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Diver Propulsion Vehicle. Pathfinder Divers BSAC 0161. Diver Propulsion Vehicle Operator & Maintainer Course General Information, Maintenance & Care. Diver Propulsion Vehicle. Course Aims. DPV [SeaScooter] History SeaScooter PROs & CONs SeaScooter Components SeaScooter Types
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Diver Propulsion Vehicle Pathfinder Divers BSAC 0161 Diver Propulsion Vehicle Operator & Maintainer Course General Information, Maintenance & Care
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Course Aims • DPV [SeaScooter] History • SeaScooter PROs & CONs • SeaScooter Components • SeaScooter Types • SeaScooter Selection • Battery Types & Charging Treatment • Snorkelling & Diving Use • Maintenance & Trouble Shooting • Care • Accessories
Diver Propulsion Vehicle SeaScooter History • In Service Since BSAC Was Formed • 1980s: Popularity Rose • 1990s: Tec Diving Model Introduction – Greater Depth & Runtime Capability
Diver Propulsion Vehicle SeaScooter PROs & CONs PROs Of Using A DPV • Minimal Swimming Effort • Maximises Dive Time [Improved Search Area] • Aids In Location Of Lost Items • Reduces Divers Air Consumption • Increases Tec Divers Equipment Loading Allowance • Fun Factor/ Creates More Interest In Diving @ Pool Nights • Increases Disabled Divers Ability To Dive
Diver Propulsion Vehicle SeaScooter PROs & CONs CONs With A SeaScooter • Less Finning/Diver Movement – Become Colder Quicker • Increased Risk Of Diver Separation @ Speed • Operator Hazards (Explained Later)
Main Body with circuit board and motor unit Buoyancy Chamber Body Clips Buoyancy chamber Unit Cap Battery Unit Diver Propulsion Vehicle SeaScooter Components • Trigger • Handles • Propeller Extract From User Manual
Diver Propulsion Vehicle SeaScooter Types • Technical • Long run time • Rugged construction • Deep dive capability • Large carrying capacity
Diver Propulsion Vehicle SeaScooter Types • Recreational • Most popular type • Good performance: medium weight ratio • Able to run up to three No Stop Dive Duration • Compact • Cheap to buy • Limited area coverage & slow • Limited M.O.D
Diver Propulsion Vehicle SeaScooter Selection • SeaScooter Selection considers the following elements: • Construction Type • Number of Seals • Warranty/Servicing • Battery Type, run & recharge time • Variable speed capability • M.O.D. limitation • Operating switch type • Handle design • Buoyancy characteristics • Dry Weight • Accessories
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Battery Types Lead Acid Advantages: Cost Able to charge partially charged battery Recharge easy Disadvantages: Weight Damage caused through deep discharge
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Battery Types Nickel Cadmium Advantages: High power to weight ratio Okay for air travel Disadvantages: Require full discharge before recharge Require special handling for disposal & recycling
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Battery Types Nickel Metal Hydride Advantages: High power to weight ratio Easily transportable on aircraft Lightweight Compact No memory loss following discharge Disadvantages: Cost Require to cycle charge before use Unable to tolerate long disuse periods Need regular charging
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Battery Treatment • CAUTION - Battery releases explosive gases during normal use [off gassing] & requires careful treatment • Normal battery life runs approx 2000 cycles/two years before replacement • Do not use/store/charge battery in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees C [104 degrees F] • Always ensure the exterior of the unit is thoroughly dry before opening nose cone • Only use the dedicated voltage rated charger supplied for the particular SeaScooter • Always charge the battery in a well ventilated area away from naked flames or other ignition sources
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Battery Charging Treatment • Before charging: • Charge battery ASAP after use, within 24 hours • Never charge near water • Remove battery from housing before charging • Ensure charger is dry before use • Never short circuit battery or battery connectors • Connect charger jack to battery first & then charger to main power supply
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Battery Charging Treatment • If battery is not to be used for an extended period, store in well ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources, & recharge every 3 months [maintains charge & prevents off gassing excess] • Do not store battery inside SeaScooter
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Battery Charging Treatment • During charging: • Charger becomes very warm in use [normal] • If battery charge state doubted, recharge until charger indicator shows full charge • If battery appears damaged, fails to charge fully or SeaScooter run life noticeably reduced, battery must be replaced.
