DRYSUIT USER’S MANUAL

Read this manual beforeusing this suit.Retain the manual in asafe place for the lifetimeof the garment. Contactthe manufacturer if anyaspect of the informationgiven in this manual isunclear, or you requirefurther information.

WARNING!

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INTRODUCTION

CAUTION!

A cautionary notice indicates a situation which may cause damageor malfunction to material or equipment. Cautionary notices aredesigned in the style of this notice.

Welcome to this User’s Manual. It is intended for users of Vikingdrysuits. All procedures described in this manual require adequateskill and knowledge in the use of drysuits through training by aqualified and certified instructor. In the manual, risks to persons orequipment are indicated by the following types of notices:

WARNING!

A warning notice indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,if not avoided, may cause injury or death. Warning notices are de-signed in the style of this notice.

WARNING!

Diving with a drysuit can be extremely dangerous. Do not attemptto use this drysuit without prior training and certification by aqualified and certified instructor, and use of all necessary andappropriate equipment.

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1

INTRODUCTION

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INTRODUCTION

These guidelines are recommended by Viking. Follow them for yoursafety and incorporate them in your routine as a mandatory pre-dive check list.If your equipment fails to work as intended:DO NOT USE IT; HAVE THE PROBLEMS CORRECTED BY AQUALIFIED DIVE SHOP.

1 Complete a drysuit diving course led by a certified instructorand maintain proficiency by regular dives.

2 Use a buoyancy compensator device for surface flotation andfor your safety.

3 Know your equipment and emergency procedures. Read theUser's Manuals for all your equipment.

4 Practice your drysuit diving skills under controlled conditionsuntil they become second nature.

5 Never dive alone. Dive with a buddy who has a thoroughunderstanding of your drysuit system. Do always have peopleon land or in a boat that are able to help you in case of emergency.

Safety instructions

WARNING!

Risk of injury due to reduced body functions when diving in coldwater. Water or air temperatures below 70°F (21°C) constitute coldwater diving. Water or air temperatures below 40°F (5°C) constituteice diving. Ice diving is dangerous and requires special equipment,training, preparation and procedures.

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1 INTRODUCTIONSafety instructions _________________ III

Description ______________________ V

Description of marking in the suit ____ VI

2 DRESSINGInsulating clothing and equipment ____ 1

Installation of cuff rings _____________ 3

Pre-dive equipment checks __________ 4

Dressing instruction________________ 6

Check before entering the water ______ 8

Undressing _______________________ 10

3 REPAIRING A DRYSUITGluing, general rules _______________ 11

Pressure testing ___________________ 15

Gluing preparations ________________ 16

Gluing __________________________ 18

Patching _________________________ 21

4 MAINTENANCEStorage and maintenance ____________ 23

Valves ___________________________ 25

5 DRYSUIT DIVINGTechnique _______________________ 26

Valves ___________________________ 30

Hose ____________________________ 33

Table of Contents

II

1

INTRODUCTION

1

INTRODUCTION

A drysuit is a suit which protects its wearer by the exclusion ofwater and contaminants when underwater. Latex seals are attachedto the body of the suit at the neck and cuffs to prevent water fromentering whilst submerged.

Various types of underwear can be worn under the suit dependingon water temperature, depth and diver activity. The conservation ofbody heat using thermal protection, in cold, deep water is vitallyimportant to the safety and efficiency of divers, professional and amateuralike.

The following chapters describe in detail, how to use, maintain andcarry out certain repairs to your drysuit.

Description

WARNING!

Risk of injury due to reduced body functions when diving in coldwater. Water or air temperatures below 70°F (21°C) constitute coldwater diving. Water or air temperatures below 40°F (5°C) constituteice diving. Ice diving is dangerous and requires special equipment,training, preparation and procedures.

V

WARNING!

Do not use other gas than air for inflation of the suit. Using oxygenenriched gas for inflation one is in risk of fire and explosion. Usingargon there is a risk of this gas getting into a full face mask and thebreathing system through the hood. This has to be avoided becausethe effect of breathing argon is more narcotic than what nitrogen iswhen under increased partial pressure.

