Drysuit Manual

MODS DRYSUIT MANUAL

Welcome to MODS and thank you for purchasing our custom drysuit. This manual provides you with easy access to the key features and functions of our MODS drysuit, along with recommendations on how best to service and care for your suit. The products described in this manual are manufactured to the specifications

INTRODUCTION

Drysuit diving demands specific techniques and training beyond those required for wetsuit diving. If you have not dived in a drysuit before, we strongly recommend you contact a local instructor for education and practice using your new drysuit under controlled conditions. Both inexperienced and experienced users should thoroughly read and understand this manual before diving in the drysuit.

If for any reason you have questions that are not covered by this manual or your instructor, do not hesitate to contact MODS.

WARNING MODS STRONGLY RECOMMENDS ALL DIVERS UNDERGO TRAINING AND FAMILIARIZATION WITH A CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.

The following are important safety guidelines every diver should adopt before diving in a drysuit:

• Follow a complete drysuit diving course with a certified instructor and from an officially recognized approved training
• Always dive with a buoyancy
• Become familiar with all your equipment before
• Practice drysuit diving skills in safe conditions until confident of your
• Ensure your buddy is completely familiar with and understands all your drysuit diving systems.
• Weight should be set to achieve neutral buoyancy with an empty tank. Do not add more weight than You should be able to achieve a 5 minute safety stop at 3 meters (10 feet), neutrally buoyant with a tank containing around 30 bar (500 psi) or less.
• Inspect the zipper, seals and valves for damage before each
• Perform regular preventative maintenance on the suit, valves, zipper and seals.
• Only allow qualified individuals or Authorized Dealers to perform service on the
• Understand your personal diving Do not exceed them.

DRYSUITS KEY SPECIFICATIONS

This manual describes only Trilaminate suit. All trilaminate suits share several basic features, including the main waterproof zipper, inflation and exhaust valves, low pressure inflator hose, vulcanized neoprene boots, neoprene hood, and bag. Some models are equipped with a specific repair kit.

Trilaminate

The Trilaminate suits are constructed of a three-layer fabric (hence the name tri-laminate). The suit is first sewn together, then the inside surface of these a mistreated with a waterproof tape. This provides an extremely dry and reliable construction.

The Trilaminate material has neither inherent buoyancy nor thermal protection, it is only a dry barrier between the diver and the aquatic environment. This style, known as a “membrane” suit, provides a waterproof shell under which the diver can wear the correct choice of undergarments suit to the conditions.

The suit is more flexible than neoprene, and allows the diver a broader comfort range (especially in the warmer temperatures) than neoprene.

WARNING NEVER DEPEND ON ANY DRYSUIT AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF FLOTATION AND BUOYANCY CONTROL. ALWAYS DIVE WITH  A SUITABLE BUOYANCY CONTROL DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH A SEPARATEINFLATION SYSTEM. 

WATERPROOF ZIPPER

MODS drysuit uses a waterproof zipper situated horizontally across the shoulders for entry into the drysuit, or diagonal on the front section of the torso. It is positioned so that it closes from left to right. This is because most people are righthanded and will be less likely to damage the zipper, or catch clothes or foreign objects in the zipper while closing it. Advise your buddy to place one finger directly in front of the slider as it is closed, helping to guide the undergarment or foreign objects away from the zipper teeth. Also make sure that your buddy fully tucks in the interior zipper flap before closing the zipper. 

WARNING CLOTHING OR FOREIGN OBJECTS CAUGHT BETWEEN THE ZIPPER TEETH WILL CAUSE THEM TO SEPARATE, DESTROYING THE WATERPOOF INTEGRITY OF THE ZIPPER. THIS DAMAGE IS PERMANENT AND IS NOT REPAIRABLE. HAVE YOUR BUDDY EXERCISE CARE WHEN CLOSING AND OPENING THE ZIPPER.

To close the zipper with the least chance of damage, extend your arms level in front of you. Advise your buddy to draw the zipper closed from left to right, keeping one finger in front of the slider to prevent clothing and foreign object damage to the teeth. Make sure the slider is drawn tight up against the rubber stop on the right-hand side. If the slider is not tight against the stop, the zipper will leak.

