Aqua Lung Drysuit User Manual
Index
Warning
Before being able to use this drysuit, it is absolutely essential that you have followed a training course and possess DIVER CERTIFICATION issued by a recognised training agency. The use of a drysuit by a person not certified or trained in its use is DANGEROUS and could cause serious accident or death. Aqua Lung declines all responsibility for any accident caused by inadequate knowledge or inappropriate use of the drysuit.
Caution
Some people may be allergic to contact with materials such as neoprene and silicone used in the manufacture of the suit. If you suffer from allergies, consult a doctor before using the suit.
Conformity with Standards
This drysuit has successfully passed all the tests required by the EN14225-2: 2017 standard and has received CE certification for this type. The maximum operating depth limit indicated by the standard for certifying the equipment is 50 metres. This suit offers no thermal protection without proper undergarment. It offers no protection in an environment polluted by chemical or biological agents. This dry suit can be used with all standard diving equipments (BCD, regulator, fins).
Limitations of Use of Aqua Lung Drysuit
This suit has been designed for recreational diving only and to protect the diver from water contact. Its components (materials, accessories inflator/purge) are intended for use with air only.
Suit Intended Use
This suit is intended for use with compressed air. If you wish to use other gases such as oxygen or argon, you must be specially trained. Incorrect use may cause bodily injury or death. Do not use any other gas or mixture for inflation of the suit. Using oxygen enriched gas with a percentage of oxygen exceeding 40% for inflation presents a risk of fire and explosion.
Caution
Maximum depth: 50 meters. Depending on your undergarment, your suit may be used in water temperature from -2° to 22°C.
Work Rate
Work rates will be influenced by choice of undergarment and water temperature. Too high a work rate with a thick undergarment and/or warm water could cause hyperthermia. Only specialized training will give you the knowledge required to make the best choice of equipment. The underwear used must allow a free passage of air between the body and the depressurizing device.
Choosing a Size
Refer to page 14 for the size chart to choose the suit reference for your size.
Caution
It is important that you try on the suit in a specialised dive shop offering advice from qualified and experienced staff. If you choose a suit that is too tight, you may experience squeeze problems during the descent. If the suit is too big, you may experience problems of over-expansion that could cause an uncontrolled ascent.
Accessories
The temperature of the water requires wearing a hood, supplied with the suit and considered an integral part. Hoods are not interchangeable; always use the hood designed for the suit. Your comfort and safety require the use of gloves. Aqua Lung offers a wide range of gloves suitable for different diving situations.
EC Type Examination and Suit Type
The drysuits herein described are certified according to EC rule 2016/425, Article 10 and exceed the minimum requirements on EN14225-2. The risks identified in the risk assessment are presented based on the above warnings.
CE
Aqua Lung guarantees that the designated products comply with the requirements and that Aqua Lung meets its obligations concerning the EC rule 2016/425 Relative to Individual Protection Equipment.
EN14225-2
The dry suits have been tested by an independent institution in accordance with the requirements of the European standards EN14225-2: 2017. The EC type assessment was handled by: INPP, Entrée n°3, Port de la Pointe Rouge, 13008 Marseille, France. Notified body EPI N° 0078. Standard: EN 14225-2:2017.
Suits Size Chart
The size chart will enable you to choose the drysuit to fit your size.
Men
| BLIZZARD / BLIZZARD PRO | XS/46 | S/48 | M/50 | ML/52 | L/54 | XL/56 | 2XL/58 | 3XL/60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height (cm) | 155-166 | 163-169 | 166-175 | 172-181 | 178-187 | 184-190 | 190-195 | 194 - ... |
| Weight (kg) | 47-63 | 54-70 | 61-79 | 70-89 | 80-97 | 88-107 | 96-110 | 110... |
| Chest (cm) | 95 | 100 | 106 | 112 | 116 | 120 | 125 | 130 |
| Foot size (EU) | 39-40 | 40-41 | 41-42 | 43-44 | 43-44 | 44-45 | 45-47 | 45-47 |
Women
| BLIZZARD / BLIZZARD PRO | XS/34 | S/36 | M/38 | ML/40 | L/42 | XL/44 | 2XL/46 | 3XL/48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height (cm) | 150-160 | 160-163 | 163-166 | 166-170 | 169-172 | 175-178 | 177-180 | 179-182 |
| Weight (kg) | 47-50 | 50-54 | 54-61 | 61-65 | 65-72 | 72-77 | 75-80 | 80 - ... |
| Chest (cm) | 94 | 98 | 102 | 106 | 110 | 114 | 118 | 122 |
| Foot size (EU) | 37 | 38-39 | 39-40 | 40-41 | 40-41 | 41-42 | 41-42 | 41-42 |
Pictogram Explanation
- ?️ 30°C (86°F): Hand wash at maximum 30°C (86°F)
- ? ?: Do not iron
- ? ?: Do not tumble dry
- ? ?: Do not bleach
Preparing the Suit
Silicone and Neoprene Cuffs and Collar
The silicone and neoprene collar/neck seal are designed to allow adaptation to the diver's neck size. This can be carried out by an experienced and qualified technician in a specialised dive shop. The same applies to the silicone and neoprene cuff seals. Any damage caused during this operation is not covered by the guarantee.
