................................................................................................................22
PULL OUT NECK CUFFS ...................................................................................................................23
SILICONE CUFFS AND CHANGE SYSTEM ......................................................................................23
PREPARATION ...................................................................................................................................24
CONNECTING THE PRESSURE TUBE OF THE DRY SUIT WITH THE REGULATOR ..................24
BEFORE THE FIRST DRY DIVE ........................................................................................................25
PREPARATIONS FOR DIVING WITH YOUR SCUBA FORCE DRY SUIT .......................................25
DIVING WITH YOUR SCUBA FORCE DRYSUIT ...............................................................................29
PREPARATION: ..................................................................................................................................29
ENTRY TO THE WATER .....................................................................................................................30
MAKING NEUTRAL TARING ON THE SURFACE ............................................................................30
TARE CONTROL DURING DIVING ....................................................................................................31
DIVING WITH MONO BOTTLE ...........................................................................................................32
DIVING WITH MULTIPLE BOTTLES ..................................................................................................32
BEGINNING THE DIVING ...................................................................................................................32
DESCENT ............................................................................................................................................32
OBTAINING NEUTRAL TARING IN DEPTH ......................................................................................33
RISE IN THE DRY SUIT ......................................................................................................................34
SWIMMING ON THE SURFACE .........................................................................................................35

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EMERGENCY SKILLS ........................................................................................................................35
TRAFFIC POSITION (AIR IN THE LEGS) ..........................................................................................35
AIR INTAKE VALVE BLOCKED IN OPEN POSITION ......................................................................36
AIR INTAKE VALVE BLOCKED IN CLOSED POSITION ..................................................................37
LACQUERING AIR OUTLET VALVE .................................................................................................37
AIR OUTLET BLOCKED IN CLOSED POSITION ..............................................................................37
LOW AIR LOSS AT THE AIR INTAKE VALVE ..................................................................................37
LOSS / INTERRUPTION OF AIR SUPPLY .........................................................................................38
FLUORED DRY SUIT ..........................................................................................................................38
FALLING LEASED / LOST LEAD ......................................................................................................39
STORING YOUR SCUBA FORCE DRY SUIT ....................................................................................40
STORING A LATEX OR NEOPRENE NECK CUFF 4...........................................................................0
STORING THE DRY SUIT FROM THE BODY ...................................................................................40
PROBLEM MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................41
CARE AND HANDLING OF YOUR SCUBA FORCE DRY SUIT .......................................................42
STORAGE OF THE DRY SUIT ...........................................................................................................43
COLLECTING YOUR SCUBA FORCE DRY SUIT IN DRY DIVE SUIT SWEEPING BAG ...............43
HANGING THE DRY SUIT FOR STORAGE .......................................................................................43
LONG-TERM STORAGE (LONGER THAN TWO MONTHS) ............................................................44
DISPOSAL ...........................................................................................................................................44
SCUBA FORCE WARRANTY .............................................................................................................45

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Copyright
All rights reserved, as well as technical changes. Reprinting, translation or
photomechanical reproduction (photocopy, micro copy) also requires the prior
consent of SCUBA FORCE.
Please read this manual carefully before using your dry suit.
Warning, caution and note
Pay particular attention to all information that is marked with
warning, caution and note according to the following symbols:
A WARNING indicates a procedure or situation that, if not avoided,
may result in serious injury or even worse.
CAUTION indicates a situation or usage notice that could damage the
product and, as a result, cause injury to the user.
NOTE refers to important points, hints and reminders.
WARNING: This instruction manual contains important
instructions for the correct use and care of your new dry suit.
Therefore, it is extremely important that you take time to read this
guide to understand and enjoy all the features of your dry suit.
Improper use of your drysuit can result in serious injury or death.
Technical help
In case of any confusion in this manual, or in case you do not
receive adequate answers from your dive shop or instructor,
please contact us.