In the model with a front-diagonal zipper, the closing-opening operation can be done without the help of your buddy.

Maintenance of the Zipper

The larger teeth visible on the outside of the zipper are actually just clamps that secure the smaller teeth visible in the inside surface of the zipper in place. It is these smaller teeth that interlock and create firm even pressure on the polymer zipper tape, creating the seal. These teeth, the zipper tape and the outer clamps must be kept clean and lubricated to operate properly and give long product life.

LATEX WRIST & NECK SEALS

MODS drysuit is fitted with flexible latex neck and wrist seals for watertight integrity.

Trimming the Seals

The latex seals have concentric raised ridges functioning as cutting guides to assist you to accurately trim the seals to fit. The seals are slightly tapered so they get larger when trimmed. Using a sharp pair of scissors, trim one ring off at a time until the seal is comfortable but still snug on your neck and wrists. Use care and precision with sharp scissors when trimming ridges. Leave a smooth surface, as ragged edges can allow tears to form, which will require replacement of the seal.

CAUTION Do not trim too much, or the seals become too loose and may leak. Make sure you cut the seals cleanly and leave no nicks that can develop into a tear.

WARNING BLOOD FLOW CAN BE RESTRICTED BY SEALS THAT ARE TOO TIGHT, WHICH CAN ULTIMATELY LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH. DO NOT WEAR THE SEALS TOO TIGHT.

Storage & Maintenance

Store the drysuit so the seals are dry, cool (below 25 degrees C) and out of direct sunlight. Ultra- Violet light will degrade the latex over time. If the seals have been exposed to cold temperatures, they will become stiff and lose their flexibility. This condition is not permanent and can be resolved by a brief immersion in warm water. Before storing the suit for any length of time, dust the seals inside and out with pure talc (supplied in the repair kit) as a preservative. Do not use perfumed cosmetic talc, as it contains oils which can damage the latex. Do not use oils or lotion on the seals. Avoid contact with copper.

Possible Allergy Risk

A small percentage of people have an allergic reaction to natural latex, the material from which the neck & wrist seals of some models are manufactured. This allergy can range from mild to severe skin rash and itching. It is the responsibility of the user to pre-determine if he or she has Latex allergy, or to recognize it during use, and discontinue use of the suit until the problem can be rectified. This usually means removing the latex seals, and installing new seals made of alternative materials.

What is Latex Allergy?

Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins in latex rubber. The amount of latex exposure needed to produce sensitization or an allergic reaction is unknown. Increasing the exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of developing allergic symptoms. In sensitized persons, symptoms usually begin within minutes of exposure; but they can occur hours later and can be quite varied. Mild reactions to latex involve skin redness, rash, hives, or itching. More severe reactions may involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat and asthma (difficult breathing, coughing spells, and wheezing). Rarely, shock may occur; however, a life-threatening reaction is seldom the first sign of latex allergy

WARNING DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE LATEX ALLERGY, AND TO WHAT EXTENT BEFORE PURCHASING OR USING A DRYSUIT WITH LATEX SEALS.

FITTING OF A DRYSUIT

• First remove your watch as it could tear wrist seals.
• Drysuits in general and Trilaminate models in particular are designed to fit less snugly than neoprene wetsuits. However, a good fit is still required. You should be able to reach both hands over your head, and be able to squat on your knees without restriction, while wearing the drysuit and the heaviest undergarments you intend to wear.
• The suit should not be tight in the crotch, or too long.
• If the legs are too long, air volume in the suit can dislodge the boots off your feet.

To ensure a good fit:

• Wear the bulkiest undergarment you are likely to wear under the suit.
• Make sure the suit is not restrictive in any area.
• Make sure you can raise both hands above your head, touch your toes, and squat to your knees without restriction.
• Make sure the crotch (with suspenders properly adjusted) is not more than 10 cm (4 inches) below your crotch.
• Make sure you can easily reach both valves.

