BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR DEVICE OWNER S MANUAL For models: Alpha (J-1000) Hydro D (J-1200) Artemis (J-1300) Female exclusive BCD Sojourn (J-1500) EN 250 EN 1809 0426 www.istsports.com Ver. E991007-1 -
CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION 3 II. WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS.. 4 III. BCD COMPONENTS... 5 1) IST INDEPENDENT HARNESS... 5 2) INFLATOR AND VALVES... 14 3) INTEGRATED WEIGHT SYSTEM... 16 IV. USING YOUR BCD / CARE AND MAINTENANCE 21 1) BEFORE A DIVE. 21 2) DURING A DIVE. 23 3) POST-DIVE CARE / MAINTENANCE 25 V. BUOYANCY. 26 VI. WARRANTY 27 I. INTRODUCTION THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING IST Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD). Your new BCD has been designed and manufactured to the highest standard in diving equipment manufacturing. Only the best materials were chosen to make in this vital piece of diving equipment so you can have many years of reliable service from it. Notice: Buoyancy compensator device is considered a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). All IST BCDs mentioned in this User s Manual were submitted for testing and design validation and were certified according to Art. 10 of Directive 89-686-EEC by: Italcert (Notified body No. 0426) Viale Sarca 336, 20126 Milano, Italia The CE marking on this device represents compliance to the basic health and safety requirements of Annex II of Directive 89/686/EEC (European standard EN1809:1997 (Category II PPE) and EN250:2000 (Category III PPE)). The number 0426 represents the certifying body Italcert, which was entrusted to perform the task of the EC quality control system according to Art.11 A of Directive 89/686/EEC. The manufacturing process is carried out under strict supervision by: IST Sports Corp. Room A, 6 th floor, No. 6, 345 Alley, Yangkuang Street, Neihu, Taipei, Taiwan 11491-2 - - 3 -
II. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS! A BCD is NOT a life jacket! It is a scuba diving equipment and does NOT guarantee a person floating at the surface in a head-up position and therefore it does not meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations for a life preserver. Before using this BCD, you must have already received certification in SCUBA diving and buoyancy control from a recognised training agency, or using it while under the supervision of a properly trained and qualified SCUBA instructor during training exercises. THE USE OF SCUBA EQUIPMENT BY ANY UNCERTIFIED OR UNSKILLED PERSON IS DANGEROUS AND CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY AND / OR DEATH. Before diving with your new IST BCD for the first time, please read and fully understand the information provided in this manual. Your authorized IST dealer can answer you any question with regards to this new dive equipment. We strongly suggest to familiarising yourself with this BCD in confined waters (e.g. a swimming pool) before using it in open waters. Misusing the BCD while diving may result in loss of buoyancy control (uncontrollable ascent / descent), which can lead to serious or fatal injury. It is imperative to perform pre-dive and post-dive inspections to make sure your BCD functions properly and is not faulty in anyway. If in doubt, DO NOT USE it until inspection and / or repair is carried out by an authorised IST dealer. Any modification to the BCD will not only void the warranty, there is a danger it may not work properly underwater, resulting in equipment damage, personal injury or even death. Always use designated pockets to store weight, i.e. the non-removable trim weight pockets on the back of the BCD (if equipped), the A.B.R.S. II (Advanced Ballast Removal System II) weight pockets on J-1000 Alpha BCD, J-1200 Hydro D BCD, J-1300 Artemis BCD and the B.R.S. weight pockets on J1500 Sojourn. If more weight is needed, always use a weight belt. DO NOT put any weight in the BCD s storage pockets because they can not be jettisoned quickly in an emergency. In an emergency such as out-of-air situation or uncontrollable descent, it is important to remove and jettison all releasable weight immediately. DO NOT depend solely on using your BCD s buoyancy to lift you to the surface. If neutral buoyancy can not be re-established in the event of an uncontrollable, rapid ascent, it is important to vent gas from your BCD immediately and continually to slow your ascent. YOUR BCD IS NOT A LIFT BAG! Do not use it to bring any heavy / big objects up to the surface because there is a great risk resulting in uncontrollable - 4 - ascent, which could not only damage your BCD but cause serious personal injuries or death due to conditions such as embolism or decompression sickness. DO NOT INHALE FROM YOUR ORAL INFLATOR! The BCD s air cell may contain harmful contaminants or gas, which could cause injuries / death if inhaled. All BCD models covered by this manual are intended to be used down to a MAXIMUM depth of 50m (164ft) and can be used in cold water with temperature below 10 (50 ). Do not prolong the exposure of the BCD to direct sun-light as harmful UV rays will invariably reduce its useable life. This equipment is intended to be used with normal breathing air (i.e. 