Aqua Lung BC 1 User Manual page 6

6
Your buoyancy compensator is primarily designed to help you maintain neutral
buoyancy while in a comfortably balanced, face-down swimming position under
water. It is also designed to provide you with flotation so that you can rest on the
surface, but it is not designed to function as a life preserver or personal flotation
device (PFD). In order to meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations, a PFD must be
designed so that it automatically rights you to a face-up position and holds your
head out of the water on the surface. The design characteristics of a personal
flotation device are different from those of a buoyancy compensator. The ability
of any flotation device to float you in a face-up position can also be affected by
other diving equipment you wear, including a cylinder, weight or exposure suit,
and whether it can be inflated before you lose consciousness.
For this reason, it is important to always dive with and maintain close proximity
to your buddy at all times. Do not depend on any flotation device to hold your
face above the surface in the event that you are rendered unconscious in the
water while diving.
If you have any questions regarding your Buoyancy Compensator or
these instructions, please contact your Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer
or Distributor. Distributor information is available on the Aqua Lung
website at: www.aqualung.com/militaryandprofessional
WARNING:
certain buoyancy control techniques, it is not a substitute for train-
ing from a professional diving instructor. Failure to weight yourself
properly may create a hazardous condition that could lead to serious
injury or death. If you are unsure how to weight yourself in order to
achieve optimum buoyancy underwater and on the surface, do not
dive until you have obtained the necessary instruction from your
diving instructor or an Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer or Distributor.
Although this manual provides some basic guidelines for
BC 1 User's Manual