NOTE: You will be considerably more bulky in a drysuit than with a wetsuit and the boots are bigger. If you already own a BC, make sure that it will properly fit over the drysuit. Also make sure that your feet in the drysuit boots fit all the way into your fins, or else purchase larger fins. Having fins that are too small to wear properly will result in foot cramps and lost fins, both potentially dangerous situations.

Donning the drysuit

• First remove all jewelry and watch as it could tear wrist seals.
• Lay the suit out flat and do a quick overall inspection to insure it is in good order.
• Dust the inside of the latex seals with talc.
• Lubricate the zipper with the wax stick.
• Fold the torso of the suit inside out over the legs to about waist level, so the suspenders are exposed.
• Make sure the suspenders are correctly attached, and are not tangled or twisted
• Sit down if possible and insert foot first into the suit, making sure you do not tangle foot in suspender.
• Grasp suit material at calf level and gently ease foot into boot. Pull up on leg.
• Repeat with other leg.
• Grasp torso and ease suit up so that the crotch of the suit is correctly positioned.
• Raise suspenders over shoulders and adjust so they support the weight of the suit.
• Insert first arm all the way, taking care with the seal when pushing hand through.
• Repeat with second arm. Try to make sure the inside zipper flap is not curled under during this process. Make sure that if the drysuit undergarment is equipped with thump loops, they are fully retracted, and not caught between the seal and your wrist. This will cause a leak.
• Grasp the top edge of the neck seal with both hands, fingers on the inner surface, thumbs on the outside. Make sure your fingernails do not tear the latex. Spread the opening wide enough to draw the neck seal over your head, and adjust so it is comfortable. (Note: some divers prefer to don the neck seal first, inserting the arms after. This is a matter of personal preference).
• Have your buddy make sure the drysuit undergarment is correctly positioned under the latex seal so that there will be no cold spots.
• Instruct your buddy to draw the zipper closed from left to right, keeping one finger in front of the slider to prevent clothing and foreign object damage to the teeth. Make sure the slider is drawn tight up against the rubber stop on the right-hand side. If the slider is not tight against the stop, the zipper will leak.
• Attach the low pressure hose with quick disconnect fitting to the inflate valve by pulling back on the fitting and inserting it over the valve stem. Depress the side inflate button briefly to ensure the valve is working properly. Air will enter the suit, partially inflating it. Disconnect the low pressure inflate hose.
• To check the proper function of the exhaust valve, turn it to the “OPEN” or “-“ position and crouch to your knees. The suit should deflate and you should hear the air escaping from the valve.

• Hood 

  • Pull the hood over your head and position comfortably. Tuck the neck of the hood under the neoprene neck cuff for a more watertight seal and better insulation.

• Gloves 

  • Pull on each glove. If using dry gloves, make sure the instructions for use are respected.

NOTE: Latex is an excellent watertight seal material but has virtually no insulation value. It is important to adjust the neck over cuff properly so that it helps insulate the latex seal against the cold water. The outer cuff also protect the latex neck seal from abrasion and UV degradation.

Doffing the drysuit

To take off the drysuit, follow the same procedures for donning the suit, but in reverse order.

APPLICATIONS FOR USE

Trilaminate drysuits are made of the finest materials and to extremely high standards of workmanship. However they must be used within reasonable limits.

WARNING - DO NOT:

• Exceed the maximum depth to which you are currently certified.
• Use the drysuit in toxic or hydrocarbon – rich
• Use the drysuit as a buoyancy lifting
• Use the drysuit without a separate buoyancy control
• Use inflation gases other than air except argon.
• Use the suit with any weight harness or other weight system that is not equipped with a quick- release system.

Pre-Dive Suit Checks

Before EVERY dive, make sure the suit is in good condition by checking the following:

• No visible damage to materials or accessories anywhere on the
• Check latex or smooth-skin neoprene seals for small tears or holes

Verify inflate and exhaust valves are intact and functioning properly

Check low pressure hose and fittings are intact, undamaged, and properly connected. Inspect waterproof zipper for excess wear or any damage.

Post-Dive Suit Checks

After EVERY dive, complete all the pre-dive checks listed above, and inspect suit for any possible new damage. Repair any damage immediately, or take the suit to MODS DRYSUIT dealer for repair.