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen). The use of other gas blends or enriched air may cause deterioration or corrosion of metal and rubber parts (such as o-ring seals), which could lead to premature aging and / or part failure. Using enriched air also increases the risk of fire and / or explosion. Should any repair / service job become necessary, only qualified technicians from IST authorised dealerships can perform the task. Unauthorised repair / service will void your BCD s warranty. III. BCD COMPONENTS The main function of a buoyancy compensator device is to give you the ability to stay afloat at surface (but NOT NECESSARILY in a head-up position remember, your BCD is NOT a life jacket), to effortlessly ascend or descend and to maintain neutral buoyancy at any depth underwater. 1) IST INDEPENDENT HARNESS The harness on each BCD model covered in this manual offers multiple adjustments so it can snugly conform to your torso as much as possible! Unlike a traditional jacket style BCD which is often constructed with the fastening system as a part of the buoyancy control component, IST s harness can be treated as a completely separate unit. The air cell hangs onto the harness so it acts independently while comfort remains unaffected! Before using your BCD for the first time, you should have the harness adjusted on land while wearing your diving suit in order to bring out the best of the BCD s features. - 5 -
Here are the main features of the independent harness: For J-1000 Alpha, J-1300 Artemis and J-1500 Sojourn: The straps of these BCDs are anchored to the harness backpack wing plates [pic. 2] and not the air cell itself for better comfort and trim adjustments. There are 2 adjustment slots and if you feel the straps are too tight / loose around your armpit / shoulder region, you can change the slider anchor position for more comfort: A) Shoulder straps The padded shoulder straps come with quick-release buckles for the convenience in putting on the BCD and its post-dive removal [pic. 1]. These buckles also allow for quick height adjustments of the BCD in relation to the torso. Pic. 2 To adjust the position, simply push a corner of the slider anchor out to free it [pic. 3] then pull the anchor through the vacant slot diagonally [pic. 4]. ALWAYS check if it is securely fitted by tugging the strap. - 6 - Pic. 1 Pic. 3 Pic. 4-7 -
The supporting strap [pic. 5] helps to bring the bladder closer to the body when the weight pocket is loaded so your trim can be adjusted according to your personal preference Another female-diver friendly feature is the shoulder strap width adjuster, which is located near the junction of the shoulder straps and the backpack. As female shoulders tend to be narrower than men s, this adjuster can change the strap width to suit each individual diver. Pic. 5 and additional exclusive features for J-1300 Artemis: Please note there is a padded cover on each side of J-1300 Artemis. This comfort orientated feature is unique to this female specific BCD. The adjustments shown above can be accessed by pushing the cover aside. Pic. 8 For J1200 Hydro D: As there are no backpack wing plates in this back-inflation BCD, the shoulder straps are anchored [pic. 9] directly to the side pockets (which are not a part of the buoyancy control system). There are 2 anchor positions to choose from and the sliding anchors can be relocated the same way as the previous BCD models. Pic. 6 Pic. 7-8 - - 9 - Pic. 9
