Sherwood Scuba SH0403 User manual

Buoyancy Compensators
User’s Manual
www.SherwoodScuba.com

WARNING/DISCLAIMER PAGE 2
WARNING: This manual provides some basic guidelines for
certain buoyancy control techniques using your Sherwood Buoyancy
Compensator (BC), but it is not a substitute for training from a
professional diving instructor. If you are unsure how to weight yourself
in order to achieve optimum buoyancy underwater and on the surface,
do not dive with your Sherwood BC until you have obtained the
necessary instruction from your diving instructor or Authorized
Sherwood Scuba Dealer. Failure to weight yourself properly can create a
hazardous condition that could lead to serious injury or death.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS PRIOR TO USING YOUR SHERWOOD BC.
Denitions of Warnings, Cautions and Notes:
A WARNING is used before a procedure or situation that may
result in serious injury or death.
A CAUTION indicates a situation or technique that will result
in damage to the product.
A NOTE is used to emphasize important points.
WARNING: This manual contains important information for the
proper use and care of your Sherwood Buoyancy Compensator (BC).
Sherwood BC’s are designed with many patented features that are
unique from other manufacturer’s. It is therefore very important to
carefully read the instructions provided in this manual in order to
understand how to correctly use your BC. Incorrect use of your BC can
result in serious injury or death.

WARNING/DISCLAIMER PAGE 2
CONTENTS
GENERAL WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS ....................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 5
INTENDED USE & FUNCTION OF YOUR BC ................................. 6
OVERVIEW OF STANDARD FEATURES ......................................... 7
PREPARATION & SETUP ........................................................... 9
INTEGRATED WEIGHT SYSTEMS ................................................11
NON-RELEASABLE WEIGHT ........................................................12
RELEASABLE WEIGHT SYSTEM ..................................................13
PRE-DIVE INSPECTION ............................................................16
DIVING WITH YOUR SHERWOOD BC .......................................17
RULES FOR PERSONAL WEIGHTING ...........................................................17
DIVING WITH A RELEASABLE WEIGHT SYSTEM ...........................................17
POST DIVE CARE & MAINTENANCE ...........................................21
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES & SPECIAL FEATURES .......................... 22
DEALER INSPECTION & SERVICE .............................................. 23
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ............................................. 24
ANNUAL SERVICE RECORD ..................................................... 27
This owner's 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 Sherwood Scuba®.
© Copyright 2022 Sherwood Scuba®.
BC Owner's Manual, PN# MAN2022-SC1

