Scubatech Tecline Donut 15 Operator's manual

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SCUBATECH
User Instruction Manual
Buoyancy compensators
Range of models
•Tecline Donut 15, 17, 22
•Tecline Donut (17, 22, 30) Special Edition
•Tecline Donut 22 Special Edition Rebreather
•Tecline Peanut 21
Issue 2015/1

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Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Important Warming/alerts
3. Application and use
4. Construction
5. Before using
6. Handling during a dive
7. Use in cold water
8. Handling after completing a dive, maintenance and storage
9. Warranty
10.Manufacturer’s details
11.Notes
Copyright notice
This manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. The copying, reproduction,
translation or recording on electronic media, in whole or in part, without written
permission is prohibited by the Scubatech company.
Bouyancy compensator User Instruction Manual
Range of models:
Tecline Donut 15, 17, 22
Tecline Donut (17, 22, 30) Special Edition
Tecline Donut 22 Special Edition Rebreather
Tecline Peanut 21
©2015 Scubatech Sp. z o.o.

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Welcome to the world of Scubatech products.
Congratulations on your purchase of a buoyancy compensator. We believe that you
will be satisfied and able to enjoy the performance of our equipment, developed
together with our customers and produced using advanced technology.
Thank you for your choice and we wish you many safe dives.
1. Introduction
Prior to initial use, the Scubatech buoyancy compensator User Instruction Manual
should be read in detail and all the information presented within it should be
understood. Compliance, understanding and reference to it is a condition for safe and
long-term use of the products presented in this manual..
It is recommended to keep this manual for the lifetime of the product. Scubatech
buoyancy compensators can only be used in a way presented in this manual.
In view of the important role the buoyancy compensator plays during the dive, it
requires care from the owner/user. In order for performance and the lifetime of the
compensator to be maximized, it is necessary to fulfill the recommendations made in
this manual.
The manufacturer hopes that the usage qualities of Subtech buoyancy
compensators will give users a lot of satisfaction and make diving enjoyable.
ScubaTech is not liable for damages resulting from non-compliance within the
provisions contained in this manual.
2. Important warnings/alerts
WARNING
Scuba diving is a potentially dangerous activity. The buoyancy compensator
user instruction manual is not a substitute for specialist training in terms of
diving conducted by a qualified instructor.
All buoyancy compensators presented in this manual have undergone a certification
process within the notified body of Polish Register of Shipping (Polski Rejestr
Statków S.A.) and meet the requirements of Directive 89/686 / EEC and PN-EN
1809: 2014-09 pertaining to diving equipment. Buoyancy compensator. Functional

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requirements and safety test methods. The CE mark indicates compliance with
certain requirements, and the number 1463 next to the CE mark is the identification
code of the Polish Register of Shipping (Polski Rejestr Statków S.A.).
WARNING
There may be additional requirements for the use of buoyancy compensators
in countries which are not members of the European Union. Before using
Scubatech products determine the current requirements in force in the country
in which you intend to use them.
WARNING
The content of this manual is based on the knowledge available at the time of
going to print. Scubatech reserves the right to make changes at any time.
WARNING
Before every dive, make careful inspection the buoyancy compensator to make
sure that there is no visible damage and leaks, and all components are working
properly. In case of damage or malfunction, please contact Scubatech.
WARNING
Scubatech buoyancy compensators can only be used with cylinders having
legalization compatible with current requirements in force in the country in
which you intend to use it.
WARNING
When using the compensator in water at low temperatures (below 10 ° C (50 °
F), it is necessary to take into account the possibility of freezing and anomalies
in the functioning of the inflator. Before diving in cold water, it is necessary to
practice emergency procedures in case of the inflator freezing.
WARNING
The buoyancy compensator is not used for lifting heavy objects from the
surface of the water. This can lead to damage to the compensator and
uncontrolled ascent leading to the loss of health or life. In the case of an
uncontrolled ascent, you should start letting the air out of the buoyancy
compensator in order to reduce speed and to achieve neutral buoyancy.
WARNING
Never Breathe in the air accumulated inside the buoyancy compensator. It may
be of the wrong composition, contain harmful substances or dangerous
bacteria that can cause illness or even death.

