OCEANIC - BC Owners Guide
OCEANIC - BC Owners Guide
Owner's Guide
Pay special attention to items marked with this Warning symbol.
WARNINGS:
This BC is intended for use by recreational divers who have successfully
completed a nationally recognized course in scuba diving.
It must not be used by untrained persons who may not have knowledge of
the potential risks and hazards of scuba diving.
It is NOT for use by commercial divers.
As with all underwater life support equipment, improper use or misuse of
this product can cause serious injury or death.
This BC is not a life jacket; it does not guarantee a head up position of the
wearer at the surface. DO NOT depend on this BC to save your life under
any circumstances.
Prior to each dive inspect and test this BC for proper operation. If any
part does not function properly, DO NOT USE!
In an emergency, this BC may not provide face-up flotation in all cases for
all persons.
DO NOT inhale gases from within this BC.
If you do not fully understand how to use this BC, or if you have any
questions, you should seek instruction in its use from your authorized
Oceanic dealer before you utilize this product.
Read and understand this owners guide completely before diving with
this BC.
Due to use of a flexible fabric, certain model Oceanic BCs do not meet
Burst test requirements of EN1809. This is indicated on the product label by
Excl. 4.2.4.
2
CONTENTS
WARNINGS .................................................................................................................. 2
RECORDS .................................................................................................................. 23
3
INTRODUCTION
This Owner's Guide describes the functions and features of Oceanic BC Equipment and various optional
accessories. By following the instructions in this guide, you will understand how your BC product works,
how to make best use of its features, and how to ensure it lasts a long time.
Oceanic BCs are made utilizing the latest computer aided design and manufacturing techniques to ensure
'state of the art' performance and reliability. Your Oceanic BC comes standard with an Integrated Inflator
System used to inflate and deflate your BC. Most of Oceanic's BC models are now designed with a
Weight Drop System that integrates drop pouches behind, or below, the pocket areas of the BC.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This owners guide is copyrighted, all rights are 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 Oceanic / 2002 Design.
TRADEMARK NOTICE
Oceanic, the Oceanic logo, Bioflex, Travel Tank Band, Integrated Inflator System, Alliance Inflator, Reliant Inflator, Outrigger, HLT (High Lift Transfer),
and QLR are all registered and unregistered trademarks of Oceanic. All rights are reserved.
PATENT NOTICE
U.S. Patents have been issued, or applied for, to protect the following design features: Backpack Systems (U.S. Patent No. 5,378,084), Bioflex (U.S.
Patent No. 5,403,123 and EURO Patent No. 0581524A1), Gas Impermeable Laminate (U.S. Patent No. 5,693,412), Harness Buckle (U.S. Patent
No. D409,114), Weight Drop System (U.S. Patent No. 5,913,640), Variable Overpressure Relief Valve (U.S. Patent No. 5,735,504), Tank Strap
Tightening Device (U.S. Patent No. 5,218,745), Soft Backpack (U.S. Patent No. 4,952,095), and Compensating Waistband (U.S. Patent No.
4,732,305). Also other Patents Pending.
4
TANK BAND
NOTE: If the Buckle is threaded or adjusted incorrectly, or not firmly secure, your Tank
may become loose underwater when the Tank Band is wet. Oceanic recommends
wetting the Tank Band prior to securing it on a Tank.
5
TESTING MOUNTING OF THE BC
Verify that the BC is firmly secured to the Tank by lifting the entire BC / Tank Assembly by the shoulders
of the BC. No movement should be seen between the BC Tank Band and the Tank.
If the Band moves on the Tank, check threading of the Band and repeat the adjustment procedure.
WARNING: Nylon will naturally stretch after becoming wet. Wet the Tank Band, check
adjustment, and ensure that the Tank Band is secure 'prior to each dive'. Failure to
properly adjust and tighten the Tank Band may result in the Tank falling out of the BC
Tank Band underwater.
BC ENTRY/ADJUSTMENT/EXIT
BC ENTRY
Loosen the Shoulder Straps by lifting up on the Bottom Tabs of the Shoulder Buckles.
Open the Waist Band, and disconnect the touch fastener on the Waist Strap and Chest Strap (if
provided on your model).
Have your buddy hold the BC/Tank assembly while you put your arms through the Shoulder Straps
and pull it onto your back.
BC ADJUSTMENT
Once the assembly is on your back, you need to adjust it to comfortably fit your waist size and height.
After placing it on your shoulders as described above, fasten the Waist Band comfortably at the
desired height until there is about 4 inches of overlapping closure.
If there is too much or too little overlap, take off the BC assembly and alter the rear Waist Band closure
located on the back of the BC, below the Tank Strap.
NOTE: Remove the Tank from the BC to make the adjustment. Before reinstalling the
Tank, be sure the 2 halves of the Band closure are firmly pressed together and secure.