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Safety
Important safety instructions
This drysuit is for use by certified scuba divers who have completed a dry dive
course or those who are under the training and supervision of a qualified instructor.
WARNING
Follow all instructions and follow these safety precautions.
Incorrect or improper handling of the drysuit can result in serious
injury or death.
WARNING
This manual is NOT a substitute for a dry dive course by a
qualified instructor. DO NOT use or perfect any dry suit before
you have practiced and perfected practical dry diving skills,
including emergency skills, in a supervised environment and
under the supervision of a certified instructor certified by a
nationally accredited diving education organization and qualified
to use dry suits.
CAUTION
Improper or incorrect use of this drysuit may result in loss of
buoyancy control. This can lead to uncontrolled descent and
uncontrolled rapid ascents, which can result in drowning,
decompression sickness or air embolism.
CAUTION
Improper or incorrect use of this drysuit may result in disturbances
in the body's heat balance, such as rapid overheating
(hyperthermia) or hypothermia (hypothermia), which can lead to
heart attack or stroke.
CAUTION
Do not use the dry suit as a lifting bag. If you lose the object to be
lifted from the hand when using the dry suit as a lifting bag, this
can lead to a sudden strong positive buoyancy. This can lead to
a quick rise.

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WARNING
A fast ascent is dangerous and can lead to air embolism or
decompression sickness. Both can result in serious injury or
death.
WARNING
Diving in a chemically, biologically or radioactively contaminated
environment is extremely dangerous. SCUBA FORCE drysuits
are NOT suitable for use in such environments.
WARNING
Ice diving (diving in water at 40 ° F (4 ° C) is extremely
dangerous.) Do not go ice diving unless you are specially trained
and equipped.
Read these instructions before using the drysuit, even if you are experienced in
using them. Keep the instructions for reference.
When reselling or renting the equipment, make sure that this manual is provided with
the dry suit and that it is read and understood before use.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions for use and handling of this drysuit
may result in serious injury or death in extreme situations.
These instructions are given to the first time buyer of a SCUBA FORCE drysuit. For
questions regarding the use or handling of your SCUBA FORCE drysuit, or if you still
need instructions, contact SCUBA FORCE:
SCUBA FORCE
Dive2gether.net Tauchsport GmbH
Reststrauch 197
41199 Mönchengladbach
Tel.: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

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Important safety / precautions for dry suits
• Complete a dry dive course with an instructor and stay up to date by practicing the
skills.
• Use a buoyancy aid for taring control on the surface and as a reserve system.
• Be sure of your equipment and emergency procedures.
• Practice your dive skills under controlled conditions until they become self-evident.
• Dive with a partner who understands the operation of your dry diving system.
• Use the correct cold protection for the given water temperature in which you dive
and for the amount of effort
• Do not use more weight than necessary for neutral buoyancy with an empty tank.
Your buoyancy should allow you to make a safety stop at 10ft / 3m at the end of your
dive with a tank pressure of 500 psi (35 bar).
• Inspect valves, zippers, and cuffs before each dive
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on your dry suit and valves regularly,
or have them performed by a qualified person.
• Be clear about your limits and stay within your limits.
• Water or air temperature below 70 ° F (21 ° C) means cold water diving.
• Water or air temperature below 40 ° F (4 ° C) means ice diving. Ice diving is very
dangerous and requires special equipment, training, preparation and skills.

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SCUBA FORCE Dry suits
Intended use and function of a drysuit
SCUBA FORCE dry suits are laminate dry suits and provide minimal thermal
insulation. The dry suits are designed to be worn in combination with insulated
underwear as well as with head and hand protection. The laminate drysuit provides a
dry layer of air around the covered areas of the body. A similar example is a
raincoat. Like a raincoat, the raincoat keeps you dry and what you wear underneath
keeps you warm. This approach offers you a versatile dry suit that can be used in
many diving conditions, with the cold protection and accessories tailored to your
personal needs.
WARNING
Diving in a chemically, biologically or radioactively
contaminated environment is extremely dangerous.
SCUBA FORCE drysuits are NOT suitable for use in
such environments.
Selection and adaptation of a dry suit
SCUBA FORCE produces and sells various sizes of dry suits that fit a large
percentage of the population by default. Special production sizes are available for
those who do not fit the conventional sizes.
When choosing the size of a dry suit, start with the size chart for the dry suit type.
The given size represents the starting point. To find the right size, put on the
maximum amount of cold protection / diving clothing you intend to use. See SCUBA
FORCE Thermal Guidelines for the right choice of diving gear.
The table below will help you choose the right size. Your authorized SCUBA FORCE
dealer will assist you in choosing the right size.