Caution
Avoid restricting blood flow by ensuring that the silicone and neoprene neck seal is not too tight.
Inflator
Connect the hose supplied with the suit to a medium pressure port on your regulator's first stage. Perform this during final preparation and checking the suit before entering the water.
Prior to the Dive
Watertightness of the Suit
Check the general condition of the suit for cuts or tears that could cause water to leak. Never dive with a suit showing any signs of deterioration.
Cuff and Neck Seals
Check that these parts are in good condition. The silicone and neoprene cuff and neck seals should be treated with talc or French chalk. Neoprene cuffs should also be treated. Alternatively, soft soap or shampoo may be used.
Dry Zipper
Check the zipper's condition by opening and closing it several times before donning the suit. If the zipper cannot be completely closed or opens unexpectedly, do not use the suit and take it to a specialised dive shop for repair.
Purge and Inflator
Check that the arm-mounted purge valve operates correctly by unscrewing it and verifying it cannot be unscrewed more than one complete turn. One complete turn closes the valve, preventing air entry or escape. Unscrewing it allows air to escape during ascent. It is recommended to close the purge valve completely during descent to prevent water entry and then open it 1/4 turn at maximum depth and during the rest of the dive.
Caution
Before dressing and entering the water, check that the inflator on the chest and the purge on the arm are correctly screwed together. If not tightly screwed, there is a risk of water entering the suit.
Donning and Doffing a Back Entry Drysuit
Warning: Avoid sharp objects (rings, earrings, fingernails) when donning suits. Use talcum powder or baby powder if seals are difficult to slide on.
Tuck Neck Seal
Some drysuits have a hood dam. Tuck your drysuit hood inside the dam before your dive to minimize water flushing between the hood and neck seal.
Warning: Neck seals that are too tight may restrict blood flow to the brain, resulting in serious injury.
Doffing
When removing your drysuit, follow the donning steps in reverse.
- Unzip main opening zippers and pull out the suspenders.
- Roll the Core down to the inseam, exposing the two leg hole openings.
- Sit down. Grip one of the Core leg hole openings on either side and put your leg in, pulling the Core leg hole opening up to your crotch.
- To get your foot all the way into the Core sock, roll the same leg opening down to the knee. Again, pull the Core leg hole opening up to the crotch. Your foot should now be in the Core sock.
- Follow steps 3 & 4 to don the other leg.
- Stand up. Grip the Core waist opening on either side and pull it up to your waist. The Core inseam should now be in place.
- Pull the outer skin up to your waist.
- Adjust suspenders for a snug yet comfortable fit. The suspenders should hold the suit up in the crotch.
- Put your arm in the Core arm opening and push hand through the wrist seal, using your free hand to expand the wrist opening. Use thumb loops on undergarment to hold garment in place, eliminating bunching.
- If you are not using dry gloves, tuck the undergarment thumb loops back under the seal.
- Follow steps 9-10 to don the other arm.
- Using both hands, stretch the neck seal over your head. Ensure the seal is sitting flat against your neck for the best seal and comfort.
- Have your dive buddy close the dry zipper.
- After the dry zipper is closed, have your dive buddy close the protective over zipper. Ensure the dry zipper pull is tucked under the closed protective over zipper.
Donning
Once checks are complete, put on the suit and have someone help close the zipper. Do not attempt to close it alone. Ensure nothing impedes the slider's path (under-suit, neoprene flap, etc.).
Caution
If the zipper slider is not fully home, there is a risk of a water leak.
Inflator
Connect the hose to the inflation valve. Check valve operation by pressing the air delivery button. Airflow should stop immediately when the button is released.
Watertightness Check
To check for watertightness, close the purge valve and inflate the suit. Crouching down, air should escape gently through the purge over-pressure valve. Purge the suit completely after this check: open the purge valve, crouch with arms across your chest. When all air is purged, close the purge valve completely.
Fitting Silicone and Neoprene Seals
Fine-tune the fit of silicone or neoprene seals. If seals seem too tight, trim them for a comfortable fit. Using scissors, carefully trim 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) at a time, checking the fit. You do not have to wear the suit during this process; slide one wrist or your neck into the seals to test. Seals should be snug but not tight. Your dealer can assist with fitting.