Safety instructions

WARNING!

Risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The drysuit materials cancause skin irritation and allergic reactions to individuals sensitive tothese materials. Consult medical advise if in doubt.

WARNING!

Diving with a drysuit can be extremely dangerous. Do not attempt touse this drysuit without prior training and certification by a qualifiedand certified instructor, and use of all necessary and appropriateequipment.

6 Use the correct amount of insulation for the water conditionsyou are diving in and your exercise rate.

7 Your weighting should allow you to make a decompressionat ten feet at the completion of your dive with a tankcontaining 500 psi of air or less. Determine theappropriate weight needed to attain neutral buoyancy by forexample a pool dive. Weight yourself at neutral buoyancywith an empty tank. An increased salinity in the water requiresmore weight.

8 Check your valves, hose, zipper and seals before each dive.

9 Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on the suit regularly.At least once a year have the suit, valves and hose serviced by aqualified dealer service, but more frequently if the suit is inheavy or extraordinary use.

10 Know your limitations and do not exceed them.

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1

INTRODUCTION

1

INTRODUCTION

WARNING!

IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, USE OR MISUSE OF THISDRYSUIT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Follow established diving safety practice. Do not dive over the limitsof your ability and training. Do not use this suit without being familiarwith diving equipment and having had prior qualified training.

Do not use this dry suit until you have practised and mastered practicaldry suit skills, including emergency skills in a controlled environmentunder supervision of a dive instructor certified by a nationallyrecognised instructional organisation and knowledgeable in the useof dry suits.

Do not use this suit without evaluating the conditions before everydive and making sure they fit your personal capabilities. Regularlyservice and maintain the suit and its parts! Check equipment beforeand during every dive.

Improper maintenance, use or misuse of this dry suit could causeloss of buoyancy control and exposure to thermal hazards, includinguncontrolled descents and uncontrolled rapid ascents, bodyoverheating or overcooling, resulting in drowning, decompressionsickness, air embolism, stroke or seizure.

Do not use this drysuit until you have read, understood and followedall instructions and safety precautions in the User´s Manual.

Never dive without accepting your own responsibility for safety onevery dive.

If the User´s Manual is unavailable or lost, another copy can beobtained by writing the manufacturer or be downloaded fromwww.vikingdiving.com.

VII

Description of marking in the suit

Field 1: Brand nameField 2: Model.Field 3: CE-approval, year issued, by

notified body (NB number).Field 4: CE-approval according to

international standard or EECdirective.

Field 5: Size.Field 6: Pictogram with

measurements in centimetres.Field 7: Request to read instructions

in User's Manual.Field 8: Washing instructions.Field 9: Article number of suit.Field 10: The suit's individual batch

number.Field 11: Suit manufacturer.Field 12: Address suit manufacturer.Field 13: Warning text. (see page 5)

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The Viking suits have been tested andapproved by notified body no. 0403;Finnish Institute of Occupational Health,Department of Physics, Topeliuksenkatu 41a A, FIN-00250 Helsinki. The suits are CE-marked and have EC type approval underthe Council Directive 89/686/EEC onpersonal protective equipment.

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DRESSING

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DRESSING

HoodsThe hood protects your head and neckfrom getting cold. Choose a proper hood,best fitted for the conditions where youdive.

Gloves and mittsKeep your hands warm in order to be ableto control your equipment during the dive.Use dry gloves or mittens, with separateliners, that together with cuff rings can connect to the suit.

Gloves with wool liners will protect down to approx. +10°C. Incolder water mittens or better insulated gloves are recommended.

WARNING!

Diving with new and unfamiliar equipment can be extremelydangerous. Always practise your drysuit diving skills with newequipment under controlled conditions, supervised by a qualifiedand certified instructor.