B) Cummerbund The cummerbund is designed to provide a wide range of adjustments to hold your BCD snug and secure just below your ribcage. It consists of 2 parts: Quick-release buckle (on all models): It is located in front of the cummerbund [pic. 10]. Once closed, its straps can be pulled to bring the side panels / pockets closer for a better trim. C) Cylinder belt The scuba cylinder is connected to your BCD by the cylinder cam belt. It is designed to work with scuba tank with diameters from 174mm to 204mm. The nylon webbing must be threaded through the buckle in the sequence illustrated [pic. 13-16] before using. Pic. 10 Cummerbund: On BCD J-1000 Alpha, J-1300 Artemis and J-1500 Sojourn, there are 2 vertical slots on the lower part of each backpack wing plate [pic. 11] which you could use to either extend or shorten the cummerbund length. J1200 Hydro D s inherent design means it is without backpack wing plates but its padded cummerbund has ample amount of Velcro fastener for adjustment [pic. 12]. Pic. 13 Pic. 14 Pic. 15 Pic. 16 Note: If there is any doubt on how to thread the webbing through the buckle, please seek help from a dive professional. It is dangerous to attach a BCD to a tank with an incorrectly threaded buckle. Serious injury or death may occur if the tank comes off whilst in a diving situation. Pic. 11 Pic. 12-10 - - 11 -
Note: On IST J1200 Hydro D and J1500 Sojourn, there is a lower, auxiliary tank belt [pic. 17]. Its main purpose is only to provide underwater stability and is NOT INTENDED to function as a primary belt. Failure to observe this may result in damaged equipment or contribute to an accident while diving. The tank locator strap (D2) [pic. 19] is located on the other side of the carrying handle (back of the BCD). Use the locator strap to hang the BCD over the cylinder valve (without regulator) to allow you to set it at a preferred height on the cylinder the before fastening the cylinder cam band (and auxiliary tank strap, if applicable). Pic. 17 D) BCD carrying handle (D1) and tank locator strap (D2) The carrying handle (D1) can be found inside the collar [pic. 18], just above the backpack and in between the shoulder straps. It can be used to carry the BCD when NOT ATTACHED TO A TANK or to hang the BCD for drying/ storage purpose. Pic. 19 Note: The tank locating strap is NOT a handle. Please do not use it to carry or to hang the BCD to dry. E) Sternum strap This feature increases stability when using your BCD by reducing the load on your shoulders. Fasten the side squeeze buckle and pull its strap to tighten. - 12 - Pic. 18-13 - Pic. 20
2) INFLATOR AND VALVES The same power inflator unit is used on all BCDs covered by this manual. It has been tried and tested to give you the most reliable service. Its assembly drapes over the left shoulder and consists of a power inflator, a corrugated hose, a shoulder rapid exhaust valve and a low pressure hose. A) Over-pressure valve(s) Located on the back of the BCD, the number of the valves depends on the model: Pic. 23 Pic. 21 Pic. 22 - Power inflator [pic. 21]: An important part of a BCD. It has a male quick release connector so the low pressure hose can pass air into the bladder through it. The power inflator has 2 separate buttons the oral inflation / manual deflation button and the automatic inflation button. - Corrugated hose: its function is to transfer air to and from the air cell. It also houses the link between the power inflator and the shoulder exhaust valve. - Rapid exhaust valve [pic. 22]: This is a standard feature on all IST BCD which allows a diver to vent gas rapidly from the air cell when activated. - Low pressure hose: One end is connected to a first stage and the other the power inflator. It is responsible to supply air to the BCD so neutral or positive buoyancy can be easily achieved. Hand screw in the threaded end of the hose into a suitably located low pressure port (3/8 UNF). Do not screw into a high pressure port or significant damage can occur to you and your equipment! Warning: DO NOT connect the low-pressure inflator hose to any port supplying gas at a pressure greater than 12 bar (174psi) as this may cause the equipment failure and / or serious injury or death. Also, make sure the intermediate pressure is not below 8 bar (116psi) so the inflator can work properly. - 14 - J-1000 Alpha: 2 (right shoulder and right waist) J-1200 Hydro D: 3 (right shoulder, right waist and left waist) J-1300 Artemis: 2 (right shoulder and right waist) J-1500 Sojourn: 1 (right waist) The primary function of this valve is to protect your BCD from over inflation. When the air cell reaches a certain pressure over the ambience, the valve will automatically open to release excess gas. It will automatically close after the pressure falls below the valve s pre-set limit. When adjusting buoyancy, gas can also be released on demand through any of these over-pressure valves by pulling its handle away from the BCD. - 15 - Pic. 24