PAGE 4GENERAL WARNINGS
Do not use this buoyancy compensating device (BC) if you have not
received supervised instruction and certification in SCUBA diving and
buoyancy control from a recognized training agency. USE OF
SCUBA EQUIPMENT BY UNCERTIFIED OR UNTRAINED PERSONS
IS DANGEROUS AND CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Before using this BC, it is important to completely read and
understand all of the instructions provided in this owner’s manual,
any accompanying inserts, and labels or markings affixed to the BC.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR DO NOT COMPLETELY
UNDERSTAND THESE INSTRUCTIONS, CONSULT YOUR
AUTHORIZED SHERWOOD SCUBA DEALER.
Before diving with this BC in open water, it is important to familiarize
yourself with it first in confined shallow water with the assistance
and supervision of an instructor or experienced buddy. DO NOT
ENTER OPEN WATER UNTIL YOU HAVE WEIGHTED YOURSELF
PROPERLY AND HAVE BECOME COMFORTABLE WITH USING ALL
OF ITS FEATURES AND ADJUSTMENTS.
Before every dive, perform a complete pre-dive inspection following
the instructions provided in this manual. Check to ensure that all
valves are functioning properly and no signs of damage or leaks are
present. IF ANY SIGNS OF DAMAGE OR MALFUNCTION ARE
FOUND, DO NOT DIVE WITH THE BC UNTIL IT HAS RECEIVED
SERVICE FROM AN AUTHORIZED SHERWOOD SCUBA DEALER.
Before entering the water, check to ensure that you can remove and
ditch your weight quickly and easily, without any obstruction or
entanglement with any hoses or accessories. IN THE EVENT OF AN
OUT OF AIR EMERGENCY OR UNCONTROLLED DESCENT, DO NOT
HESITATE TO REMOVE AND DITCH WEIGHT.
DO NOT USE YOUR BC TO LIFT HEAVY OBJECTS TO THE
SURFACE. Doing so may cause permanent damage to the BC, and
could easily result in an uncontrolled ascent.
General Warnings & Precautions
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PAGE 5 GENERAL WARNINGS
Warnings & Precautions (continued)
DO NOT over inflate your BC or rely on using the power inflator to lift
yourself toward the surface. Control all ascents. A RAPID,
UNCONTROLLED ASCENT MAY CAUSE ARTERIAL GAS EMBOLISM
OR DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS, AND COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
IN THE EVENT OF AN UNCONTROLLED, RAPID ASCENT, IT IS
IMPORTANT TO IMMEDIATELY VENT AS MUCH AIR AS POSSIBLE
FROM THE BC TO SLOW YOUR ASCENT RATE.
DO NOT INHALE FROM YOUR ORAL INFLATOR. The BC air cell may
contain harmful contaminants or gases, which could cause suffocation
or injury.
It is important to obtain factory prescribed service for this BC from an
Authorized Sherwood Dealer at least once each year, or according to
the same scheduled intervals for your regulator. Annual service
consists of a complete overhaul of the power inflator, and a general
air leak inspection of the air cell and valve connections.
Disassembly, repair or lubrication must only be performed by
persons who are factory trained and authorized by Sherwood Scuba.
UNAUTHORIZED SERVICE WILL RENDER THE WARRANTY NULL
AND VOID, AND COULD CAUSE THE BCD TO MALFUNCTION.
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Sherwood Scuba. Your new BC has been
designed, crafted, and assembled following the most exacting standards
of any diving equipment manufacturer. Our design team is made up of
enthusiasts like yourself who actively dive, and we take pride in creating
products that will enhance your diving comfort and enjoyment.
To fully enjoy all the features of your BC, and understand how to
properly use it, it is very important to take the time to read the instructions
provided in this manual. If you have any questions, please consult your
Authorized Sherwood Scuba Dealer.
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PAGE 6INTRODUCTION
Intended Use & Function of Your BC
The main purpose for wearing a buoyancy compensator is to
achieve and maintain neutral buoyancy at all times while you are
underwater, regardless of changes in depth or cylinder pressure. This
allows you to be much more relaxed while you dive – and safer – since
you wonʼt need to struggle against the forces of positive and negative
buoyancy. Modern jacket and back ination style BCʼs provide the most
effective and streamlined buoyancy control, since they are specically
designed to support the diver in a comfortably balanced, face-down
position while swimming underwater. Stress and exertion can now be
minimized, if not eliminated altogether.
Since the introduction of the jacket style and back ination designs,
the modern BC has evolved into a consolidated harness and pack
system that carries the cylinder and serves as a xture point for second
stage regulators, instrumentation, and accessories. For even greater
convenience and comfort, many models are now available with
integrated weight systems that can supplement or replace the weight belt.
Your BC can also provide you with non-emergency otation to
help you rest on the surface, but you should never rely on it to function
as a life preserver or personal otation device (PFD). In order to meet
approval by U.S. Coast Guard regulations, a PFD must be designed so
that it automatically rights you to a face-up position and supports your
head out of the water on the surface to prevent drowning. The design
characteristics and intended function of a PFD are therefore very
different from those of a BC, since a PFD is specically designed to
function on the surface and a BC is primarily designed to function
underwater.
It is important to remember that your position in the water will also
be affected by other equipment you wear in addition to your BC,
including your cylinder, exposure suit, or weight system. An empty
cylinder, for instance, can create counter-buoyancy that could roll you
into a face down position if you were to lose consciousness.
For this reason, Sherwood Scuba recommends that you always dive
with a buddy, and remain close enough to them to be able to render
assistance to each other in the event of an emergency. Do not depend on
your BC, exposure suit, or any other equipment to hold your face above
the surface in the event that you are rendered unconscious in the water
while diving.