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Thermal protection underwearIn order to protect the diver from cooling, which could result inreduced body functions, it is highly important to dress correctlyunder the dry suit (A).

The neck area and shoulders are very important to protect. Eachindividual has different abilities to preserve the body heat. Adjustyour clothing, choice of type, thickness and amount of insulatinglayers after your activity level, weather and water temperature.

Wear sports underwear (C) covering wrist to shoulder next to thebody (B) and over this an insulating dress (D).

It is of vital importance to have the right buoyancy for maximuminsulating protection.

Note!See also the chapter on drysuit divingfor more thorough information on howto adjust weights for the right buoyancy.

Insulating clothing and equipment

WARNING!

Diving with defective equipment can cause injury or death. Do notdive if any equipment fails to function as intended. Have themrepaired or replaced at an authorised dive shop.

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DRESSING

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DRESSING

WARNING!

Diving with defective equipment can cause injury or death. Do notdive if any equipment fails to function as intended. Have them repai-red or replaced at an authorised dive shop.

WARNING!

Do not use other gas than air for inflation of the suit. Using oxygenenriched gas for inflation one is in risk of fire and explosion. Usingargon there is a risk of this gas getting into a full face mask and thebreathing system through the hood. This has to be avoided becausethe effect of breathing argon is more narcotic than what nitrogen iswhen under increased partial pressure.

2 Connect the inflator hose to the valveCheck visually to make certain that thereis no damage or contamination to the con-nector house, valve head, hose or O-rings.

Pre-dive equipment checks1 Trim the sealsThe neck-seal on a new suit must beadjusted to fit the diver (approx 20% smal-ler than the circumference of the neck).Trim carefully in small increments using along, sharp pair of scissors. Lubricate theseals with pure, unscented talcum powderwhen donning the suit so as to reducefriction against your skin.

WARNING!

Failure to trim the neck-seal may result in choking, leading to injuryor death.

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1 Insert the inner ringInsert the plastic inner ring, with grooved edge first, down the sleeveuntil the forward edge rests under the latex cuff a little below thesleeve end.

2 Place the outer ringSlide the rubber outer ring over the latexcuff and inner ring, locking it into placeby pressing it up and over the edge of theinner ring. The distal edges of both cuffrings will be even when they are properlyseated.

3 Put on the glovesPut on the latex gloves and pull the rolled edge over the lip of theouter cuff ring to form a seal. Secure with a Viking rubber band.

Installation of cuff rings

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DRESSING

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DRESSING

1 Take off all jewelleryIt is important to remove all rings, watchesand necklaces and other items which couldtear the latex seals.

2 Step into the suit feet firstThis may be easier to do from a sitting posi-tion.

3 Adjust the cuffsPut your arms, one at a time, through thesleeves and slide your hands into the latexcuffs so the seals are smoothly seated on yourwrist. Pull the suit material if necessary, butavoid pulling directly on the latex, particu-larly with the finger nails.

Dressing instruction

CAUTION!

Sharp objects can tear the suit material, with risk of leakage ormalfuntion. Remove all sharp objects.

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3 Check the valve functionConnect air to the inlet valve and operatethe valve. Check that the valve opens andcloses properly. The suit will inflate if thevalve is working properly.

4 Check the zipperCheck that the zipper opens and closesproperly and that no material, such asunderwear fiber or lint, is caught in thezipper’s teeth. Check that the zipper is freefrom dirt and sand. Lubricate the zipper ifnecessary. Use only lubricant recommendedby Viking and the zipper manufacturer. Sili-con spray is dangerous to your zipper andsuit.

Note!See also the chapter on maintenance for more thorough information on how tolubricate the zipper.

5 Assembly of hose to low pressure portThe inflator hose must be connected to a LOW pressure port on theregulator's first stage or to another source of low pressure air. Maxi-mum working pressure is 15 BAR (225 psi.). The inflator hose ismanufactured with UNF 3/8" coupling.

