Rapid Diver™ BC Owner’s Manual
Introduction Thanks for Choosing Zeagle! We value your decision to invest in a Zeagle Buoyancy Control System. Please have your authorized Zeagle Dealer familiarize you with the operation and care of your new Zeagle Rapid Diver™ Buoyancy Compensator* (BC) and go over your Owner’s Manual with you. Have your Dealer sign the appropriate line on the service record at the end of this manual, after he has performed this service.
Contents Introduction .................................................................. 1 Warranty Information .................................................... 3 General Information and Specifications ...................... 4 Function of the Rapid Diver™ System .......................... 7 Assembling the Rapid Diver™ System ......................... 9 Fitting and Donning the Rapid Diver™ System ........... 12 Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection ...............................
Warranty Information Owner’s Responsibilities • Zeagle Systems, Inc. requires that the end user of this system be certified by a nationally or internationally recognized SCUBA certification agency and adequately trained in its use by a certified SCUBA instructor with thorough knowledge and experience in the use of Zeagle Systems, Inc. equipment. • An annual inspection performed by an authorized Zeagle Dealer is required for the safe operation of this system.
General Information and Specifications This Buoyancy Compensator's Owner's Manual contains important safety, maintenance, and operation information. Read this manual thoroughly before diving. Important information on the assembly, operation, and maintenance of your BC is designated throughout this manual with the "IMPORTANT" graphic and the symbol shown above.
General Information & Specifications SCUBA Cylinder Selection and Configuration Your over-all buoyancy depends on a combination of the buoyancy of all your diving equipment added to your own body's buoyancy. The Zeagle System is designed to work with a variety of tank sizes and configurations. Failure to comply with the following information may result in an improper buoyancy configuration. You must maintain neutral buoyancy while diving to prevent injury or death.
General Information and Specifications Surface Buoyancy of BC's Total prEN1809 BUOYANCY Your BC's buoyancy, has been rated by Zeagle Systems, Inc. Buoyancy figures were measured in fresh water at sea level, and were rounded down to the nearest pound. For buoyancies listed in the metric system, buoyancy is measured in multiples of 10 Newtons, then rounded down to the next lowest multiple. The buoyancy of your BC is printed on a label, located on the bladder assembly, as shown on page 8.
Function of the Rapid-Diver System The Zeagle Buoyancy Control System The function of the Zeagle buoyancy control system is to add to your diving enjoyment. It is designed to provide you with a comfortable way of “wearing” your SCUBA system, a resting platform while on the surface, and an easy means of controlling your buoyancy while diving. Tactical Swimmer's Vest The Rapid-Diver can be worn without a tank or regulator as a Swimmer's Vest.
Function of the Zeagle System Your Rapid Diver™ includes a Power Inflator that allows you to inflate the BCD by pushing on the white button "A" to use air from the cylinder, or by putting your lips to the mouthpiece and pressing the button "B". Both of these techniques should be demonstrated by your instructor and practiced in a safe shallow pool until they are mastered. See Figure 2 below. Fig. 2 NEVER breathe from the bladder assembly.
Assembling the Life-Support System onto the Rapid Diver When you first receive the Rapid Diver™ System, it is unassembled in its box or bag (See Fig 3). This chapter describes how to assemble the components of the Rapid Diver System. Before you can use the Rapid Diver system you have to install the Life-Support components of either the Razor Tank/Valve combination or a standard valve and regulator such as the ReZort. Fig.
Note: Tank bands expand and lengthen when wet. See Figure 5 below with black arrows pointing to the tanks bands. For this reason, you will get a tighter fit if you make your initial adjustments with tank bands that have been Fig. 4 wet for at least 20 minutes. To thread the buckles for the first time; • If the Tank Straps were completely removed from the Rapid Diver to make it as light as possible for Swim-Vest use, the straps will have to be re-threaded into the BC.