PAGE 7 STANDARD FEATURES
WARNING: A buoyancy compensator (BC) is NOT a life-jacket! It is
not designed to provide face-up flotation in all situations, and it does not
meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations for a life preserver or personal
flotation device (PFD). If you become unconscious in the water without
a buddy present to immediately assist you, you may suffer serious injury
or death from drowning.
Overview of Standard Features & Adjustments
Please take the time to acquaint yourself with your BCʼs features,
including standard ination/deation valves and adjustments that can be
found on every model Sherwood BC. Specic instructions for using
these features will be provided throughout this manual. Additional options
and special features will be explained on page 22.
Valves
Power Inator – This assembly is actually made up
of two different valves. The oral ination valve can
be used to manually inate or deate your BC. The
power ination valve is connected directly to your
regulatorʼs rst stage, and can be used to inate your
BCD with the push of a button.
Rapid Exhaust Valve (REV) – This valve is connected
to the power inator with a cable, and can be opened to
vent air by pulling the power inator straight down. It
works best while you are in a vertical, head up position,
or in a face down swimming position.
Overpressure Relief / Rear Dump Valve – The
primary function of this valve is to automatically
release air to prevent damage to your BC that could
be caused by overination. When the air pressure
inside the air cell reaches 2.5 pounds per square inch
(psi over ambient, the valve will automatically open,
and then close again after the pressure is below this
limit. Using the ball and cord, it can also be used to
rapidly dump air.

PAGE 8ADJUSTMENTS
PrimaryAdjustmentPoints
Shoulder Straps
The shoulder straps of your BC are connected with side
squeeze fasteners, and can be easily adjusted by pulling
upward on the buckle to loosen, or downward on the strap
D-ring to tighten.
Cummerbund Waistband*
The cummerbund is designed
to provide a wide range of
adjustment to hold your BC
snug and secure below your
ribcage and above your hips. All Sherwood cummerbunds feature a
high quality Velcro® touch fastener, and can be adjusted for length at the
backpack. Some models feature an elastic stretch cummerbund that can
compensate for the contraction of your wetsuit at depth. To fasten the
cummerbund, simply pull the left side containing the loop Velcro snug
across your waist, and then pull the right side snug over it and press
rmly down to fasten the hook Velcro. *Not all Sherwood BCs feature cummerbund
Cylinder Band with Buckle
This mechanism attaches your BC to your
cylinder so that it is securely held at the desired
height, without slipping. Some models are
equipped with two cylinder bands for extra
support. The nylon webbing should already be
woven through the buckle(s), but instructions for
re-weaving are provided in the following section,
titled Preparation & Setup.
Tank Locator Strap (not shown)
To ensure that your BC is set at the correct height on the cylinder, simply
loop this strap over the cylinder valve and adjust it to raise or lower the
BC. Then, fasten the cylinder band(s).
Sternum Strap
Most models are equipped with this feature, or it
can be purchased as an accessory option. Locate
the locking mechanism & snap it open, Once it
is open pull it out of the webbing loop on the
BC's inner shoulder strap. Most BC's have
webbing loops located at different heights on the
strap for comfort.

PAGE 9 INITIAL SETUP
Preparation & Setup
Sherwood Scuba recommends that you bring your BC, together
with your regulator, to your Authorized Sherwood Scuba Dealer for the
installation of the low pressure (LP) quick disconnect inator hose that is
provided with your BC. If it is not possible to return with your regulator
to your Authorized Dealer, however, you may install the LP inator hose
by carefully performing all the steps in the following procedure.
LP Inator Hose Installation
WARNING: DO NOT attach the low pressure inator hose to a high
pressure (HP) port (greater than 200 psi). This may cause the hose to
burst when pressurized, which can result in serious injury.
The LP hose has a 3/8” male tting that will only t the standard LP
ports found on most rst stages, and is smaller than a standard (7/16) high
pressure (HP) port. Some older regulators have HP and LP ports that are
the same size (3/8”). All Sherwood regulators, and most provided by other
manufacturers, have a high pressure port that is clearly marked “HP,” with
a small restrictive orice that is visible when the plug is removed.
If your regulator has all a” ports and you cannot decide if a port is LP
or HP, bring it with the hose to your dealer for installation.
If you can identify your regulatorʼs LP ports, follow this procedure:
1. To select the best LP port, mount the rst stage on a cylinder valve to
determine the correct orientation and hose routing.
2. Remove the port plug from a low
pressure port on the regulator using
the appropriate size wrench or key.
3. Your BCD was shipped with the LP
hose connected to the power inator.
Remove the inator hose from the
power inator body by sliding the
grooved sleeve back while pulling the tting off the QD nipple.
4. Check the male end of the LP hose to ensure the O-ring is present and
in good condition, and screw the threaded end of the hose into the port.
Tighten to 40 inch-pounds (7kg/cm) with a 9/16” wrench.