Note!Avoid sharp bends in the hose: Do not bend the hose below a minimum radius of 4cm (1.5")

6 Stiff latex in cold weather useCold and low temperatures make the latex parts stiff and brittle.Warm them up gently with something that keeps a temperature of+37°C to +40°C to make them smooth and easy to put on, justbefore use.

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DRESSING

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DRESSING

1 Connect the inflator hose to thevalveCheck that the inflator hose is properlyconnected to the valve. Check for damageand contamination.

2 Inflate the suitInflate the suit so you feel air entering thesuit.

3 Vent exhaust airOpen the outlet valve by turning the valvelid counter clockwise, and bend down toforce excess air out of the outlet valve andensure that it functions properly.

4 Close the outlet valveClose the valve by turning the lid clockwise.

Check before entering the water

WARNING!

Diving with defective equipment can cause injury or death. Do notdive if any equipment fails to function as intended. Have them repai-red or replaced at an authorised dive shop.

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5 Adjust the neckseal and hoodAdjust the neckseal by folding it smoothlydownwards around your neck. Makecertain there are no wrinkles or folds whichcould allow water to enter. Also adjust thehood around your face so that your maskwill attach to your face skin only. Makecertain there is no hair or thermal inner-hood sticking out under the hood.

6 Close the zipperMake sure that the person who closes yourzipper is careful not to catch any underwearmaterial in the zipper teeth.

7 Connect the inflator hoseMake certain that the inflator hose does notinterfere with the operation of or access toany other equipment.

4 Pull the hood over your headPut your hands from the outside of the hoodand neckseal. Pull apart and slide the hoodonto your head.

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DRESSING

2

DRESSING

1 Disconnect inflator hoseDisconnect the inflator hose before remo-ving other equipment.

2 Open the zipperIf the zipper sticks do not force it.Investigate the problem and removeobstacles.

3 Before taking off a latex hoodPut your hands inside the suit between theneckseal and your neck. Push out the latexand pull over your head.

4 Take off the hoodGrasp the neck-seal through the faceopening and pull hood and neck-seal overthe head. Pull the suit material but avoidpulling the latex directly, particularlywith the finger nails.

5 Release latex cuffsRelease cuffs by gripping the material ofthe suit and pull in a smooth and easymovement. Pull the suit material, ifnecessary, but avoid pulling the latexdirectly, particularly with the finger nails.

6 Step out of the suit

Note!Information on how to take careof the suit after diving is given inthe chapter on MAINTENANCE.

Undressing

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5 Depress the valveRelease air from outlet valve by depressingthe valve, to make sure the valve isfunctioning.

6 Check the zipperLet your diving buddy check that yourzipper is properly closed.

7 Always wear a buoyancy aidAlways wear a separate buoyancy com-pensator, or buoyancy aid (BCD).

8 Finally check the water conditionagain before entering the water

WARNING

Falling into water with the drysuit open can cause injury or drowning,since the drysuit will quickly be filled by water. Always keep the suitzipper properly closed when you are near deep water or on a boat.

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

3Neutralizing

Neutralize excessive glue by applying unscented talcumpowder.

CuringCuring time will vary withroom temperature. At20°C (68°F) a minimumof 60 minutes isrequired, but the repairarea should not be stressedfor 3 hours and will befully cured in 24 hours.If possible, avoid using thesuit for 24 hours after amajor repair.

33333

2222211111

444441 Cloth tape2 Suit material coated side3 Fabric4 Latex

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Gluing, general rules

Wherever possible, drysuit repairs should be undertaken by aqualified drysuit repair service. If the drysuit owner undertakes anyrepairs, the following procedures should be followed to ensure thatproper techniques are employed.

Repairing a drysuitDo not inhale glue or hardener. See warnings in this manual and onglue container.

Use only glue recommended by Trelleborg. Other types of gluemay damage the suit material.

For minor repair (patching) use glue (polyurethane suits) orvulcanisation solution (rubber suits) supplied with the Trelleborgrepair kit.

