PRODUCTS AFFECTED: Aqua Lung and Apeks Buoyancy Compensators
This bulletin is to serve as a reminder that buoyancy compensators, especially their inflators and dump valves, require annual service. This is stated in the BC Owner’s Manual, Service and Repair Manual and the Online Training course.
Just about all of the potentially serious problems that occur with BCs, such as inflators that stick open or dump valves that don’t open, are a result of lack of maintenance. Like regulators, BC inflators and some models of dump valves have wearable, replacement parts and the need for cleaning and lubrication.
We also want to use this bulletin to draw attention to the flat e-valves associated with BCs that have the i3 controller. These low profile valves contain an o-ring and a quad ring which require annual replacement and proper lubrication. Failure to do so could result in the valve not opening at the proper relief pressure. This is a potentially dangerous situation that could result in the rupturing of the BC bladder.
Flat e-valves subjected to chlorine use, such as found in BCs used for dive classes, should be serviced more than once a year.
Please note that servicing flat e-valves is a quick and easy process. Taking the time to service and lubricate these valves, as well as the i3 inflator, will ensure years of enjoyment with the i3 BCs.