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Before dressing:
• Check the fit of the clothing. Bad-fitting diving or cold protection may affect
the fit of the drysuit.
• Check the fitting of the sleeves - see section "Sizing the sleeves" in
this manual
• Read the instructions for putting on the dry suit in this manual
Putting on the dry suit over the diving clothing:
Perform the following checks of the fit:
• The dry suit should not restrict breathing.
• The feet should not cramp.
• Ease of breathing: There should be no restriction on a deep breath.
• Perform these movements:
- arms behind head: put your arms behind your head as if you want to
touch the valve on the bottle; You should be able to do it without the
drysuit cramping you in crotch.
- Crossed Arms: Grasp both arms around the rib cage backwards
(as if hugging yourself). You must be able to reach and operate the air
outlet valve on the left shoulder.
- Cowering and stretching: Kneel down and bring the buttocks over
your heels and stretch forward. This position also provides information
about the leg length and the torso length. The dry suit should not
constrict or pinch off.

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A dry suit must not restrict your freedom of movement.
You must be able to easily reach the valves of your bottle, as well as the valves of
your dry suit.
If your size is between two sizes, the larger one is the better choice. If you have
problems in any of these areas, choose a different size or customization.
The importance of fit for safe and comfortable use can not be
emphasized enough. Let your authorized SCUBA FORCE
dealer advise you in detail on the size selection.

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Usual SCUBA FORCE drysuit features
The following features can be found on all SCUBA FORCE drysuits.
1. Neck collars (either latex, neoprene or silicone)
2. Neoprene heat collar
3. inlet valve
4. exhaust valve
5. Arm cuffs (either latex, neoprene or silicone)
6. Protective zipper
7. Leg pockets
8. Boots (optional Dry Boots or Slim Line Boots)

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Below the protective zipper sits the waterproof, dry-dip zipper.
This is available in two variants: Metal or plastic.

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Dry suit valves
Your drysuit is equipped with an air inlet and outlet valve to control the air volume
inside your drysuit. The air inlet valve allows you to add air into your drysuit as
needed during descent, or on the surface for added buoyancy. The air inlet valve
turns around, allowing the air inlet hose to run around the right or left side of the
diver's body.
The air outlet valve is used to drain unneeded air from the drysuit. The air outlet
valve can be used to deflate air automatically or it can also be operated manually.
Mostly the air outlet valve is used in automatic function with the lowest opening
pressure, whereby the least possible amount of air remains in the suit. Turn the
valve counterclockwise (until it stops) to the lowest opening pressure (see dive
during the dive for more information). To deflate in automatic mode, bring the valve
to the highest point in the suit, e.g. raise the elbow so that the valve is the highest
point on your arm.
Manual deflation mode is widely used on the surface when additional positive
buoyancy is needed. In manual mode, turn the valve clockwise (until it stops) to the
highest opening pressure. To deflate, bring the valve to the highest point and press
it. The valve can be manually operated in automatic or partially closed position to
deflate the suit.
Neck and arm cuffs
The neck and arm cuffs form a watertight closure on the neck and arms. Size
adjustments must be made to achieve an optimal fit and seal. Mostly latex cuffs are
used, but neoprene cuffs and silicone cuffs are also available.
Dry Boots & Slim Line Boots
Each drysuit is equipped with footlets that keep feet dry. The boots are cut so that
additional heat-insulating shoes have space.
Waterproof Zipper
The waterproof zipper provides a watertight closure and allows you to take the
drysuit on and off. The waterproof zipper is one of the most important parts of your
drysuit. Read the instructions on how to use and care for the waterproof zipper
before using it. Incorrect handling can lead to permanent damage to the zipper.

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Further equipment
Suspenders
Suspenders fix the crotch part of the suit, which increases the mobility of the legs.
The suspenders also allow the upper half of the drysuit to be worn around the hips
before or between dives.
Telescope torso
The telescope torso area offers extra space to put on or take off the dry suit. The
extra material then folds around the hips when the extra length is not needed.
Crotch strap
The crotch strap fixes the telescope torso area when the dry suit is used.
Thermal collar
The thermal collar is used in combination with the thermal hood. The edge of the
hood is put under the heat collar. The design minimizes water circulation around the
neck and helps to keep the neck warm.
Zipper cover
The zipper cover provides a protective cover for the waterproof zipper.

