AP Diving Commando Escape Operator's manual
Commando Escape
Buoyancy Compensator User Instruction Manual
2 |Page Escape
Contents
Important Information ...................................................................................... 3!
Intended Use ..................................................................................................... 4!
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 4!
Equipment Stowage ......................................................................................... 6!
Zip Pockets ......................................................................................................... 6!
Surface Trim & Weighting................................................................................ 6!
Cylinder Mounting Options.............................................................................. 7!
Mounting Cylinders .......................................................................................... 8!
Pre Dive Inspection ........................................................................................ 10!
Donning the BCD ............................................................................................ 11!
Buoyancy Control........................................................................................... 11!
Inflating the BCD............................................................................................... 11!
Power Inflator............................................................................................ 11!
Oral Inflation.............................................................................................. 12!
Deflating the BCD ............................................................................................. 12!
Dump Valves............................................................................................. 12!
Elbow Dump.............................................................................................. 13!
Power Inflator Dump ................................................................................. 13!
Post-Dive Maintenance .................................................................................. 13!
Storage ............................................................................................................ 14!
Technical Information .................................................................................... 14!
Sizing & Buoyancy .................................................................................... 14!
BCD Operating Temperature Range ........................................................ 15!
Direct Feed Inflator Hose Supply Pressure............................................... 15!
BCD Shelf Life .......................................................................................... 15!
Warranty .......................................................................................................... 15!
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Important Information
Please read all the information in this manual, it is extremely important that
you familiarise yourself with all the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) features,
adjustments and operations before entering open water.
Diving equipment can be dangerous to the untrained user. Only use this BCD
if you have received buoyancy control training from a qualified instructor
belonging to a recognised training organisation.
Always carry out a personal pre-dive kit inspection before every dive following
the instructions in this manual and always carry out BUDDY checks before
entering open water.
DO NOT over inflate your BCD underwater. A rapid, uncontrolled ascent may
lead to serious injury or death. In the event of a rapid ascent it is important to
vent gas from the BCD as quickly as possible.
DO NOT use the BCD to lift heavy objects to the surface, it is not a lift bag.
The BCD should be serviced annually by AP Diving or an authorised agent.
DO NOT tamper with the BCD. Alterations to the design of the BCD should
only be carried out by AP Diving.
DO NOT Place crotch straps over your weight belt. Always put your weight
belt over your crotch straps so it can be ditched in an emergency.
Never inflate the BCD with Carbon Dioxide.
Always use the direct feed hose supplied with the Inflator. Never use any
other brand or type of hose as these may not connect properly or provide the
required gas flow rate.
WARNING
The Escape does not have the AP Diving BUDDY breathing system; automatic
breathing from the BCD air cell is not available.
The APV100 Auto Air demand valve can be used on the Escape as an
“Octopus” 2nd stage using air from the divers’ main SCUBA cylinder. It can
also be used for routine inflating/deflating of the BCD and oral inflation like the
standard inflate/deflate valve. The Travel Wing does not have the emergency
cylinder option available, therefore the Auto Air cannot take advantage of this
facility. Please read the Auto Air instruction manual for usage information.
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Intended Use
This BCD is intended for diving purposes only. It provides a diver with the
means to safely descend, ascend, maintain neutral buoyancy and float on the
surface.
This BCD is designed to work in conjunction with other essential items of
diving equipment i.e. an ’aqualung’ (high pressure gas cylinder, cylinder valve,
pressure reducer, hoses and breathing regulator) and should not be used in
the water without this items.
This BCD is not a lifejacket; it does not guarantee a head up position of the
wearer at the surface.
DO NOT use the BCD to lift heavy objects to the surface. Adding weight will
alter your balance and buoyancy and could damage the BCD.
Introduction
Introducing the latest Commando BCD from AP Diving, the Commando
Escape, a lightweight travel jacket that utilises bespoke new materials to
deliver heavy-duty quality, comfort and performance – all under three kilos.
This Instruction Manual provides you with the information you need to get the
most from your new Escape. It is important that you read and understand the
contents of this manual before you go diving.