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Battery Charging Treatment • Post charging: • Disconnect from main power supply before disconnecting battery from charger • Allow 30 mins to off gas prior to removing battery from charger or placing battery into housing • Remove battery from charge once fully charged
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Charging The Battery • Ensure Master Switch Off • Ensure SeaScooter is clear of water, dry & in dry area • Give half turn to latches & remove from nose cone • Remove outer nose cone and Buoyancy Control Chamber • Unscrew Vent Plug & Open Vent • Feed silicone ring through latch holes in Inner Nose Cone & Hook over hooks on Battery Housing • Screw Pump Nozzle onto Vent Hole & pump air into Battery Chamber until Inner Nose Cone pops off • Remove silicone ring & remove Inner Nose Cone. • Allow two minutes for off gassing
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Charging The Battery • Press locking feature & disconnect battery cable from housing cable • Remove battery & place on level surface • Connect battery cable to charger cable • Plug charger into mains & turn on supply • Charging will take 6 – 8 hrs for fully discharged battery. Flashing light indicates battery fully charged • Unplug adapter from mains • Allow battery to stand 30 mins before use • Unplug battery cable from Charger cable • When ready for use, install battery & reconnect to housing cable
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Charging The Battery • Ensure seals & sealing surfaces are clean & lubricated before replacing Inner Nose Cone • Replace Inner Nose Cone [ensure key correctly aligned] • Ensure Vent O Ring seated correctly • Screw Vent Plug to seal vent • Replace Buoyancy Control Chamber • Replace Outer Nose Cone [ensure key aligned, insert latches & lock Nose Cone with half turn]
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Replacing Battery • Follow steps 1 – 9, to open the SeaScooter • Unplug battery at socket [press locking feature] • Remove discharged battery • Install & connect charged battery in correct position [battery leads must be correctly oriented as shown on battery label] • Follow steps 19 – 24, to close SeaScooter
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Use • Use – Getting Started [Swimming & Snorkelling] • Must be kept positively buoyant [ensure Buoyancy Chamber is empty & fitted inside Nose Cone] • Charge battery & install immediately prior to use • Ensure Vent Plug closed • Pull & Hold both Triggers to start Propeller & Perform dry test run for approx 5 secs max [short delay] • To stop Propeller, release Trigger
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Use • Use – Getting Started [Swimming & Snorkelling] • Place SeaScooter in water, allowing Handle, Outer Nose Cone & Nozzle to fill with water • When ready to set off, switch Master Switch to On position • Pull & Hold both Triggers to start Propeller [short delay] • To stop Propeller, release Trigger • Always turn Master Switch off when clear of water • Proper diver posture important to achieve max speed
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Use • Use – Getting Started [SCUBA Diving] • Must be adjusted for neutral buoyancy [ensure Buoyancy Chamber is empty & fitted inside Nose Cone] Never Negative buoyancy • Ensure SeaScooter in Off position • Remove from water, give half turn to Latches, remove Latches & Buoyancy Control Chamber
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Use • Use – Getting Started [SCUBA Diving] [Cont’d] • Open Buoyancy Chamber & add small weight [rocks or lead] • Replace Buoyancy Chamber, Nose Cone & Latches & place in water. • Check neutrally buoyant & add/remove weight as required • Follow Use procedure as for Snorkelling
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Maintenance & Trouble Shooting • Maintenance – Unit Fails To Function If motor fails to start when both triggers pressed, ensure: • Battery is correctly connected • Battery fully charged • Master Switch in On position • No water in battery compartment [accidental flodding procedure]
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Maintenance & Trouble Shooting • Maintenance – Blocked Propeller If Propeller becomes blocked first attempt to remove obstruction by removing front grille. If not possible remove back grille & Propeller To Remove Grille: • Remove SeaScooter from water • Master Switch in Off position • Remove both grille pins with screwdriver • Unclip grille • Remove obstruction • Reassemble grille & insert clips
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Maintenance & Trouble Shooting • Maintenance – Blocked Propeller To Remove Rear Grille & Propeller: • Remove SeaScooter from water • Master Switch in Off position • Remove battery • Unscrew 6 rear grille screws • Hold Propeller, use M6 socket & remove nut from Propeller shaft
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Maintenance & Trouble Shooting • Maintenance – Blocked Propeller [Cont’d] • Slide Propeller off shaft [care with drive pin & washers] • Remove blockage from Propeller • Replace drive pin & Propeller • Turn Propeller slowly until pin located & push fully home • Replace washers & nut, & tighten with socket whilst holding Propeller, ensuring securely fastened • Replace grille & battery
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Maintenance & Trouble Shooting • Maintenance – Sand Or Grit On Seals Sand or grit is the enemy of seals. Correct maintenance & care is essential. To remove sand or grit from seals: • Rinse seals in fresh water & apply fresh lubricant • Remove sand from inside Battery Housing with gentle brush [do not scratch sealing surfaces]
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Maintenance & Trouble Shooting • Maintenance – SeaScooter Cuts Out A safety mechanism has been built into the SeaScooter to protect the electronic circuit system should the SeaScooter hit a wall, rock or other immovable object. • If this occurs, wait for a short period to allow the SeaScooter to reset itself & resume use.
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Maintenance & Trouble Shooting • Maintenance – Accidental Flooding Ensure the seals are sand & grit free, & always close the vent plug after accessing the battery chamber. Should water enter the battery chamber, the Accidental Flooding Protection System installed will protect the unit [The Seascooter will automatically stop functioning]: • Remove SeaScooter from water if safe to do so [Always observe safe diving practice] • Remove nose cone & tip out excess water
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Maintenance & Trouble Shooting • Maintenance – Accidental Flooding [Cont’d] • Wait 2 mins to off gas • Remove battery • If salt water immersed, rinse battery & battery housing with fresh water • Dry housing & battery thoroughly • Resume use
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Care • In Use Care • Never remove Propeller Grilles except for maintenance • Keep SeaScooter away from direct sunlight when not in use • Never open the Cover of the SeaScooter in the water • Do not use the SeaScooter below the recommended M.O.D. [SEADOO GTI 30mtrs]
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Care • Post Use Care • Rinse SeaScooter in fresh water, immediately after use & allow to dry • Wipe unit with clean damp cloth [not detergents] • Keep Battery Housing dry at all times • If Battery Housing gets wet – carry out routine for Accidental Flooding • When storing SeaScooter for extended periods, open Inner Nose Cone Vent Plug • DO NOT store battery in SeaScooter • Always store SeaScooter in vertical position
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Accessories • SeaScooter Accessories • Battery Charger • Built In Lights [Drain Batteries] • External Lights [Back-up torch] • Lanyard/Nose Clip • Air Pump • Video Camera Mounting Plate • Snorkel • Transportation Case
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Summary • Highly versatile machines when used safely within Safe Diving practices • Care with battery treatment & charging • Set-up positively buoyant for snorkelling • Set-up neutrally buoyant for SCUBA diving • Understand maintenance & trouble shooting • In use & post use care