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WARNING
Never lift or carry the buoyancy compensator by holding the inflator. This can
lead to the damage of the compensator.
WARNING
In order to avoid an uncontrolled dive, you must be able to benefit from the
supplementary source of buoyancy during each dive. The buoyancy
compensator cannot be the only source of buoyancy in use during the dive.
WARNING
Never leave your buoyancy compensator in sunlight for long periods, high
temperature or near sharp objects. This can lead to the damage of the
compensator.
WARNING
The buoyancy compensator is not a safety jacket: and therefore does not
guarantee the user's head to be up at the surface.
WARNING
The buoyancy compensator is not a safety jacket or another means of rescue.
WARNING
ScubaTech shall not be liable for buoyancy compensator malfunctions if they
have been subjected to misuse or using unauthorized spare parts or service
made by an unauthorized person.
3. Application and use
The buoyancy compensators presented in this manual apply to recreational diving as
well as technical. They are designed to maintain the neutral buoyancy of the diver,
and are helpful in keeping the diver in a horizontal position during the stay under
water.
Buoyancy compensators are designed for use with a single cylinder or air cylinder,
with cylinder pressure of up to 30 MPa (300 psi). By contrast, the Techline Donut 22
Special Edition rebreather is designed for diving with cameras with a closed or semi-
closed respiratory factor.

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4. Construction
Buoyancy compensators presented in this manual have several capacities and are
made in several versions. The capacity of buoyancy compensators may be 15, 17, 22
or 30 dm
3
.
Buoyancy compensators with a capacity of 17 and 22 dm
3
are also produced as a
Special Edition version. Furthermore, as outlined above, the buoyancy compensator
with a capacity of 22 dm
3
is also produced as a version for diving with cameras, with
a closed or semi-closed respiratory factor and carries additional Rebreather
markings.
Scubatech buoyancy compensators are designed and manufactured in such a way
that they can be used with any harness, having mounting hole spacing of 11 inches.
Scubatech recommends using one of several harnesses within its range. Further
information about the harness can be obtained from authorized Scubatech
representatives.
Individual models of buoyancy compensators presented in this manual are shown in
the pictures listed below.
Donut 15 Donut 17

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Donut 17 Special Edition Donut 22
Donut 22 Special Edition Donut 22 Special Edition Rebreather

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Donut 30 Peanut 21
Figure 1. Tecline Donut buoyancy compensator series models used
The basic components of this compensator:
•buoyancy bag,
•inflator,
•medium pressure hose,
•pressure relief valve.
A very important element is the buoyancy compensator inflator which consists of an
inflator button, which allows the buoyancy compensator to be filled with air and the
deflator button which allows the buoyancy compensator to be emptied of air
contained in its interior and nozzle which also enables air to be emptied from the
interior of the buoyancy compensator. Thanks to this, it is possible to fill the buoyancy
compensator with your mouth (orally).
.
These elements are shown in the pictures listed below

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Bouyancy bag inflator
medium pressure hose Pressure relief valve
Figure 2. Basic components of the buoyancy compensator
5. Before using
IMPORTANT
Scubatech recommends the commissioning of the buoyancy compensator and
pressure reducer to an authorized dealer for the proper connection of medium
pressure power to the buoyancy compensator. The authorized dealer can also
answer questions on the issues presented in this manual.

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WARNING
It is forbidden to attach the medium pressure power supply buoyancy
compensator hose to high-pressure output of the pressure regulator and the
use of any reductions on medium pressure hoses.
Prior to each dive, it is necessary to carry out inspection procedures to ensure all
components of the buoyancy compensator are functioning correctly. Even if you
dived during a given day using the buoyancy compensator, check the functioning of
all components before starting the dive. Failure to carry out the check by the user on
all or one of its points can lead to dangerous circumstances, consequently the loss
of health or life.
In order to prepare the buoyancy compensator for use, it is necessary to follow these
steps:
•visually check that none of the components of the compensator is damaged,
paying particular attention to the condition of belts, fasteners, inflator, the
outer shell compensator and medium pressure hose.
•check the connection to the harness of the buoyancy compensator,
•check the connection of the medium pressure hose to the inflator,
•check the correctness of tightness of the extraction-relief valves (the lower and
upper),
•check the function of orally filling the compensator inserting the inflator nozzle
in your mouth, and then pressing the deflator button while exhaling into
compensator bag. Fill the buoyancy compensator in this way with at least half
of its volume,
•check the function of orally filling the compensator by inserting the inflator
nozzle in your mouth, and then pressing the deflator button while exhaling into
compensator bag. Fill the buoyancy compensator in this way with at least half
of its volume,
•check the correctness of functions manually by opening the release-valve by
pulling the cord (strand). Pulling should cause air discharge which should
immediately stop after releasing the cord,
•fill the buoyancy compensator using the inflator button, then press the deflator
button and check if air comes out of the opening of the oral inflator. Repeat
this step several times,
•press the inflator button until the relief valve is actuated and paying attention
when releasing the deflator that the air flow immediately ceases.
•before diving, make sure that you have turned on the diving cylinder valve(s),
•ensure your buoyancy compensator is attached to the cylinder straps in a
secure way.