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Accessories for dry diving
There are plenty of accessories that will make diving easier and more enjoyable with
your SCUBA FORCE drysuit.
The following drysuit accessories are available from your SCUBA FORCE dealer.
For more information contact your SCUBA FORCE dealer, visit SCUBA FORCE's
website www.SCUBAFORCE.eu or contact SCUBA FORCE Customer Service.
Diving clothes (cold protection)
SCUBA FORCE carries a complete range of cold protection clothing designed
specifically for diving. For help choosing the best clothing combination for your diving
needs, follow the SCUBA FORCE heat guidelines.
Hood
Thermal Collar Hoods: The thermal collar provides additional neck protection and is
designed to fit with all SCUBA FORCE dry suits.
Dry glove systems
The use of dry glove systems should be considered when diving at water
temperatures below 54 ° F (12 ° C) to minimize the risk of cold injury.
Caution
Do not wear too tight fins. If you block the circulation of
blood in the feet, it can lead to cold and disabling foot cramps.

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Cuffs
Latex cuffs
Latex neck and arm cuffs are cut to fit for a comfortable, waterproof finish. Latex
cuffs rejuvenate and have a number of trim lines (small, raised lines on the outside of
the cuff). The trim lines start at the cuff opening and each line gets bigger and
bigger. These lines can be taken as a reference when cutting the cuff to obtain a
uniform cut. For even cuts a good pair of scissors is needed.
For the neck cuff, position the cuff as deep as possible on your neck. It should be
well-seated but not tight. If dry diving is new to you, a well-fitting neck seal outside
the water can be a bit uncomfortable. Once in the water, a well cut neck cuff is
comfortable.
Arm cuffs should be worn just above the wrist bone. They should be well-fitting but
not tight and should not affect the blood circulation in the hands. If you feel a tingling
sensation in your hands, continue to cut the cuff.
The cutting (trimming) of the cuffs requires some experience.
We recommend having this work done by an authorized SCUBA FORCE dealer.
Incorrect trimming of the cuffs can adversely affect the operation of the drysuit.
CAUTION
Neoprene and latex compounds and additives can cause
allergic reactions for some people.
WARNING
Misaligned (trimmed) cuffs pose a high safety risk. If cuffs
are cut too far, water can enter the suit. If the cuffs are too
tight, the blood pressure may drop (carotid sinus nerve).
Have this work done by an authorized SCUBA FORCE dealer.

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Neoprene cuffs
Neoprene cuffs are made of the same material as wetsuits. The cuff material is
usually 1/8 "- 3/16" (3-5 mm) thick. Although neoprene cuffs and sleeve cuffs are
available in different sizes, size adjustments may be necessary (keep in mind that
neoprene cuffs will expand with use and become larger). If your cuffs are too tight,
you can stretch them yourself by pulling them over something a little wider than your
neck or wrists. For the neck cuff is often used a compressed air cylinder, for the arm
cuff a bottle or can. Once the cuff (s) have been stretched with the object, let it rest
for twelve hours. If they are still too tight, they may need to be trimmed.
Just as with latex cuffs, the neoprene cuff should not be too tight and hinder blood
circulation.
WARNING
A neck cuff that is too tight can interfere with blood flow to
the brain and cause serious injury or death.
WARNING
An arm sleeve that is too tight can block the flow of blood
into the hand and cause discomfort, insensitivity, and
exposure to cold injuries.
Note: Remove any jewelry that can damage the cuffs or get
caught in them.

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Wear arm cuffs
Latex
• To prevent the dive clothing from gathering in the sleeve of the drysuit, pull
the thumb loops on the inside of the sleeve of the dive suit over your thumb,
or grasp the cuff with your fingertips
• Tighten the sleeve so that your fingers are 1-2 "from the cuff
• Bring your fingertips together to a point
• Spread the cuff with two fingers of the other hand and slip through the cuff
• The latex cuff should be flat, with no wrinkles on the skin. Make sure that
there are no thumb loops or diving clothing under the cuff
Moistening the cuff: this is a matter of taste. Conventional lubricants include talc,
soapy water and Liquid KY. Do not use silicone lubricants that can attack the drysuit,
which can cause problems during repairs.
Special note: soapy water is an excellent lubricant for putting on and taking off the
arm cuffs. Use a portion of detergent on ten parts of soapy water on the inside and
outside of the arm sleeve before putting your hand in the sleeve.
Neoprene cuffs
(smooth cuff surface inside)
• Apply with the same method as latex cuffs.
• neoprene crease under the cone (smooth cuff surface on the outside of the
cuff must be folded inwards to achieve a seal).
• Apply with the same method as latex cuffs.
• Place a fold of at least 1 "(25mm) under the cuff opening so that the smooth
sealing surface is against your skin.