Inspection Intervals

In addition to the checks listed above to be performed before every dive, the Valves should be inspected and serviced by MODS DRYSUIT dealer on an annual basis.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Drysuit diving, as any other aspect of advanced SCUBA diving activity, carries a degree of inherent risk. These include:

Hyper/hypothermia

Drysuits are often used in extreme temperature conditions, where there may be combinations of cold surface conditions and cold water, or hot surface conditions and cold water. It is important to know your own personal thermal safe range, to avoid overheating, or becoming chilled. While a drysuit and warm undergarment have excellent thermal protection, they do have limits and your safe & enjoyable time in the water is variable based on water temperature and condition, workload, and your own body type. Hypothermia is the cooling of the body core to unsafe levels. Hyperthermia is the overheating of the body core to unsafe levels. Hyperthermia in drysuit use is most often experienced during surface intervals in hot weather, or during periods of excessive workload in warm, shallow water.

WARNING LEARN YOUR OWN LIMITATIONS AND LEARN TO RECOGNIZE DISCOMFORT AS A DANGER SIGNAL. AVOID HYPERTHERMIA & HYPOTHERMIA AS BOTH CAN BE HARMFUL OR FATAL. MONITOR YOUR WORK RATE DURING ALL DIVING ACTIVITIES TOAVOID EXCESSIVE AIR CONSUMPTION, FATIGUE, OVER HEATING AND OTHER SYMPTOMS.

Change of Buoyancy with Depth

Trilaminate

As the Trilaminate material is a membrane and lacks a closed cellular structure, the material itself does not change buoyancy with depth. However, the air trapped within the suit by the thermal undergarment will be compressed and the diver compensates for this by adding air during descent and venting air during ascent, to remain neutrally buoyant.

WARNING BUOYANCY CONTROL IN A DRYSUIT IS MORE COMPLEX THAN IN A WETSUIT AND IS A VITAL SKILL TO BE LEARNED DURING THE INSTRUCTION IN THE USE OF A DRYSUIT.

Leak Testing Your Suit

Your drysuit can be tested for leaks by plugging the wrist and neck seals with objects of suitable size, closing the zipper and using the low-pressure inflation hose attached to the inflate valve to inflate the suit. Wrap an elastic band around the seal to help the plug stay in place under pressure. Start with the adjustable exhaust valve set at the lowest release pressure, and gradually increase until the suit is firm, but not hard. This way you will not stress the seals, fabric 

WARNING DO NOT use GLASS objects to plug the neck or wrist seals. Occasionally, the internal pressure will blow the plug out of the seal. Glass can shatter, causing injury or seams of the suit.

Once the suit is inflated, submerge it a section at a time in the bathtub, and inspect for leaks. Small bubbles will appear if a leak is present. Alternately, lay the inflated suit down outside, and slowly pour warm soapy water over the suspected areas. The soap solution will blow small bubbles, or create fine foam over the leak.

Once the leaks are located, mark the area, rinse and dry the suit thoroughly, and follow the repair kit instructions.

If you prefer, your MODS DRYSUIT dealer can provide this service.

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR & MODIFICATION

It is not within the scope of this basic manual to provide complete and detailed repair instructions for all the situations that may be found. Basic maintenance for the suit, the materials and individual components such as zipper, seals, and valves, etc., may be found under those individual headings.

WARNING UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS AND /OR MODIFICATIONS TO THE DRYSUIT WILL VOID THE WARRANTY AND POSSIBLY CAUSE THE SUIT TO FAIL TO PERFORM PROBERLY, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. ALWAYS TAKE THE SUITS TO MODS DRYSUIT DEALER FOR THIS WORK.

Cleaning, Disinfection & Decontamination

After each use:

• Rinse outside of suit with clean fresh water.
• Wipe seals clean with clean freshwater.
• Rinse valves with clean freshwater.
• Hang suit upside down to dry.

If the suit gets wet inside, clean the inside of the suit with clear fresh water and dry it inside out.

Latex seals

-Lightly dust with non perfumed talc.

Degreasing

If the suit is exposed to oil or grease, clean with a mild grease cutting detergent and a soft brush. Rinse with clean freshwater.