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Warning!
Never use a buoyancy compensator, if:
•after 10 minutes from filling, there has been loss of air from the interior,
•you release the valve deflator, the airflow to the interior still occurs.
6. Handling during a dive
Entering the water
In order to provide buoyancy on the surface, fill the compensator with air before
entering the water Upon activation of the pressure-relief valve, it is necessary to stop
filling the compensator.
Immersion
In order to carry out immersion, press the deflator button while holding the inflator
over your head. Observe the device measuring the depth and your partner so as to
avoid uncontrolled immersion or losing your partner (diving group).
Staying under water - buoyancy control
While diving, try to maintain neutral buoyancy at a given depth, using the inflator or
relief inflator if necessary. During the deflation of the buoyancy compensator, the
inflator should be held above your head so that air can escape from the inside
without obstacles. You can also pull the inflator in order to release the air inside the
compensator; the air will then be brought out through a valve provided in the housing
of the inflator.
The construction of the buoyancy compensator has a tendency to place the diver in
the so-called horizontal position. The position of the diver under water is, however,
dependent on the distribution of the ballast and the skills of the diver.
Warning!
No buoyancy compensator has automatic buoyancy adjustment.
During the ascent, adequately control the speed and let go of the expanding
air from the interior of the compensator using the inflator (by pressing the
deflator button, pulling the inflator) or through the release valve.
The diver, who is in an upside down position, should drop the release valve located
at the bottom of the buoyancy compensator.

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In order to ensure the diver's buoyancy after emerging to the surface, fill the
compensator using the deflator button. Upon activation of the extraction release
valve, it is necessary to stop filling the compensator.
7. Use in cold water
WARNING
Diving in cold water requires completion of specialist training conducted by a
qualified instructor.
European CEN standardization norms define the cold water temperature as 10 ° C
(50 ° F) or lower. In such conditions, particularly in fresh water whose temperature is
above freezing, there is a risk of the buoyancy compensator inflator freezing. Most
often it manifests itself in the steady flow of the respiratory factor inside the
compensator and, consequently, to an uncontrolled ascent. The lower the ambient
temperature is, the more likely the situation described above can occur.
To reduce the risk of the buoyancy compensator inflator freezing, it is necessary to:
•avoid filling the air buoyancy compensator on the surface if the ambient
temperature near 0 ° C and lower,
•stay on the surface as short as possible , before and during a dive when the
air temperature is near 0°c and lower,
•Use clean and dry cylinders filled only in places authorized to do so.
WARNING
When using the compensator in water at a low temperature (below 10 ° C (50 °
F)) take into account the possibility of freezing and irregularities in the
functioning of the inflator. Before diving in cold water, practice emergency
procedures if necessary, in case the inflator freezes.
8. Handling after completing a dive, maintenance and storage
Upon completion of a dive:
•disconnect the medium pressure hose from the inflator,
•disconnect the cylinder from the buoyancy compensator belts,
•fill the compensator orally using the deflator button, and turn the compensator
in such a way that extraction-relief valve is at the lowermost part of the
compensator. Then pull the cord of the extraction-relief valve while pressing
the compensator with your hands, so that there is a flow of water through the
open relief valve. Repeat the above steps until the removal of water from the