With the BC on your shoulders and Waist Band properly adjusted, tighten the Shoulder Straps by
pulling down on the D-rings located on the ends of the Straps.
6
ACCESSORY ATTACHMENT and HOSE ROUTING
Various D-rings and Hose Holder Clips are provided for each model BC to facilitate streamlining of Hoses
and convenient mounting of accessory equipment.
An epaulette style Retainer on the left Shoulder Strap secures the Corrugated and LP Inflator Hoses,
preventing them from floating back out of reach.
The BC LP Inflator Hose should also be clipped in the Plastic Holder at the top of the Corrugated Hose.
The Hose Retainers above the Pockets keep the Octopus and Instrument Console in position.
D-rings provided on the bottom edge of the BC can be used for attaching lights, game bags, etc.
BC REMOVAL
While your buddy holds the BC/Tank Assembly securely -
Unclip the Chest Strap (if your model has one) and Waist Strap,
Open the Waist Band,
Loosen the Shoulder Straps by lifting up on the Tabs, or unclip the Quick Release Buckles (some models
only have a Quick Release Buckle on the left Shoulder Strap),
Remove the BC/Tank Assembly.
INFLATOR SYSTEMS
Oceanic Inflator Systems are designed for working pressures of 120 psi minimum, 140 psi nominal, and
160 psi maximum. Refer to Doc. No. 12-2116 for instructions pertaining to Oceanic's Air XS 2 style
Regulator/Inflator System.
With an Oceanic Inflator System, you have two methods to inflate the BC, two methods to deflate the BC,
and automatic venting of excess pressure. Be sure to read and understand these instructions describing
how this system operates before attempting to dive with your Oceanic BC.
7
Over Pressure Relief Valve (OPV)
The integrated OPV vents excess pressure from the BC during ascent or if over pressurized with the power
inflator. This component of the Oceanic Inflator System operates automatically so no instructions for its use
are necessary.
WARNING: The OPV integrated in the Oceanic Inflator is set at a lower relief pressure
than the OPV located on the back of the BC to prevent damage to the material of the
BC Air Cell. It is imperative that the Oceanic Inflator be the only Inflator used with this
BC. Never dive with the BC if the Inflator does not function properly, or if it has been
tampered with, modified, or replaced with an Inflator, Airway, or Shoulder Dump of a
manufacturer other than Oceanic.
Ergonomic Design
Oceanic Inflators have been ergonomically designed to enhance comfort and ease
of use. The two Buttons, located on the end and the side of the Mouthpiece, can
be differentiated by look, position, and tactile feel. Become familiar with their use
to minimize the possibility of confusion.
Depending upon which you prefer to use when inflating and deflating the BC, two
Fig. 2 hand positions prove to be the most comfortable. If you orally inflate the BC, or
deflate through the Mouthpiece, use the position shown in Figure 2.
Figure 3 shows the hand position for using the Power Inflator to inflate and the Rapid
Exhaust Valve to deflate.
Manual Inflation
The Button on the end of the Mouthpiece is an inflate/deflate Manual Actuator that
allows air flow in to, or out of, the BC. To inflate orally, bring the Mouthpiece to
your lips, begin to blow into the hole, and only then press the manual Inflate/Deflate
Fig. 3
Button with your forefinger.
8
Blowing into the Mouthpiece immediately prior to pressing the end Button purges the Mouthpiece cavity
of water. This will result in less water entering the BC potentially prolonging bladder life. Some air may
continue to leak into the surrounding water when you are orally inflating the BC, even after you have
released the Inflate/Deflate Button. This is normal and will not impede the efficient oral inflation of the BC.
Power Inflation
Power inflation of the BC can be accomplished if the Inflator's Quick Disconnect (QD) Inflator Hose is
attached to your regulator first stage by an Authorized Oceanic Dealer. This allows the use of low pressure
air to inflate the BC without having to remove the Regulator from your mouth.
Minor adjustments in buoyancy can be made easily with one hand using the Deflate and Power Inflate
buttons on the inflator.
WARNING: If you depress the Power Inflator Button fully, the BC will inflate rapidly.
Be careful not to overinflate the BC causing an unwanted rapid rise towards the
surface.
9
Test the Power Inflator and OPV prior to each dive to ensure they are functioning properly.
Depress the Power Inflator until the BC fills completely, forcing the shoulder mounted Overpressure
Relief Valve open. You will hear the sound of air venting from Valve, indicating that the Valve is
working properly.
While the BC is still inflated, listen for any undesired air leakage around the Lower Inflator or Quick
Release Coupler. The BC should stay inflated until you deflate it manually.
NOTE: To help eliminate unwanted water entry, use the Rapid Exhaust Valve method
of deflation.
WARNING: Use of the Weight Drop System may not afford the
diver with face up flotation, especially if weights are loaded only
toward the front of the pouches.
