User manual
Poseidon MKVI User Manual
Chapter 4
Page 63
Chapter 4 - Post-dive care and maintenance
Proper post-dive procedures are important for any rebreather, and the Poseidon MKVI is no
exception. Such procedures not only ensure that the system will work correctly on the next
dive, but will also extend the functional life of the unit. This chapter is divided into four main
sections, including information on care and maintenance that should be done following every
dive, steps that should be done at the end of each diving day, long-term care and storage, and
information concerning travelling with the rebreather.
After each dive
The extended dive durations possible with the Poseidon MKVI will likely exceed the amount of
time most divers will want to spend on any one dive. As a consequence, in many cases it is
likely that divers will conduct more than one dive in a single day.
Power down
After each dive, if the next dive will not occur within a few minutes, it’s important to follow the
steps listed at the end of Chapter 3 to shut the power down on the electronics system. Failure
to do so will not cause any risk to the diver or the Poseidon MKVI itself, but it will lead to
unnecessary battery consumption, thereby requiring re-charging sooner than would otherwise
be the case.
Replacing the oxygen and CO
2
absorbent cartridge
If the remaining oxygen supply is insufcient for a second dive and the cylinder needs to be
relled, then it is imperative that the CO2 absorbent canister be replaced at the same time.
This is because the absorbent duration is keyed to the amount of oxygen contained in the
oxygen supply cylinder. As long as the absorbent cartridge is replaced whenever the oxygen
cylinder is relled, the absorbent will always out-last the oxygen supply.
IMPORTANT:
Failure to take proper care of the Poseidon MKVI can reduce its
effectiveness, and also shorten its lifespan. A small investment of
time to care for the rebreather unit will help ensure that it continues
its job to take care of you.
Removing the electronics module
Unless a subsequent dive is planned soon after the previous dive, it’s generally good practice
to remove the Electronics Module from the breathing loop, to allow inspection of the oxygen
sensors, and also to allow moisture from condensation to dry out. Avoid removing the battery
unless the e-module is dry. If the electronics are to be removed completely, both gas supply
cylinders must rst be de-pressurized so that the regulators can be removed. Follow the
instructions included in Chapter 3 for proper power-down procedures, which include depres-
surizing both gas supply cylinders.
DANGER:
The CO
2
absorbent cartridge MUST be replaced whenever the
oxygen supply cylinder is replaced or re-lled. Failure to change
the absorbent cartridge in this fashion could lead to serious injury
or death.