Gluing preparationEnsure damaged area is dry. Clean the surface to be glued.Remove remains of old loose glue, oil and grease.Thoroughly sand down all new dry suit parts where theywill be glued.Clean sanded area with heptane or white gas.

GluingApply a thin layer of glue on both surfaces to be glued. Let dryfor 15 minutes.Apply a second layer of glue and let dry a minimum of 15minutes or until tacky.

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

3

Tools for repairsThese wooden tools are handy equipment for major repairs of latexparts.A. Cylinder with spherical top: for changing of latex hoods and

neckseals.B. Topped cone: for changing of latex cuffs. All measurements in

cm and inches.

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How to mix the Trelleborg 2-component glueImmediately before use, the hardenershould be mixed thoroughly with theglue. Add 1 part hardener to 10 partsglue. (Use the measuring cup provided.)The mixed glue can be used only as longas it is fluid, approximately 2 hours.

WARNING!

Hardener – HarmfulContains Diphenylmethane - 4,4 - Diisocyanate and Ethylacetate.Contains Isocyanates; See information supplied by theManufacturer. Harmful by inhalation. Irritating to eyes,respiratory system and skin. May cause burning sensation byinhalation. In case of contact with eyes rinse immediately withplenty of water end seek medical advice. In case of accident or if you feel unwell seek medical adviceimmediately. (Show label where possible.) Use only in wellventilated conditions.

Glue – Harmful – Highly flammableHarmful by inhalation.Contains Toluene and Butanone. Irritating to eyes and respiratorysystem. Keep container in a well ventilated place. Keep awayfrom sources of ignition – No smoking. Do not breathe fumes.Avoid contact with eyes. Do not empty into drains. Takeprecautionary measures static discharges.

WARNING!

The glue and hardener may be harmful to your health by inhalationor skin contact or contact with your eyes. Read warning note belowand follow the instructions on the kit.

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

3

Wherever possible, drysuit repairs should be undertaken by aqualified drysuit repair service. If the drysuit owner undertakes anyrepairs, the following procedures should be followed to ensure pro-per techniques are employed.

1 Remove the tapeOn suits with tape around the la-tex cuffs, remove tape by usingcleaning solvents. Use heptane orwhite gas.

Risk of eye injury from contact with solvent. Wear proper eye coversto protect your eyes.

WARNING!

3 Sand new latexSand new latex 20 mm (3/4”) on in-side, and when using tape, 12 mm (1/2”) on outside as well.Sand also suit sleeve 25 mm.

2 Remove the cuffPull latex until old glue releases.

Gluing preparations

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Pressure TestingTo determine the position of a leak/damaged area of the suit, carry outa pressure test as follows:

1 Seal openingsSeal neck opening, by for example placing a suitable-sized ball inthe neck-seal. Make sure the seal stretches and grips the ball.

Seal cuffs, by for example placing an empty plastic bottle in each ofthe cuffs making sure the latex grips the bottles.

2 Inflate and find leaksInflate the suit and locate the leakby using soapy water or by partialsubmergence of the suit in water.Mark the leak with a chalk beforedeflating the suit.

Verify repairsAfter repairs, allow 3 hours for curing, and then carry out anotherpressure test to ascertain the integrity of the suit.

Pressure testing

CAUTION!

Risk of damage to the suit material due to over inflating. Do not overinflate the suit.

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

3

REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

31 Apply two layers of glueApply two layers of glue with15 minutes drying time foreach layer, both on the insideof the new latex cuff and on theoutside of the sleeve.

2 Attach the new latexcuff

Use a bottle or a round pieceof wood inside the sleeve as aform to ease the installation ofthe new latex cuffs.Apply the new latex cuff. Avoidstreching the latex cuff. Attachby using two opposite points andwork your way around one sideat a time. (Pull it loose and beginagain if it becomes uneven).There must be no folds orcreases, the latex should liesmoothly along the cuff.When the latex is properlyattached, secure it by pressingfirmly with the roller.