BCD Features:
•Lightweight design
•4 x huge zippered side pockets
•Low profile power inflator
•Cummerbund with double adjustable waistband clip
•Backpack cover for extra comfort
•Lightweight aluminium D-rings
•Hi-viz reflective piping
•Integrated 3rd shoulder dump
•Hose routing clip
•Available in 5 Sizes
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Front
Back
Accessory
Attachment
Holes
Low Profile Power
Inflator & Dump
Chest Clip
Direct Feed Hose
Convoluted Hose with
Elbow Dump
Shoulder Clips
Double Adjustable
Waist Band and
Cummerbund
Stowage Clip
Kidney Dump/
Over Pressure Valve
Shoulder Dump/
Over Pressure Valve
Cylinder
Cam Band
Cylinder
Mounting Strap
Dump Valve
Knob
Light Weight
Aluminium D-rings
Hose Retainer
Large
Zippered
Pockets
Side Pockets
Air Cell Studs
for Improved
Air Flow
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Equipment Stowage
Zip Pockets
There are two zip pockets located on each side
of the BCD, a large main pocket plus a
secondary pocket. The zips open from the front
for easy access. Inside the main pockets are
small D-rings for accessory attachment.
The secondary pockets have conveniently
located eyelets for the attachment of external
accessories such as a diver’s knife.
Surface Trim & Weighting
Important – the positioning of the BCD on the cylinder is extremely important
to achieve correct surface support and balance. Altering the position can result
in the balance going from one extreme, pulling the diver backwards to the
other extreme of holding the diver face down. When set correctly the BCD will
hold the diver bolt upright.
If the BCD is pulling the diver backwards, move the BCD higher up the
cylinder. If the BCD is pushing the divers face downwards, move the BCD
lower down the cylinder.
Be aware that a diver’s weight belt plays a crucial role in the surface support
position. If the weights are removed such as in an emergency or prior to
exiting the water, the diver’s surface position may be altered.
Buoyancy Check – Don all your diving kit as you would for a normal dive,
fully inflate the BCD in shallow water. Vent all the gas from the BCD and dry
suit, expelling as much gas as possible. Add/remove lead to the weight belt
until the water is level with your eyes with your lungs half full, so when you
empty your lungs you descend.
Important: It is essential to do a buoyancy check before venturing into open
water.
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Cylinder Mounting Options
Single Cylinder
BK3 – Single cam band fitted as standard.
Suitable for all common cylinder sizes.
Twin Cylinders
Twinning bands available in 3 standard sizes:
Product Code
Main Cylinder
Diameter
BK15
5.5”
BK16
7”
BK17
8”
Note: Spacer blocks are not used if the valves
are manifolded.
Pony Cylinders
Pony bands available in 4 standard sizes:
Product Code
Main Cylinder
Diameter
Pony Cylinder
Diameter
BK18
7”
4”
BK19
7”
4”
BK20
8”
4.5”
BK21
8”
4.5”
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Note: The top cam bands fit through the BC Backplate and around the
cylinders. The lower bands only go around the bands for stability.
Mounting Cylinders
1. Place the loop on the rear of the BCD
over the neck of the cylinder. Adjust the
webbing so the jacket is sitting at the
desired height on the cylinder.
2. If mesh is used on the cylinder,
part it to allow the cam band to grip
directly on to the surface of the
cylinder.
2
3. Ensure the rubber sleeve aligns with
the velcro on the cam band.
4. Before threading the buckle turn it
back against the metal loop.
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5. Thread the webbing through the
metal loop and through the buckle as
shown.
6. Pull the end of the webbing to
tighten the webbing to the cylinder.
7. Secure the webbing by pulling the
buckle forward 90o. Now thread the
remaining webbing through the buckle,
as shown.
8. Clamp the cam buckle in position
by pulling the end of the webbing.
9. This is a cross section showing how
the webbing should be threaded
through the cam buckle.
10. Ensure that the rubber sleeve
does not interfere with the buckle.
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11. Once secure, the loose end of the
webbing is then velcroed down and
tucked under the webbing loop, leave
50mm (2”) spare.
12. Check that the cam band is
straight on the cylinder and secure.
Pre Dive Inspection
Visually inspect the BCD material and fittings for signs of damage of excessive
wear.
Operate the quick release snap connector on the direct feed hose. Ensure that
the connector operates smoothly.
Attach the direct feed hose to a low pressure port on the 1st stage pressure
reducer. Connect the hose snap connector to the power inflator. Inflate the
BCD until the over pressure valves start to vent. Check that the rate of inflation
is satisfactory. Check for leaks, especially around the valves (once they have
finished venting the excess pressure).
Operate all the dump valves, including the inflator dump and elbow dump on
the convoluted hose. Ensure the valves operate and re-seal.
Important: If you find any problems please DO NOT use the BCD, contact the
factory for advice. Unauthorised repairs or modifications may be dangerous
and could affect the warranty.
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