PAGE 10CYLINDER MOUNTING
Threading the Cylinder Band & Buckle
NOTE: Sherwood BC’ sare shipped with the nylon band pre-threaded
through the buckle. If rethreading is necessary, follow these steps:
1. Ensure that the metal bale of the buckle is as
close to the rear of the BC as possible. This
provides the greatest range of adjustment.
2. With the buckle fully open, thread the
cylinder band up the middle slot and back
down through the slot closest to the metal
bale. Pull the end to increase the tension in
the band.
3. Loosely thread the webbing through the
open slot in the end of the buckle, but do not
cinch it tight at this time.
Attaching the BC to the Cylinder
NOTE: Some models are equipped with two cylinder band assemblies.
1. First, wet the cylinder band(s) and then t the BC over the cylinder.
Loop the tank locator strap over the cylinder valve and adjust it as
needed to hold the BC at the desired height and position.
2. While holding the cylinder secure, pull the free end of the cylinder
band until there is a very tight t between the pack and the cylinder.
3. Close the buckle halfway to hold the cylinder band taut, and thread
the end of the band through the open slot in the end of the buckle.
4. Pull the cam buckle closed so that it snaps down against the cylinder.
Fasten the end of the webbing securely over the loop Velcro on the
cylinder band.
5. Test the tightness by vigorously pulling and shaking the BC by the
shoulder straps.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3

PAGE 11 INTEGRATED WEIGHTS
WARNING: The cylinder band may initially stretch after it becomes wet.
Always wet the band prior to attaching your BC to the cylinder, apply
enough tension to ensure that the cylinder is held completely secure.
Test this connection before every dive. If the cylinder is allowed to slip
free from the BC while you are diving, you could become separated from
your air supply, which could result in serious injury or death.
Use With Double Cylinders
Sherwood BCʼs are sold with single cylinder harnesses only, and
most models are not designed to accommodate twin cylinders. If yours is
a back ination design, which is more conducive for this purpose, there
may be a special back plate and mounting kit available to upgrade it for
use with twin cylinders. If it is available for your model, this upgrade
must be purchased separately and installed by an Authorized Sherwood
Scuba Dealer. Check with your dealer for more information.
The use of double cylinders can lead to potentially dangerous
situations underwater, including the inability to achieve positive buoyancy
due to increased weight, and exposure to decompression sickness due to
expanded dive proles. It is important to take the necessary precautions to
avoid these risks, and obtain specialty training from a qualied instructor.
WARNING: Do not attempt to modify your Sherwood BC for use with
more than one cylinder. Doing so could damage the structural integrity
of the BCD’s backpack and harness system, and could lead to its failure
underwater. If an upgrade is available for your BCD, it must be installed
by an Authorized Sherwood Scuba Dealer.
Integrated Weight Systems
Some Sherwood BC models are equipped with built-in compartments
and pockets to hold non-releasable and/or releasable weights. Either “soft
weight” (pouches lled with lead shot) or solid weight can be used, but soft
weight is strongly recommended, since it will ll the weight compartment
to its fullest capacity and provide maximum comfort.
If your Sherwood BC is a weight
integrated model, it is very important to
read the following instructions in order
to understand the difference between
these two types of weight pockets and
how to use them correctly.

PAGE 12INTEGRATED WEIGHTS
Non-Releasable Weight
If your BC is equipped with
this feature, you will nd two
weight compartments located on the
backside of either the air cell or the
harness – on opposite sides. These
are each designed to hold up to 5
pounds (10 pounds total) of weight to
supplement and counter-balance the
releasable weight that you wear on
your weight belt or built-in releasable
pockets.
THIS WEIGHT IS NON-RELEASABLE, HOWEVER, AND MUST
NOT BE USED AS YOUR PRIMARY SOURCE OF BALLAST.
To install weight in each compartment, unfasten the side-squeeze
buckles to open each ap. Drop in the weight and refasten the buckle.
It is important to remember at all times that weight installed in these
compartments CANNOT be released during an emergency situation.
Before diving with non-releasable weight installed in your BC, it is
extremely important to check your buoyancy in shallow water while
wearing the BCD attached to a fully charged cylinder. While standing
in chest deep water, completely deate the BCD and verify that you can
easily achieve positive buoyancy by ditching your releasable weight. For
more information about weighting and performing a buoyancy check,
refer to the section titled, Diving with Your Sherwood BC.
WARNING:Thenon-releasableweightcompartmentsshouldonlybe
loaded with weight that supplements the releasable weight carried on
your weight belt or your BC’s releasable weight pockets. Do not install
weight into the non-releasable weight compartments unless you are
certain you can achieve positive buoyancy at depth by ditching your
releasable weight while your BC is completely deflated. You may
otherwise experience difficulty ascending to the surface in an emergency
situation, which could lead to serious injury or death due to drowning.