Gluing

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4 Clean with solventClean all surfaces to be glued.Use heptane or white gas.

WARNING!Risk of eye injury from contact with solvent. Wear proper eye coversto protect your eyes.

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

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6 Verify repairsAfter repairs, allow 3 hours forcuring, then carry out a pressuretest to ascertain the integrity of thesuit, as described in the section onPressure testing.

7 Service your suit and itsparts on regular basis

Let an authorised Viking dealerservice your drysuit, valves, inflatorhose, zipper and seals on regularbasis and for more complicatedrepairs. At least one service a yearmust be undertaken, but morefrequently if the suit is in heavy orextraordinary use.

CAUTION!

Risk of severe damage to the drysuit or its equipment leading tomalfunction, if the suit is not properly serviced. Service must beundertaken, even if the suit is not in regular use.

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3 When using tape, apply twocoats of glue to the area it will cover,on the outside.

4 Apply tapeApply the tape half on suit and halfon latex cuff to cover the jointbetween latex and suit material.Smooth with a roller. Overlap clothtape.

5 Apply talcum powderNeutralize excessive glue withunscented talcum powder, espe-wcially on the inside of the latexpart.

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

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REPAIRING A DRYSUIT

34 Fixing the patchUse a roller over the glued area topress out any air bubbles and tomake sure the surfaces are firmlybonded.Pay special attention to the areaswhere the glued parts cross over tape.

5 Talcum powder (rubber suitsonly)

Neutralize excessive solution withunscented talcum powder.

6 Verify repairsAfter repairs, allow 3 hours forcuring, then carry out a pressure testto ascertain the integrity of the suit,as described in the section onPressure testing.

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1 Locate the leakCarry out a pressure test as describedin the section on Pressure testing.

3 PatchingChoose a suitable sized patch andremove the backing. Apply vulcani-sation solution (rubber suits) or twolayers of glue (polyurethane suits) onthe patch and the suit. Allow to dryand apply the patch to cover thedamaged area.

2 Cleaning/SandingThe suit must be dry.Wash hands: oil and grease must beremoved.Clean damaged area by rubbing withsand paper and remove loose particles.Apply three layers of glue, allowing15 minutes drying time per layer.

Patching

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MAINTENANCE

4

MAINTENANCE

4

6 Store the suitFold sleeves around the suit. Put the suit inthe bag and close it carefully.

CAUTION!

Risk of severe damage to drysuit parts made of rubber, leading toleakage and taring, if the suit is exposed to ozone or solvents. Thedrysuit must be stored away from light, with no ozone generators(electrical equipment) or chemical solvents present.

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Storage and maintenance

1 Clean the suitRinse with fresh water, or a mild soapsolution. Do not forget to rinse valves, asdescribed in this chapter.

2 Dry the suit before storageTo dry the inside, wrap the suit inside out,if necessary.

3 Use unscented talcum powder onlatex parts

Do not use silicone lubricants.

4 Lubricate the zipperThe only acceptable lubricant is the onerecommended by Viking and the zippermanufacturer, a fluid and a wax. Applythe fluid to the inner elements. Use waxsparingly. Close and open the zippercarefully, twice.

Under no circumstance should siliconespray be used on the zipper or any otherportion of the suit.

5 Roll up the suitRoll up the suit, starting with the feet.The zipper should be open during storage.

SILICONE

CAUTION!

Risk of severe damage to the drysuit or its equipment leading tomalfunction, if the suit is not properly stored and maintained. Followthe instructions in this chapter.

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MAINTENANCE

4 5

DRYSUIT DIVING

Technique

1 Before you go into the waterBefore you go into the water, put on thedrysuit as described in the chapter on Dres-sing. Make sure all equipment is in placeand fully functional.

2 Go into the waterEnter the water feet first, with the outletvalve closed and with a little air in thesuit to assure positive buoyancy for sur-face flotation.