DO NOT ALLOW OIL OR GREASE RESIDUE TO REMAIN ON SUIT FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME – IT MAY DEGRADE THE MATERIAL.

Decontamination

Recreational divers should take care to avoid exposure to contaminated water and environments. Professional, commercial, rescue and military divers who may be forced to dive in contaminated conditions must identify the contaminant and take appropriate steps to remove the contaminant from the suit before it can be used again.

Storage & Transport

Drysuits are best stored on the MODS drysuit hanger that hangs the suit upside down by the feet with the zipper open. Keep in a cool dry place out of the sun. Keep copper away from the latex seals. Additional advice may be found in specific sections above. Transport the suit in the nylon bag provided. Try to clean excessive dirt and sand from the suit before placing it in the bag.

ACCESSORIES

Hood

The supplied hood has a face seal section lined with super extensible fabric for flexibility and comfort.

The Diamond Span lining inside will retain the warmth of your head and is also very quick drying.

The air vent system allows trapped air to escape and its placement prevents outside water from entering. The neck section is designed to lay over top of the neck seal on the suit for extreme protection.

Bag

Each MODS drysuit is supplied in a carrying bag. The flat design with perimeter zipper allows the bag to fold open for use as a dressing mat to keep your feet clean while getting in and out of the suit. Inside the bag is a permanently attached pouch where the repair kit, zipper lubricant and seal talc are conveniently stored.

Valves

MODS drysuits feature the low profile Si-Tech valve system, the most tested, reliable and diffused worldwide.

Hose

The diver must use a low-pressure hose.

Inflate Valve Features

• 360 degree swivel for optimal inflator hose
• Universal low pressure male quick disconnect.
• Push button for easier, more comfortable
• Low profile curved back plate reduces bulk and increases
• Located at centre of

Exhaust Valve Features

• Deflate pressure fully adjustable with manual over ride.
• High flowrate.
• Low profile with smooth contours to avoid catching valve when donning
• Low profile curved back plate reduces bulk and increases
• Located on left

Low Pressure inflator hose

• Standard low-pressure

SAFE DISPOSAL

If you need to destroy the drysuit please make sure to follow local regulations and prescriptions.

WARNING UNAUTHORIZED CHANGES OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THEINSTALLATION OF A URINATION SYSTEM WILL VOID THE WARRANCY.

PERIOD OF USE

The lifespan/duration of use of this product cannot be defined in general. Various factors such as storage conditions, level of care, frequency of usage and the field of application will influence the lifespan/duration of use.

Extreme usage conditions can lead to excessive damage that may result in the product being no longer fit for use.

Factors such as an aggressive environment, sharp edges, extreme temperatures or exposure to chemicals may damage the product beyond repair.

Under the following circumstances, the product should no longer be used and should be destroyed:

• Damage to the material or parts essential for safety, g., bungees, straps, seams (rips, cuts or other)
• Damage to the plastic and/or metal parts (e.g., the valves and/or the latex or silicone)
• Excessive stress on the material caused by over-stretching or over-loading
• When the product no longer appears to be generally safe and reliable
• When the product no longer meets the technical standards (e.g., changes in legal provisions, safety guidelines, technical requirements, or incompatibility with other products)
• When the product’s history and previous use is not known
• When the labelling of the product no longer exists or can no longer be

NOTE: Also observe sections 8.1 and 8.2 on damage or faults.

If the drysuit does not pass the regular visual inspection by either the owner or a specialist the drysuit should be destroyed. Destroying the drysuit (i.e., by cutting it) is essential to ensure that the drysuit cannot be reused.

The product must be serviced annually by an authorized dealer. The decision will be made by the responsible person at the mandatory yearly service

DESCRIPTION OF PICTOGRAMS

           

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Authorized Representative

Mods Drysuit Headquarter

Office: 515 W. 27th St., Unit 6, Los Angeles, CA 90007 .USA

Shipping Address: 514 W. Adams Blvd., St. John's Unit 6, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Phone: 1-213-887-5561

Email: info@modsdrysuit.com

For Declaration of Conformity

www.modsdrysuit.com