SCUBA Equipment Assembly

This page is intended as a rough guide on how to assemble your scuba equipment. Assembling your SCUBA equpment properly will reduce the chances of having an equipment related malfunction underwater. This document has been drawn up so that club members will know the procedure for scuba assembly.


Instructions

  • STEP 1: Position Your Tank Stand the tank upright on level ground. (So it will not fall over)
  • STEP 2: Position Your BCD onto the Tank Loosen the tank strap on the BCD, place it over the tank and then lower it down, use the tank positioning strap to position the BCD to the tank.
    Make Sure that the opening of the tank valve is pointing toward the BCD.
  • STEP 3: Attach the BCD to the Tank Pull the BCD's tank strap tight, feed the strap through the clasp, and pull the clasp until it snaps in to position.
    Lift the BCD with tank attached to make sure that the tank is properly attached to the BCD and will not slip.
  • STEP 4: Check the Tanks O-Ring Remove any protective covers from the tank valve, and check that the O-ring is present and in good condition.
  • STEP 5: Position your Regulators onto the Tank Remove the dust cover from the regulator first stage.
    Position the regulator first stage to be attached to the tank.
    Make sure the second stage regulator hoses are positioned to the RIGHT, and the BCD whip is positioned to the LEFT.
  • STEP 6: Fix the Regulator to the Tank Yoke type: Position the yoke over the tank valve, and make sure the two openings meet up. Then, tighten the yoke screw.
    DIN type: Position the threads in line with the tank valve threads and screw the regulator in.
  • STEP 7: Connect Reg Whip to BCD Connect a low-pressure hose (whip) to the BCD's low pressure inflator mechanism.
  • STEP 8: Turn on the Air Place the gauges or dive computer face-down on the ground, then slowly open the tank valve to turn the air on.
  • STEP 9: Check your Air Once the tank valve is fully open, check the gauges or air pressure is in the system.
    Take several breaths from your Main Reg and Octo.
    Ensure Air Tastes Good and there are no Fluctuations on the Guage as you Breathe.
    Listen for leaks from any component.
  • STEP 10: Check your BCD Press the BCD inflator button and make sure it works.
    Ensure that the Over Inflate Release Valve on the BCD is operating correctly, and that all dumps are working.
    Listen for any leaks from the BCD.


Tips & Warnings

  • Always do a "buddy check" before entering the water to make sure everybody's equipment is set up properly.
  • Always use compressed air from a compressor with an in-date Air Purity Certificate.
  • Nylon straps will stretch when wet. To prevent your tank from coming loose, wet the strap before securing the tank.
  • If you have leaks or any component isn't working properly, do not go diving with it.
  • The practice of placing the gauges face-down is to prevent injury in case there is a failure of the pressure gauge when the system is pressurized, which may cause the glass on the gauge face to shatter. This is extremely uncommon.

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