3 Check buoyancy for properweighting

Empty your separate bouyancy compen-sation device/buoyancy aid (BCD). Seeyour BCD manual. Open the valvecompletely by turning the valve lidcounter clockwise. Raise the valve to thehighest point allowing air to exhaust.

WARNING!

Diving with a drysuit can be extremely dangerous. Do not attempt touse this drysuit without prior specialized training and certification bya qualified and certified diving instructor. Use all necessary andappropriate equipment.

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Valves

1 Maintenance outlet valveAfter each dive rinse with fresh water tomake sure no salt, sand or other particlesare trapped in the sealing surface.

2 Maintenance inlet valveAfter each dive rinse the inlet valve and theinflator hose with fresh water. Keep the valveand hose connected and pressurised whilerinsing with fresh water. Inspect the valveand hose, making sure no dirt is stuckbetween the housing and push button.

3 Check that valves are functioningTo check if the valves are functioning, inflatesuit with inlet valve and release air manuallythrough the outlet valve. Check that eachvalve opens and closes properly.

4 Service your suit on a regular basisLet an authorised Viking dealer serviceyour suit and its parts, valves, inflator hose,zipper and seals on a regular basis. At leastone annual service must be undertaken,but more frequently if the suit is in heavyor extra-ordinary use.

CAUTION!

Risk of severe damage to the drysuit or its equipment leading tomalfunction, if the suit is not properly serviced. Service must be under-taken, even if the suit is not in regular use.

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5

DRYSUIT DIVINGDRYSUIT DIVING

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8 DescendingIf you wish to descend, roll over on yourright side so the outlet valve (and leftshoulder) is at the highest point, allowingthe valve to exhaust some air. Yourbuoyancy will decrease and you willslowly sink.Stop your descentTo prevent further venting of suit air re-turn to normal swimming position and, ifnecessary, add a little air to the suit to regainneutral buoyancy.

9 Ascending

Slow your ascentWhile ascending, or swimming towardsshallow water, the outlet valve will releaseexpanding suit air in proportion to thedecrease in ambient pressure. If you areproperly weighted, you should be able tocontrol your rate of ascent simply by raisingor lowering your upper left arm and theexhaust valve. To slow your ascent, lift yourupper left arm so the valve is at the highestpoint and can exhaust air freely.

Additional ventingIf additional venting is necessary, fully openthe valve counter clockwise or the valve canbe manually depressed to obtain the sameresult.

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4 WeightsAdd weight until you are slightly negative(0.5-1.0 kg (1-2 lbs) heavier than neu-tral). Normally the diver will need 8-14kg (18-30 lbs) of weight depending onthe type of underwear worn, divingequipment used, and type of diving beingdone. Remember to add the weight youwill need to compensate for the weightyou will lose through consumed tank air.Your weighting should allow you to makea decompression at ten feet at thecompletion of your dive with a tank con-taining 500 psi of air or less. You shouldnow be properly weighted.

5 Allowing you to descendWhen you are ready to descend, open theoutlet valve (turn the lid counterclockwise). Raise your upper left arm sothe outlet valve is at the highest pointallowing suit air to exhaust.

6 Relieve suit squeezeWhen you have descended a couple ofmetres (yards), turn the valve lid clockwise1/4 turn and add as little air to the suit asneeded to relieve suit squeeze.

7 Gain neutral buoyancyWhile swimming at the same depth, youdo not have to adjust the outlet valve.Gain neutral buoyancy and swim relaxed.

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5

DRYSUIT DIVINGDRYSUIT DIVING

5

Valves

1 Outlet valveOur patented outlet valve is located on theupper left arm of the suit within easy reachof the right hand for adjustment, as well asfor automatic air dumping when the diveris upright. It is located well out of the wayof harnesses and other equipment.

On ascent, providing the diver is properlyweighted and the valve is properly adjusted,the outlet valve dumps air automatically tomaintain perfect buoyancy control and helpsto prevent an uncontrolled ascent. Aproperly adjusted valve will give you hands-free buoyancy control.