Fig. 6 • Add the first stage to the valve making sure that the yoke knob is facing away from the diver. See "D" in Figure 6. • Fasten the 2nd stage regulator hose over the neck using the three Velcro attachments. See "B" & "C" in Figure 6. (Note: The Velcro Fastener behind the neck is hidden in this view.) • Fasten the pressure gauge hose vertically using the Velcro attachment. See "C" in Figure 6 • Fasten the hose to the Power Inflator using the Quick Disconnect fitting.
Fitting and Assembly Initial Adjustments for Proper Fit The Rapid Diver™ System allows the diver a universal fit feature. For proper performance, please be sure that your system fits as described below. For initial adjustments, loosen the waist and back strap and then put the BC on (before attaching it to a SCUBA cylinder) and adjust the shoulders and waist as follows. 1. Loosen all of the straps and make sure all clips are secured before donning.
3. The system should be worn with the tank even with your sternum. Hold the tank with one hand. With the other hand, reach behind to grab the loose strap and tighten it snuggly. Do the same for the opposite side. See Figure 9. Fig. 9 4. Pull both adjustment straps forward and down at the same time to properly position the Rapid Diver™. Adjust the BC so that it does not restrict your breathing. Restriction of normal breathing while wearing your BC could result in injury or death.
5. To control the excess strap, stow it between the bladder and your chest. 4. With assistance, make sure the shoulder straps are adjusted properly. There should be about three inches between your neck and the collar of the BC.
Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection Over Pressure Valve (OPV) The over pressure / dump valve is typically located on the top left shoulder area of the bladder assembly. As its name implies, the OP Valve prevents over inflation of the bladder. The valve automatically releases air when the internal bladder pressure exceeds the valve's spring pressure. The valve will automatically close when the internal bladder pressure becomes less than the valve's spring pressure.
Diving with the Rapid-Diver System Pre-Dive Check: Prior to each dive, always check to make certain your Rapid Diver™ BC has no obvious leaks, by inflating the bladder until the over pressure relief valve vents. Listen for air leaks. If any are found, then service is necessary by an authorized Zeagle technician. Never dive with a leaking or malfunctioning BC. Diving 16 • Your final buoyancy is primarily affected by your body, your thermal suit, your diving cylinder, and your lead weights.
Emergency Procedures Problem Management Inflator problem Inflators may fail due to foreign material in the mechanism, damage from impact by tanks or weights, or other causes. Practice the procedures below (in a safe location with your buddy) for your safety. Inflator fails to operate Check to see that the low pressure hose is properly connected. Orally inflate the bladder if necessary to establish proper buoyancy.
Maintenance The reliability and correct functioning of your equipment depends on the care it receives. Post Dive BC Cleaning: • • • • Rinse the Rapid Diver™ BCD thoroughly with fresh water after each use. Rinse the inside of the bladder by holding the exhaust button on the inflator system open and allowing fresh water to partially fill the bladder. “Slosh” the water around to dissolve any salt crystals (salt crystals can damage the bladder over time). Drain the bladder completely and repeat.
Buoyancy System Accessories Tank Band Mount p/n 8029R The same Band Assembly that mounts the tank in front of the Rapid-Diver, can be installed in the backplate to hold a fully redundant rearmounted tank and regulator. 20 cu ft Aluminum Tank Sanded finish 331-1001 Black finish 331-1002 Shown with the optional Valve 331-2001 A Zeagle Exclusive. The perfect size and fit for the Rapid Diver.
SERVICE RECORD DATE SERVICE PERFORMED SERVICE CENTER TECHNICIAN # Owner Orientation: Dealer Preparation: Attach the original or a copy of your purchase receipt to this booklet and store it in a safe place. Your receipt may be needed for warranty validation if you take your BCD to a different Zeagle Dealer for service. Locating Service and Support The Dealer that sold you your Buoyancy Compensator will be able to assist you with additional questions regarding product operation, warranty, and service.
Zeagle Systems, Inc. 37150 Chancey Road Zephyrhills, FL. 33541 Phone: (813) 782-5568 Fax: (813) 782-5569 www.zeagle.