3) INTEGRATED WEIGHT SYSTEM All BCDs featured in this manual have either Advanced Ballast Removal System II (A.B.R.S. II) or Balast Removal System (B.R.S.). Both use a holster system with removable weight pockets, thus eliminates the need of a conventional weight belt in most situations. On selective models, they are also equipped with additional non-releasable trim weight pockets on the back of the BCD. J-1000 Alpha, J-1200 Hydro D and J-1300 Artemis: A.B.R.S. II technology is used on these models. It is used on both side pockets and the maximum weight holding capacity is 4kg / 9lb per pocket. If more weights are needed, use a conventional weight belt. DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM! To fill the A.B.R.S. II pouch, swiftly pull the weight pouch s handles forward to release them (see pic.28-30). Open each pouch to insert weights and securely close the velcro when done. Slide the pouches back into the BCD holsters with the sliver reflective strips facing outside. Tip: When loading weight, be sure that each pocket has the same amount of weight so optimum balance can be achieved in water. The A.B.R.S. II latch must be properly closed after the pouches are loaded. Firstly insert the 2 black prongs into the receiver on the holster then push the orange locking tab inward until the word locked appears. [pic. 25-27] Pic. 27 Warning: BEFORE EVERY DIVE, MAKE SURE EACH WEIGHT POCKET IS SECURELY HELD SO THEY CAN NOT FALL OUT WHILE DIVING. It can be extremely dangerous to have a sudden loss of ballast mid dive as this can lead to loss of buoyancy, uncontrollable ascent and embolism / DCI or other life threatening conditions.. If needed, the A.B.R.S. II pouches can be removed during a dive. With one handle in each hand, push swiftly forward (like throwing a punch) and the force will open the A.B.R.S. II latches. Continue moving your arms forward until the pouches are freed [pic. 28-30]. Pic. 25 Pic. 26-16 - Pic. 28 Pic. 29-17 -
Tip: These pockets allow supplement weight to be carried there, if required, or a portion of the overall weight that would otherwise be placed in the A.B.R.S. II pouch so underwater balance can be better achieved. To install weight, unfasten the side-squeeze buckles, drop the weight in and close. Pic. 30 Tip: It may be difficult to look down and see the A.B.R.S. II handles while diving. Please practice this movement in confined / shallow water to familiarise yourself with the action. PLEASE WATCH YOUR BUOYANCY WHEN PRACTICING. Warning: TO AVOID INJURING OTHER DIVERS, ALWAYS LOOK BELOW BEFORE DROPPING YOUR WEIGHT! You will also find two separate trim weight compartments on the back of the air cell and the maximum weight capacity is 1kg / 2lb. each. WARNING: Weight stored in these trim pockets are NOT RELEASABLE mid dive. They can not be a part of your primary weight!!! It is also very important to check your weighting and buoyancy in shallow / confined water with the scuba gear you intend to use and a full cylinder attached to the BCD. J1500 Sojourn: The Sojourn has a special Velcro-fastening weight system (B.R.S.). The maximum loading capacity is 4kg / 8.8lb per pocket. To load weight, peel back the Velcro fastener and pull out the weight pouch [pic. 32]. Open the pouch s flap to fill in the weight required (remember to distribute the weight evenly!). When ready, close the flap and slide the pouch back into the BCD by keeping the B.R.S. holster opening separate. Push the pouch all the way in (but leave the handles out) before fasten the Velcro closure. - 18 - Pic. 31-19 - Pic. 32
Note: ALWAYS double-check the whether B.R.S. pouches are securely installed and closed before a dive. It can be extremely dangerous to have a sudden loss of weight mid-dive as this can lead to loss of buoyancy, uncontrollable ascent and embolism / DCI or other life threatening conditions To remove the J1500 B.R.S. weight pouch during a dive, firmly grab its handle and pull forcefully away from the torso to open up the Velcro closure [pic. 33]. Continue until the whole pouch is removed [pic. 34]. IV. USING THE BCD / CARE AND MAINTENANCE Note: This manual is not intended to substitute proper dive training. The information contained within only explains how to use and maintain your IST BCD. 1) Before a dive a) Remove and load the A.B.R.S. II / B.R.S. weight pockets and put them aside until later so donning the BCD becomes an easier task. b) Slide the cylinder belt over the cylinder [pic. 35] (if your BCD has a lower supporting strap, slide it over as well). Use the carrying handle and tank locating strap to assist setting the BCD at a desired height. The cylinder should be set at a height so your head can not hit the cylinder valve / regulator assembly when bending backward BUT the cylinder valve should be reachable by your (right) hand without too much difficulty / discomfort in an emergency [pic. 36] Pic. 33 Pic. 34 Warning: ALWAYS CHECK BELOW BEFORE DROPPING YOUR WEIGHT TO AVOID INJURING OTHER DIVERS,! Pic. 35 Pic. 36 Tip: Undo the last step (4 th ) of the cam buckle threading procedure mentioned previously so you can pull the strap tightly to secure the tank. Close the buckle half-way (it will stand against the cylinder) then complete the threading of the buckle before closing it. - 20 - Tip: It is also helpful to wet the tank belt prior to securing the BCD to a tank to increase its grip. - 21 -