The outlet valve can be adjusted tomaintain the positive pressure inside thesuit. Air can also be dumped at any time bydepressing the valve lid.

WARNING!

Risk of valve malfunction which may result in unability to ascendduring dive, if the valve is tampered with. The outlet valve does notcontain any user serviceable parts. Replacement should be made byyour authorised dealer.

WARNING!

Diving with defective equipment can cause injury or death. Do notdive if any equipment fails to function as intended.Have them repaired or replaced at an authorised dive shop.

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Extra lift during ascentIf you want extra lift during ascent, simply lower the valve bybringing your upper left arm to your side. If further lift is needed,turn the valve lid slightly clockwise.

Inflator valve free flowingIf the inflator valve starts to free flow at an uncontrolled rate, disconnectthe inflator hose.

Emergency ascentIf you are unable to inflate the suit or if the suit is leaking air, dumpthe weight belt to gain positive buoyancy.

10 On the surfaceOn the surface immediately close theoutlet valve by turning it clockwise and adda little air to the suit for flotation. In roughconditions you may need buoyancy aid onthe surface. Use your separate buoyancycompensator/aid, rather than adding extraair to the suit.

WARNING!

Risk of fatal injury from air embolism or decompression sickness, dueto rapid ascent. Do not attempt to use your suit as a lifting device.Dropping the load may cause uncontrolled and rapid ascent.

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WARNING!

Do not use other gas than air for inflation of the suit. Using oxygenenriched gas for inflation one is in risk of fire and explosion. Usingargon there is a risk of this gas getting into a full face mask and thebreathing system through the hood. This has to be avoided becausethe effect of breathing argon is more narcotic than what nitrogen iswhen under increased partial pressure.

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DRYSUIT DIVINGDRYSUIT DIVING

5

4 Inflator valveThe Viking inflator valve is operated by aneasy to reach large push button. It is a one-way valve, which prevents the escape of suitair from the suit, if the inflator hose isdisconnected from the valve.

The valve can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance.Should it become clogged with mud or salt, flush it thoroughly withwater and blow it dry with air from the suit inflator hose.

Only non aerosol silicone lubricants should be used on the inflatorvalve and only in the hole of the male connector.

WARNING!

Diving with defective equipment can cause injury or death. Do notdive if any equipment fails to function as intended.Have them repaired or replaced at an authorised dive shop.

CAUTION!

The manufacturer does not guarantee the function of the valve mountedin other types of suits. The valves and hoses are designed to worktogether, and cannot be used separately or together with other valvetypes.

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2 Increase BuoyancyTo increase buoyancy - simply lower theoutlet valve and add a small amount of airto the suit, or turn the outlet valve lidclockwise, which will increase the pressuresetting, and add a small amount of air tothe suit.

3 Decrease buoyancyTo decrease buoyancy - simply raise theoutlet valve (by lifting yor left upper arm),or turn the valve lid counter clockwise,which will reduce the pressure setting. Bydepressing the valve lid, air can be dumpedat any time, regardless of the pressure set-ting, providing the valve is at the highestpoint of the suit and the suit air has freeaccess to the outlet valve.

CAUTION!

The manufacturer does not guarantee the function of the valve mountedin other types of suits. The valves and hoses are designed to worktogether, and cannot be used separately or together with other valvetypes.

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DRYSUIT DIVING

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1 Assembly of hose to lowpressure port

The inflator hose must beconnected to a LOW pressure porton the regulator's first stage or toanother source of low pressure air.Maximum working pressure is 15Bar (225 psi). The inflator hose ismanufactured with UNF 3/8"coupling.

2 Storage of hoseAvoid bending the hose toosharply. Do not bend the hosebelow the minimum radius of 4cm (1.5").

Hose

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Trelleborg Protective Products ABP.O. Box 1520, SE-271 00 Ystad, Sweden

Phone: +46 411 67940, Fax: +46 411 15285E-mail: protective@trelleborg.com

www.vikingdiving.com

© T

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