PAGE 13 INTEGRATED WEIGHTS
CQR3™ Weight Retention System
Some Sherwood BC models are also
equipped with two releasable weight
pockets, located inside the front lower
portions of the BC. These pockets can
be easily identied by their plastic pull
handles that face toward the center of
the waistband. Each releasable pocket
is labeled with the maximum amount of
weight that it is designed to hold. Do not
exceed the maximum weight.
Filling the Weight Pockets
To ll the releasable pockets with
weight, it will be necessary to rst remove
each one from its respective compartment
by rmly pulling the release handle
straight out and away from the BC.
Open the zipper, and open the pouch back
to make room. While holding the pocket
fully open, insert the weight and ensure weight goes in evenly. When
each pocket has been loaded with weight, close the zipper & shake the
pouch to ensure the weight inside is securely in place.
When lling the releasable weight pockets, it is important to ll each
pocket with the same amount of weight in order to provide optimum
balance in the water. You may otherwise experience a tendency to roll to
one side if one pocket is more heavily loaded than the other.

PAGE 14INTEGRATED WEIGHTS
CQR3™ Releasable Weight Pocket Installation
WARNING: Before every dive, it is important to inspect the
connections of the releasable weight pockets and the BC to ensure that
they are properly and securely fastened, and free of any signs of damage
that may impair their function. Carefully follow the instructions provided
to install the pockets correctly and ensure that their connections are
securely fastened. Accidental release of the weight pockets may
otherwise result in an uncontrolled ascent, which could lead to serious
injury or death due to embolism or decompression sickness.
The weight pockets should be installed while the BC is fully
deated, either before or after it is donned. It is much easier, however,
to install them before donning the BC. If the weight pockets are lled to
their maximum capacity and installed into the BC, Sherwood Scuba
strongly recommends that you should seek the assistance of a buddy
before attempting to don the BC. You may otherwise risk injury, due to
muscle strain or a temporary loss of balance.
To install each pocket, rst ensure that it is correctly oriented outside
the compartment according to the labeled instructions, so that the
labeled side is facing up. Insert the male fastener into the opening of the
compartment, and guide it through until it appears outside the other end.
Then, insert the male fastener into the female buckle and rmly press it
inward until it audibly clicks into place.
For information about using the integrated weight system and ditching
weight, refer to the section titled, Diving with Your Sherwood BC.

PAGE 15 DONNING METHOD
Donning the BC
CAUTION: To avoid possible injury and/or damage to your equipment,
Sherwood Scuba recommends that you should always don your BC with
assistance from a buddy.
1. Ensure that the side-squeeze buckles of both shoulder straps are
securely fastened. Fully extend each strap to its maximum length
by pulling up on the tab of the lower slide buckle, and then pulling
the webbing down until the D-ring slides up near the buckle.
2. While your dive buddy holds the cylinder supported behind you,
reach back to place your arms through the shoulder straps.
3. While your buddy continues to hold the cylinder, fasten the
cummerbund snug around your waist (not hips). The best positioning
is between your hip and rib cage. The weight of the cylinder should
rest on the lumbar region (lower part) of your back.
4. After your buddy has released the cylinder and the BC feels
comfortably supported on your hips and shoulders, bend forward at
the waist and adjust the shoulder straps to a comfortable length by
pulling straight down on the D-rings.
NOTE: Remember, adjusting the shoulder straps too tightly will transfer
the cylinder weight from the hips onto the shoulders, and may restrict
your arm movement.
5. Readjust the cummerbund, if necessary, so that it is comfortably
snug but not restricting, with an overlap of at least 3 inches. Fasten
together the male and female side-release buckles of the outer waist
strap over the cummerbund.
NOTE: If your BC is equipped with an elastic outer waist strap, it can be
adjusted inside the BC, behind the cummerbund, so that it will snug
when fastened. This will help your cummerbund to remain snug when
your wetsuit becomes compressed at depth, and can also help prevent
squeeze when your BC is inflated on the surface.
6. Fasten the sternum and waist straps, if equipped, and pull the free
ends until they are comfortably snug but not restricting.
WARNING: Be sure to avoid overweighting your BC’s adjustments.
Check to ensure that you can move your arms comfortably and take
deep, full breaths. Overweighting can restrict your respiration and blood
circulation, which can lead to serious injury or death.