c) After the belt s cam buckle is closed, hook the strap end to the Velcro fastener so it can not be accidentally opened. d) The tank should be tightly held and there is no slack in the belt. Grab the shoulder straps and lift the whole BCD and tank assembly off the ground a little to double-check. If there is an excessive movement, reset the cylinder strap and cam buckle until everything is firmed attached. Note: It is very dangerous to have a tank loosely attached to a BCD. Serious damage to equipment, injury or death (due to loss of buoyancy / air, impact from the weight of the tank) may occur if the tank comes off whilst diving. 2) During A DIVE - Use and functions of your inflation system To gain buoyancy / to be afloat on the surface Oral inflation: To orally inflate your BCD, if the conditions allow, place the oral inflator s mouthpiece to your mouth and exhale a small amount of air into it. That will purge any water that may be in the housing. While continuing to exhale, depress the oral inflator button to inflate the BCD [pic. 29]. At the end of the exhaling phase, release the oral inflator button to prevent air from escaping. e) If needed, load weight into the rear trim pockets (if equipped) in the back of the BCD. f) Install the regulator assembly and connect the LP hose to the power inflator. To connect the LP hose, grip the sleeve at the connection fitting with your thumb and forefinger and slide the sleeve back. Place the fitting over the quick disconnect plug and firmly push inward while releasing the sleeve. Check to be sure that the hose is securely attached. g) Open the tank valve slowly after your regulator is attached. Test your equipment for proper performance use the power inflator to fill the bladder, pull every over-pressure valve and shoulder pull dump, your regulator etc. Then inflate your BCD until it feels firm and let it stand for a few minutes (while waiting, it is a good idea to check the BCD s exterior for damages). If the air cell is not as firm as when inflated or there is any doubt, please seek assistance and do not dive until the problem has been solved. h) Put the BCD on (with the assistance of your dive buddy) and securely and snugly fasten the harness to your torso (shoulder straps / sternum strap / cummerbund). Further adjustments may have to be made once in the water as buoyancy and pressure change. i) Install the weight pouches and make sure the A.B.R.S. II / B.R.S. closures are closed properly. Warning: MAKE SURE EACH WEIGHT POCKET IS SECURELY HELD SO THEY CAN NOT FALL OUT WHILE DIVING. It can be extremely dangerous to have a sudden loss of counterweight mid-dive as this can lead to a loss of buoyancy, uncontrollable ascent and embolism / DCI or other life threatening conditions. Pic. 29 Automatic inflation: To use the power inflator to automatically inflate your BCD, simply depress the orange power inflator button and the gas from your cylinder will flow into the air cell. Warning: DO NOT press and hold the inflator button underwater as this could cause you to become excessively buoyant very quickly. Instead, depress the button in short bursts until you achieve the buoyancy you need. - 22 - - 23 -
To reduce buoyancy When releasing air from your BCD, always remember air will escape from the BCD s highest point in closest to the surface and it is not always your shoulders! Deflation via mouthpiece: Hold the power inflator up so it is pointing to the surface and is higher than any other part of the BCD. Press the deflation button to release air. Be sure to release the button before bubbles stop coming out to prevent water entering your BCD. Tip: Deflation using this method can be particularly easy to achieve when in a upright position. Deflation through the rapid exhaust valve: Hold the power inflator and pull directly away from the shoulder. Note: The rapid exhaust valve has a travel limit of approximately 1/4 and it does not need to be tugged forcefully! Deflation via Over-pressure valve: This exhaust valve provides an effective and convenient way to vent gas from the BCD while either in an upright or horizontal (facedown) swimming position. Simply pull its handle away from the BCD to reduce buoyancy. It also functions as an overpressure valve that will open automatically to relief air when a certain pressure inside the bladder is reached. 