The Oceanic BC Weight Drop System(s) are designed for divers who want the
option to drop only a 'predetermined portion' of weights being carried in the event
that emergency positive buoyancy is needed. It also provides some divers the
option to load all weights and eliminate the standard weight belt.
The current QLR Weight Drop System is configured with a Release Buckle. Fig. 4
NOTE: Practice this technique with and without Weights while out of the water with
the BC removed from the tank.
13
AIR CELLS
The Air Cells of select model BCs can be removed, interchanged, or installed.
Each Shoulder Strap can be removed from the BC and readjusted by removing 2
screws (Fig. 13), repositioning the Strap, and reinstalling the screws.
Fig. 13
14
To adjust the Shoulder Straps:
Unclip the Straps' quick release Buckles and fold the Shoulder Straps back
over the top of the BC to expose the 4 Harness fasteners (Fig. 14).
While holding the inner portion of a fastener secure with a coin or short wide
screwdriver, remove the outer portion by turning it counterclockwise with a
coin or screwdriver (Fig. 15).
Adjust the Strap to the desired position, insert the inner portion of the fastener,
Fig. 14
and while holding it secure with a coin or short wide screwdriver, install and
tighten the outer portion by turning it clockwise with a coin or screwdriver.
All 4 fasteners must be installed and secure (15 in-lbs).
Close the Shoulder Strap Buckles, and pull the BC on to verify that the
adjustment is correct and comfortable.
CROTCH STRAP
An optional Crotch Strap (Oceanic PN 08.0095) can be used with select model Oceanic BCs.
Connect the single leg of the Y-shaped Strap through the lower slot of the hard Back Plate.
To access the slots, pull the inner back Padding down and away from the Back Plate.
Connect the 2 portions with Quick Disconnects through the D-rings located on the lower/front of the
BC.
15
NOTE: The maximum cylinder sizes that can be used are a single 20 L
MAX. 20L
MAX. 15L
MAX. 15L
cylinder , or twin 15 L cylinders.
WARNING: Oceanic Shoulder Bushings (PN 86426 included with the Tank Bracket)
must be used when affixing any Double Tank Mounting Bracket to an Oceanic BC.
During a dive and when it is not deployed on the surface, the Front Bladder of
the HLT system is deflated, folded, and stowed secure with a self-gripping Flap
and Web Strap with Clip (Fig. 16).
Fig. 16
16
To deploy the HLT while on the surface:
Press the button on the Clip to disconnect the retaining Strap by pulling
upward with the D-ring (Fig. 17).
Open the HLT's self-gripping Flap by lifting upward with its D-ring (Fig. 18).
Water pressure exerted on the Rear Bladder will force air from it, through
a tube to the HLT Front Bladder.
Additional inflation will allow both Bladders to be filled to the maximum lift
Fig. 17
capacity for that size BC.
Grasp the Loops located on each end of the Front Bladder and pull them outward to stretch the Bladder
making it straight (Fig. 19), transferring any remaining air to the Rear Bladder.
Fold the 2 sides of the HLT over the middle portion (Fig. 20) and secure it with the self-gripping Flaps
(Fig. 21).
Connect the 2 portions of the retaining strap Clip ensuring that the HLT is securely stowed (Fig. 22).
You should have the entire BC inspected annually by your local Authorized Oceanic Dealer to ensure it is
operating properly and that no components are showing signs of wear.
Fill the BC one third full with fresh water through the Inflator Mouthpiece.
Inflate fully then rotate and shake, ensuring a complete internal rinse.
Hold upside down, and completely drain the water out through the Mouthpiece.
BCs equipped with a High Lift Transfer (HLT) system have a Fitting located below the Front Bladder
(Fig. 23) that can be disconnected to allow rinse water to drain out.
BCs equipped with HLT systems are shipped with 2 block offCaps that can be used
to plug the bladder fittings to prevent water from entering the Bladders in the event
that the Transfer Tube is removed.
Fig. 23
18
Transport your BC in a padded carrying case or equipment bag separated from sharp items (e.g.,
dive knife, spear gun, etc.) that might puncture the Bladder.
You should also protect the Inflator System from damage from heavy objects ( e.g., dive light, first
stage, etc.).
VER
RESP
DI
O
N SI LE
B
19
NOTES
20
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PRODUCT OWNERS
Temperature Conditions:
The BC and BC Inflator are capable of operation in:
Air Temperatures ranging from - 20° C to +50° C ( - 4° F to +122° F)
Water Temperatures ranging from +1° C to +40° C (+29° F to +104° F)
EN 1809:1997
21
OCEANIC WORLD WIDE
OCEANIC USA
2002 Davis Street
San Leandro, CA 94577
Tel: 510/562-0500
Fax: 510/569-5404
Web site: http://www.OceanicWorldwide.com
[email protected]
22
RECORDS
BC Model ________________________________
23
© 2002 Design, 1996-2007 Doc. No. 12-2008-r08 (4/9/07)