PAGE 16PRE-DIVE INSPECTION
Pre-Dive Inspection
Before each use, the BC must be visually inspected and tested.
NEVER dive with a BCD that shows any signs of damage to its air cell or
valves until it has been serviced by an Authorized Sherwood Dealer.
Inspection Checklist:
1. Connect the power inator to a clean air source, via the LP quick
disconnect hose. Depress and release the inator button
intermittently to ensure that the airow is unobstructed, and that the
airow stops completely when the button is released.
2. Ensure that the air cell does not contain any water from a previous
dive or from internal rinsing. An excessive amount of water inside
the air cell can reduce the BCʼs internal air volume and lift capacity.
3. Manually operate the lower overpressure valve (OPV) by pulling on
the attached ball and cord to release air from inside the BC, and
then fully inate the BC until the OPV valve opens. Examine the
operation of the OPV valve by repeatedly inating the BC to ensure
that it opens to relieve excess pressure, yet close immediately
afterward to allow the air cell to remain fully inated.
4. Check the function of the oral inator button, rapid exhaust valve
(REV), and OPV to ensure a rapid and unobstructed exhaust from
each valve. Fully inate the BC once again, and disconnect the
Power Inator to listen for any leakage.
CAUTION: If any leakage can be heard, or if the air cell begins to deflate
within 5-10 minutes, DO NOT attempt to use the BC until it has received
service from an Authorized Sherwood Scuba Dealer.
5. Make a nal check of the cylinder bandʼs tension to ensure that it is
as tight as possible and the cylinder is securely held without any
noticeable slippage. Re-tighten if necessary.
6. Before entering the water, check the non-releasable weight
compartments to ensure they are closed, and the releasable weight
pockets to ensure that they are correctly installed into to the BC.
(See Setup & Installation.)
WARNING: The releasable weight pockets may fall out unexpectedly if
the CQR3™ connections are not securely fastened. Involuntary release
of both weight pockets can cause a sudden increase in buoyancy and
rapid ascent, and could lead to serious injury or death due to arterial gas
embolismordecompressionsickness.

PAGE 17 WEIGHTING
Diving With Your Sherwood BC
Rules For Personal Weighting
Before diving with your new Sherwood BC, it is important to
establish the correct amount of weight you will need to wear to achieve
neutral buoyancy, without being too heavy (negatively buoyant or light
(positively buoyant. While following the procedure you were taught in
your basic or open water training course, it is important to observe some
basic rules for properly weighting yourself:
1. Be aware of the factors that can cause your personal buoyancy to
change, including personal weight loss or gain, the type and thickness
of the exposure suit you wear, and the buoyancy characteristics of
your cylinder when it is full and empty.
2. Weight yourself in chest deep water while wearing all your
equipment, including exposure suit and BC, with the cylinder you
will be using while it contains no more than 500 psi.
3. Experiment with different amounts of weight until you are able to
oat at eye level on the surface while holding your breath, and
slowly begin to sink as you exhale.
4. Conduct a personal buoyancy check whenever your body weight
has changed, of if you use a different cylinder, BC, or exposure
suit.
Diving With a Releasable Weight System
It is important to remember that the
releasable weight pockets are connected to
the BC independently of each other, unlike a
weight belt that has only one release mechanism,
and must be released accordingly. This feature
provides you with the advantage of being able
to ditch only half your weight initially, and
thereby maintain better control of your ascent rate in an emergency.
In the event of an emergency that requires you to ditch your weight,
rmly pull the release handle of each weight pocket towards the opposite
side of your waist. When the pocket is completely disengaged from its
compartment, hold it out and away from your body before dropping it.
CAUTION: To avoid injuring other divers, always look below you before
dropping weight.