Warning: Neck seals that are too tight may restrict blood flow to the brain, resulting in serious injury.
During the Dive
Caution
Inappropriate choice of under-suit can cause hypothermia or hyperthermia. Specialized training is required for the best equipment choice. Hydrostatic pressure reduces suit thickness, thus reducing thermal protection with depth. This is most felt with non-compressed neoprene suits.
Variation of Buoyancy
The volume of gas inside the suit is subject to compression and expansion relative to hydrostatic pressure. Inappropriate use of the inflator and purge could cause squeeze during descent or too fast an ascent, potentially leading to a decompression accident.
Caution
Gas introduction into the suit should only control internal volume and prevent water entries. A drysuit does not replace a buoyancy-compensating jacket (BC). This suit is intended for use with compressed air. Do not use other gases or mixtures for inflation.
Use in Diving
The purge valve should be completely closed during descent. At maximum depth, open the purge valve 1/4 turn. During ascent, air should escape automatically. Adjust suit pressure by opening or closing the purge valve. Practice this procedure in shallow, protected water with an instructor before exploration dives. For first open water dives, use a shot line or anchor line for ascent control.
Caution
Never open the zipper closure during the dive or on the water surface. Wait until out of the water. Allowing water entry can flood the suit, causing immediate loss of thermal protection, and could result in rapid sinking, risking death by drowning.
After the Dive
Remove the Suit
Use great care when dressing and removal, especially for the zipper closure and seals. Prevent damage to silicone or smooth neoprene parts by fingernails.
Storage
Do not store the suit near heat sources or electric motors generating ozone. Hang on an appropriate hanger or stretch out flat.
Caution
Extended exposure to significant heat, ozone, chlorine, or ultraviolet can cause neoprene degeneration.
Regular Maintenance
Rinse the suit in fresh water after every dive. Dry on a hanger in a dry, shady, well-ventilated location. Metallic zipper closures should be rinsed, dried, and lubricated with wax after each dive. Plastic zippers require appropriate lubricant every 4-5 dives.
Caution
Use only products recommended by Aqua Lung for lubricating zipper closures.
Periodic Maintenance
Aqua Lung recommends periodic washing in soapy water, followed by rinsing in warm fresh water (max 30°C). If your suit has silicone or neoprene seals, check them carefully before each season. If signs of deterioration exist, replace them. Have the purge valve and inflator checked by a professional before each season and at least annually.
Caution
Do not dismantle the purge valve or inflator yourself.
Natural rubber components generally have a lifetime of 5 years before needing replacement.
Disposal
When your drysuit can no longer be repaired for safe use, dispose of the garment in accordance with regulations within your jurisdiction.
Emergency Procedures
Inflation Valve Sticks Open
The drysuit inflates uncontrollably. Disconnect the inflator hose from the valve and operate the purge valve simultaneously. In an extreme case, assist air escape by releasing the neck seal or cuff seal. This may release air rapidly but can also allow water entry. If making a fast ascent, take all necessary action to prevent pulmonary barotrauma.
Inflation Valve Sticks Closed
Stop the descent and abandon the dive. Use your BC to control your return to the surface. Purge the suit occasionally during ascent.
Purge Valve Sticks Open
Your suit will not retain injected gas. Water may also enter via the valve. Abandon the dive and return to the surface following safety rules.
Purge Valve Sticks Closed
It will be impossible to purge the suit automatically, potentially causing an uncontrolled ascent. Return to the surface slowly, purging via the cuff or neck seal. This procedure may allow water entry.
Air Leaks from the Inflation Valve
Disconnect the inflator hose from the inflator. Continue to ascend normally.
Water Enters via the Purge Valve
Abandon the dive and use your BC to control your return to the surface.
Water Floods the Suit
An unlikely occurrence, possibly caused by zipper closure or panel failure. Abandon the dive and use your BC to control your return to the surface.
Warranty
The warranty applies to all suits with a manufacturing or material fault recognised by AQUA LUNG.
- The warranty does not cover damage resulting from improper use.
- The warranty does not apply if the equipment was not used or maintained according to the conditions detailed in this guide.
- The warranty is void if the suit is modified by an unauthorized person or workshop.
- The warranty covers free repair or replacement of the suit, at AQUA LUNG's choice.
- Packing and transport charges remain the buyer's responsibility.
- Any defective parts replaced remain the property of AQUA LUNG. Repair, modification, or replacement of parts during the warranty period does not prolong the warranty duration.
- Responsibility resulting from the sale of this suit is limited to the warranty above, excluding recourse to penalties or damages and interest.
To take advantage of this warranty, provide proof of purchase (cash register receipt mentioning the date and product purchased).