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interior of the compensator,
•rinse the inside of the buoyancy compensator with clean, fresh water. To do
this, press the deflator button and fill the buoyancy compensator with water to
about 20% volume. Rotate the compensator several times and then pour out
the interior of the water according to the procedure described above.
•rinse the outside of the buoyancy compensator in clean, fresh water. These
activities are especially important after diving in salt or chlorinated water.
•in the event of diving in salty or contaminated water rinsing itself may not be
sufficient for cleaning the buoyancy compensator thoroughly, which is why it is
recommended that, where possible, the buoyancy compensator is soaked in
warm fresh water for at least 1 hour,
•after rinsing the compensator inside and outside, it is necessary to empty the
buoyancy of the bag through one of the pressure relief valves ensuring that all
the water from the inside has been removed.
WARNING
Never lift or carry the buoyancy compensator inflator by holding it. This can
lead to damage of the compensator.
WARNING
Leaving the cylinder/cylinder system unsecure can cause it to fall and damage
the buoyancy compensator.
Storage
•the buoyancy compensator should be kept suspended, partially filled in a dry,
well ventilated place, away from heat sources and not exposed to direct
sunlight and chemicals,
•the buoyancy compensator should be protected from the fumes of gasoline,
oil, alcohol and other chemicals,
•the buoyancy compensator inflator should be loosely packed, without folds
and twists,
•both during storage and during operation, the buoyancy compensator must be
protected from mechanical damage, especially against impact,
•parts of the buoyancy compensator are subject to ageing and must be
replaced every year, regardless of the frequency of use,
•prior to long-term storage of the buoyancy compensator, it is necessary to
ensure that there is no water inside.

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Care and Maintenance
•It is necessary to rinse the buoyancy compensator with clean, fresh water after
diving in accordance with the procedure described above,
•the buoyancy compensator should be given an annual technical inspection
carried out by authorized service,
•during repair and overhaul, only original spare parts should be used,
•after a long period of intensive use (the buoyancy compensator may need
more frequent services depending on how often and in what environment it
works), inspection and maintenance of the buoyancy compensator is
recommended,
•It is necessary to carry out cleaning periodically, and in the case of
contamination, buoyancy compensator cleaning should be carried out using
specialty chemicals. This is done with a cleaning agent called BCD available
from authorized Scubatech representatives.
IMPORTANT
It is essential to commission periodic inspections, repairs and any work
affecting the operation of the buoyancy compensator to the manufacturer or
service authorized by the manufacturer. It is prohibited to disassemble and
assemble components of the buoyancy compensator and for such activities
to be carried out by unauthorized persons.
8. Warranty
During warranty claims it is always necessary to show proof of purchase issued
by an authorized dealer as well as a warranty card containing a record of annual
reviews.
Scubatech guarantees the original purchaser that the product will be free from
defects in materials and workmanship, provided that the recommendations for
use, maintenance and service are complied with, within the following limits.
The guarantee does not apply in the case of misuse, neglect, modification or
unauthorized product service.
The scope of the warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the product,
depending on the decision of Scubatech.
IMPORTANT
Independent repair shall result in loss of warranty and can lead to loss of
life or health.

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WARRANTY CERTIFICATE
Buoyancy compensator series models:
Tecline Donut 15, 17, 22
Techline Donut (17, 22, 30) Special Edition
Techline Donut 22 Special Edition Rebreather
Tecline Peanut 21
ScubaTech Sp. z o.o. grants a 5-year warranty to the first owner for the proper
functioning of the buoyancy compensator
The following conditions must be fulfilled for to this warranty to be valid:
•purchase must be made at an authorized ScubaTech shop,
•the owner of the buoyancy compensator is the person entered in the warranty
card,
•buoyancy compensator service must be carried out at least once a year,
•maintenance work must be carried out using the appropriate service kits by an
authorized ScubaTech service,
•recommendations on the use, operation and maintenance of the buoyancy
compensator must be complied with.
IMPORTANT
Guarantee rights are forfeited as a result of any repair and adjustment being
carried out by persons without the authority to service ScubaTech
equipment, as well as a result of improper use of the product and mechanical
damage.
Conducting surveys or services by unauthorized persons will void your
warranty.

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Name and surname of owner ...................................................................................
Address
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Model …………………………………………………………………………………………
………………… ………………………………….
Date of sale Official stamp and signature of seller
SAFETY INSPECTION CONTROL

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Date of service Evaluation of
technical condition Name of Service Technician
Signature and official
stamp

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9. Manufacturer’s details
SCUBATECH Sp. z o.o.
ul. Lubieszyńska 2
71-087 Mierzyn
Tel./fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
10.Notes
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