BCU-174 (APA)
V1.0 – 7.14.2010 9
3.0 GENERAL CARE GUIDELINES
Tusa recommends to all Authorized Dealers that they take individual time with each customer to
explain and demonstrate the following simple steps for care and maintenance of the Buoyancy
Compensator Jacket. This will help to ensure the following goals:
•Personalized contact with the customer insuring satisfaction.
•Help to insure long life of the new purchase through maintenance.
•Communication of findings during tuning or overhaul service.
•Help prevent problems described if these steps are not taken.
1. After exiting the water and with the cylinder valve still on and regulator in place, inflate the
Buoyancy Compensator Jacket (BCJ) bladder full of air. Close the cylinder valve and purge the
remaining pressure from the regulator and remove both regulator and BCJ from the cylinder.
2. Tilt the BCJ as to direct any water in the bladder to the rear Pressure Relief (dump) Valve(s).
Purge any water that may have collected in the bladder.
3. Using a hose, direct fresh water into the mouth piece of the Power Inflator while depressing the
Manual Inflate Button. Fill the BCJ bladder approximately 2/3 full of fresh water. Fill the
remainder of the BCJ bladder with air until the bladder becomes full.
4. Agitate the fresh water and air mixture by shaking the BCJ to dilute any salt or contaminated
water that may have entered the bladder. Using the rear Pressure Relief (dump) Valve(s), purge
the water from the BCJ bladder. Do not purge the water from the bladder using the Power
Inflator mechanism as this may re-contaminate the Power Inflator mechanism with contaminated
water. It may be necessary to fill the bladder with air several times to completely drain the water
from the bladder.
5. Soak both the BCJ and Power Inflator in a bath of clean, fresh water to clean any salt or
contaminated water from the exterior of both the BCJ and Power Inflator mechanism.
6. After sufficient time has passed, fill the BCJ bladder 2/3 full of air and hang the BCJ to dry. Do
not completely fill the bladder with air for extended periods of time. A fully pressurized bladder
puts unwanted stress on the Pressure Relief (dump) Valves and bladder seals. Before storing
your BCJ, be certain that it is completely dry.
DO NOT expose the BCJ and Power Inflator to extreme heat or direct sunlight when not in use.
Temperatures exceeding 180°F / 80°C for extended periods of time may cause permanent
damage to some internal valve components leading to a lack of performance or failure. If you
suspect the BCJ and Power Inflator have been exposed to excessive heat, please have it
examined by your authorized TUSA service center.