3) POST DIVE CARE / MAINTENANCE It is important to perform the following simple cleaning procedures at the end of EACH day s diving activity so this IST BCD can bring you years of trouble free service. Please proceed as follows: a) Immerse the BCD in fresh water and clean its exterior b) Press and hold the oral inflation button and fill the BCD bladder with fresh water to about 1/5 full through the power inflator s mouthpiece c) Orally inflate the BCD partially and shake it in all directions so the inside of the bladder can be rinsed. d) Turn the BCD upside down and press the oral inflation button to drain water e) Repeat step b ~ d once or twice more to thoroughly clean the bladder f) Remove the power inflator / corrugated hose assembly (including the female shoulder valve cover) and all over-pressure valves for rinsing and cleaning. g) To clean the inside of the power inflator / corrugated hose assembly, run water through the power inflator s mouthpiece by pressing the oral inflation / deflation button. Some residual water will remain inside the power inflator mechanism. To drain the remaining water, hold the power inflator up (with the exhaust valve end hanging) and press the auto inflation button. Water will then drain from the low-pressure BC hose connector. Keep the button pressed until no more water comes out. h) Hang the BCD and parts in a shaded area until completely dried. Never store the BCD while it is still damp. i) Reinstall the power inflator / corrugated hose assembly and all over-pressure valves until just taut (there is no need to over-tighten). j) Always partially inflate the bladder before putting it away. Do not store the BCD folded or with any heavy and / or sharp object sitting atop. - 24 - - 25 -
k) Always store it in a cool, dry, shaded place. Prolonged exposure to the sun will significantly reduce the BCD s fabric covering and bladder s life. The prescribed service / maintenance interval is once a year and this task should be performed by a technician who is authorized by an official IST distributor. This service includes the checking of the BCD s bladder integrity and all valves / mechanical parts well being. INSPECTION AND SERVICE INTERVAL Your BCD should be inspected by an authorized IST dealer at least once a year, and more often if you dive frequently. This is a required action to keep your warranty in effect. INSTALLATION OF NEW PARTS Use of non-factory parts or any change to the product not specifically authorized by IST Sport Corp. may cause improper operation, damage, or leaking of the BCD resulting in a loss of buoyancy control or air holding capability. This could result in injury and / or death, and will void your warranty. ONLY replace worn or damaged items with genuine, factory supplied or specified parts. V. BUOYANCY VI. WARRANTY The warranty of this floatation device is valid to the original owner only (proof of purchase is necessary) AND it covers any defects in materials and / or workmanship for the period of 2 years from the date of purchase. Proper maintenance as prescribed in this manual is required and this warranty does not cover any wear and tear under normal usage AND any commercial / rental usage. The following action will also invalidate the warranty: incorrect use of the BCD, the use of non-original parts, any modification, servicing task performed by an unqualified, non-ist authorised dealer. Equipment in question should be returned, prepaid, to your authorised IST dealer, along with proof of purchase. In the event no authorised IST dealer is readily accessible, the original purchaser should contact the nearest IST distributor for warranty return authorisation. Model # J-1000 J-1200 J-1300 J-1500 Serial # Date of purchase (dd) / (mm) / (yy) Dealer s name & address SIZE MODEL / BUOYANCY* (approx.) J-1000 Alpha J-1200 Hydro D J-1300 Artemis J-1500 Sojourn XS 105N (10.7kgf) 140N (14.3kgf) 85N (8.7kgf) 80N (8.2kgf) S 125N (12.7kgf) 140N (14.3kgf) 105N (10.7kgf) 95N (9.7kgf) M 155N (15.8kgf) 140N (14.3kgf) 125N (12.7kgf) 135N (13.8kgf) L - 140N (14.3kgf) 140N (14.3kgf) - L-XL 195N (19.9kgf) - - 170N (17.3kgf) XL - 180N (18.4kgf) - - * The lift capacity of each size and model is measured in freshwater at sea level with each BC fully inflated. Purchaser: (Dealer s stamp) - 26 - - 27 -
www.istsports.com Ver. E990617-28 -