PAGE 18INFLATION METHODS
WARNING: Ensure that your releasable weight is not obstructed by any
straps, lines, etc. DO NOT add weight to your BC anywhere other than
the designated weight compartments, since doing so may prevent you
from being able to ditch weight in an emergency. Failure to ditch weight
in an emergency may lead to serious injury or death due to drowning.
Before diving with a BC that features a releasable weight system, it
is very important to explain its function and design to your dive buddy, to
ensure that they are as familiar with it as you are so they can assist you in
an emergency.
Inflating Your BC
Oral Inflation
To orally inate your BC, hold the
oral inator mouthpiece to your mouth and
depress the oral inator button while exhaling
into the mouthpiece. Release the button
when done or while taking another breath,
and repeat this procedure until the BC is
satisfactorily inated.
NOTE: Oral inflation of your BC undetwater is a practiced skill that must
be achieved under the supervision of your diving instructor, since it
requires the removal of your second stage regulator from your mouth.
Power Ination
To connect the LP hose, grip the grooved sleeve at the connection
tting between your thumb and forenger, and slide the sleeve back. Place
the tting over the inator valve QD nipple, and rmly push inward while
releasing the sleeve. Check to ensure that the hose is securely attached.
To inate your BC, depress the power inator button. Do not hold
the inator button depressed continuously underwater, as this could cause
you to become excessively buoyant. Instead, depress the button in short
bursts until you become neutrally buoyant.
WARNING: Do not rely on the power inflator as the only means for
inflating your BC. It is important to maintain proficiency in the skill of
orally inflating your BC. You may otherwise be unable to achieve
positive buoyancy in an emergency situation, which could lead to serious
injury or death.
Power
Ination Button
Mouthpiece
Oral
Ination Button
QD Fitting

PAGE 19 VENTING/DUMPING
Venting&DumpingAir
Throughout the course of a dive, it will be necessary to vent or dump
air from the BC using one of the three methods described in the following
instructions. Each method uses a valve that is in a different location, and
is designed either to vent air or dump it very quickly. The method you
should choose will depend on whether you are descending feet-rst, head-
rst, maintaining neutral buoyancy underwater, or controlling your ascent.
To release air as effectively as possible, remember to utilize the valve
that is at the highest point on the BC and nearest to the surface,
depending on your position in the water.
WARNING: Whenever you ascend, whether intentionally or
accidentally, you must simultaneously vent air from the BC as needed to
maintain buoyancy control. If air is allowed to expand inside the BC
unchecked, you may experience a rapid, uncontrolled ascent, which
could lead to serious injury or death due to arterial gas embolism,
decompression sickness, or drowning. To regain buoyancy control
during an uncontrolled ascent, you must dump air from the BC as
quickly as possible until you have stopped ascending.
Venting With the Oral Inator
Air can be vented through the inator by holding the inator above your
head and depressing the oral inator button. This method is recommended
for making an initial feet-rst descent, but is not as effective while you are
in a facedown swimming position.
NOTE: Depressing the oral inflator while the BC is empty may allow
water to enter the air cell.
VentingWiththeREV
Inside the power inatorʼs corrugated hose is a cable
that attaches the power inator to the rapid exhaust valve at
the top of the airway assembly. You can vent air from the
BC by pulling straight down on the power inator.
This valve provides an effective and convenient way to
vent air from the BC while you are in either an upright or
face down swimming position, and is more convenient to
use than the oral inator.

PAGE 20VENTING/DUMPING
Lower OPV/ Dump Valve
All Sherwood BCʼs have an
overpressure relief valve (OPV) that is
located on the lower rear portion of the
air cell. The primary function of this
valve is to protect the air cell from over-
pressurization by automatically venting
air when the internal pressure of the air
cell reaches a certain level (about 2.5 psi
over ambient). It can also be opened manually to quickly dump air by
pulling on the ball and cord assembly.
This valve is most useful for dumping air as quickly as possible while
making a head-rst descent, or swimming in a face-down position.
CAUTION: The proper function of the overpressure relief valve is
essential to prevent damage to the BC air cell . Unauthorized service or
tampering may render this valve inoperable, and could cause the air cell
to leak or burst. This type of damage is not repairable, and is not
covered under the terms and conditions of the Sherwood Warranty.
NOTE: Most training agencies recommend that you should descend in
an upright, feet-first position, in order to maintain a slower and more
controlled descent. This is especially true if you experience difficulty
equalizing your ears, or if you are descending in low visibility conditions.
Right Shoulder OPV/ Dump Valve (not featured on all BC models)
Some models may feature a redundant
OPV/ Dump valve, located at the top of the
right shoulder. A ball and cord assembly
extends to the shoulder buckle assembly for
quick dumping of air.