Aqua Lung Black Diamond SL BC - Manual (Page 18)

18 Black Diamond Owner’s Manual Black Diamond Owner’s Manual 19
WARNING: Do not rely on the power inflator as the only
means to inflate your BC. It is important to practice the
technique for orally inflating your BC so that you are pre-
pared for any type of malfunction or out of air situation that
could render the power inflator inoperable. You may other-
wise be unable to achieve positive buoyancy in an emer-
gency, which could lead to serious injury or death.
DEFLATION METHODS
Throughout the course of a dive, it will be necessary to release air from
the BC using one of the three methods described in the following in-
structions. Each method uses a valve that is in a different location. The
method you choose at any time may depend on whether you are making
your initial descent feet-first, head-first, or maintaining neutral buoyancy
underwater. Always remember to utilize the valve that is at the highest
point on the bladder, depending on your position in the water.
Deflation via Oral Inflator
To deflate the BC using the oral inflator, lift the Powerline inflator body
to its highest possible position (above the head). Press the oral inflator
button (Fig. 16b, previous page) to start venting air. This method is most
effective on the surface when starting the initial descent.
Deflation via Dual Exhaust Valve
Inside the power inflator’s corrugated hose is a cable that attaches the
power inflator to the dual valve at the top of the airway assembly (Fig
18e, previous page
). You can vent air from the BC by firmly pulling straight
down on the power inflator, or on the Trim Grip ™ handle that is provided
with the Air Source (refer to Air Source Manual).
This exhaust valve provides an effective and convenient way to vent air
from the BC while in either an upright or facedown swimming position.
It also functions as an overpressure relief (OPR) valve that will open
automatically to relieve air pressure inside the bladder when it reaches
approximately 2.5 psi (.17 bar) over the surrounding water pressure. This
feature is very critical for preventing stress or damage to the BC’s blad-
der.