apeks KVR1 Drysuit User Manual

apeks KVR1 Drysuit

The Drysuit is a waterproof garment that is used to keep the wearer dry while participating in water activities. It is available in various sizes and is designed for both men and women.

Product Usage Instructions

1. AVERTISSEMENTS: Before using the Drysuit, please read and follow all safety instructions and warnings provided in the user manual.
2. HABILLAGE: To wear the Drysuit, use the provided sizing chart to determine the appropriate size. The Drysuit should fit snugly, but not be too tight. Step into the Drysuit and pull it up to your waist. Insert your arms into the sleeves and fasten the zippers. Ensure that all seals are properly aligned and secured.
3. LA GARANTIE: The Drysuit comes with a warranty. Please refer to the user manual for details about the warranty and how to make a claim.
4. ACCESSOIRES: The Drysuit may come with additional accessories such as socks or gloves. Follow the instructions provided for these accessories to ensure proper usage.

For additional information about using the Drysuit, please refer to the user manual provided in multiple languages.

USER MANUAL FOR TRILAMINATE DIVING DRYSUITS

WARNING
Before being able to use this drysuit it is absolutely essential that you have followed a training course and that you possess DIVER CERTIFICATION issued by a recognised training agency. The use of a drysuit by a person not certified or trained in its use is DANGEROUS and could cause serious accident or death. Apeks declines all responsibility for any accident caused by inadequate knowledge or inappropriate use of the drysuit.

CAUTION
Some people may be allergic to contact with materials such as neoprene and silicone used in the manufacture of the suit. If you suffer from allergies, consult a doctor before using the suit.

CONFORMITY WITH STANDARDS
This drysuit has successfully passed all the tests required by the EN14225-2: 2017 standard and has received CE certification for this type. The maximum operating depth limit indicated by the standard for certifying the equipment is 50 metres. This suit offers no thermal protection without proper undergarment (see the chapter on their use). On the other hand, it offers no protection in an environment polluted by chemical or biological agents. this dry suit can be used with all standard diving equipments (BCD, regulator, fins …).

LIMITATIONS OF USE OF APEKS DRYSUIT
This suit has been designed for recreational diving only and to protect the diver from the water contact. Its components (materials, accessories inflator/purge) are intended for use with air only. This suit is intended for use with compressed air. If you wish to use other gases such as oxygen or argon, you must be specially trained. Incorrect use may cause bodily injury or death. Do not use any other gas or mixture for inflation of the suit. Using oxygen enriched gas with a percentage of oxygen exceeding 40% for inflation presents a risk of fire and explosion.

CAUTION
Maximum depth: 50 meters. Depending on your undergarment, your suit may be used in water temperature from -2° to 22°C.

CAUTION
If diving the drysuit in cold water it is necessary to wear a hood in addition to the suit.

WORK RATE
Work rates will be influenced by choice of undergarment being worn and water temperature. Too high of a work rate in conjunction with a thick undergarment and/or warm water temperature could cause hyperthermia. Only specialized training will give you the knowledge required to make the best choice of equipment. The underwear used in combination with a waterproof garment must allow a free passage of air between the body of the user and the depressurizing device.

CHOOSING A SIZE
On page 14, you will find a size chart, which will allow you to choose the suit reference for your size.

CAUTION
It is important that you try on the suit in a specialised dive shop offering you the advice of qualified and experienced staff. If you choose a suit that is too tight you may experience squeeze problems during the descent. If the suit is too big for your size you may experience problems of over-expansion that could cause an uncontrolled ascent.

EC TYPE EXAMINATION AND SUIT TYPE
The drysuits herein described are certified according to the EC rule 2016/425, Article 10 and exceed the minimum requirements on the EN14225-2. The risks identified in the risk assessment are presented on the basis of the above warnings.

CE
Apeks guarantees that the designated products comply with the requirements and that Apeks meets its obligations concerning the EC rule 2016/425 Relative to Individual Protection Equipment.

EN14225-2

• The above dry suits have been tested by an independent institution in accordance with the requirements of the European standards EN14225-2: 2017.
• The EC type assessment was handled by: DGUV Test
• Prüf- und Zertifizierungstelle Fachbereich Persönliche Schutzausrüstung
• Kenn-Nummer 0299 Postfach 1653 42760 Haan
• Standard: EN 14225-2 :2017

SUITS SIZE CHART

The size chart will enable you to choose the drysuit to fit your size.

MEN **S| M| ML| XLS| L| LL| XL| XXL
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
FOREARM**| 20-24 cm

8-9 in

| 24-28 cm

9-11 in

| 24-28 cm

9-11 in

| 32-36 cm

13-14 in

| 28-32 cm

11-13 in

| 28-32 cm

11-13 in

| 32-36 cm

13-14 in

| 36-40 cm

14-16 in

BICEP| 30-34 cm

12-13 in

| 34-38 cm

13-15 in

| 34-38 cm

13-15 in

| 42-46 cm

17-18 in

| 38-42 cm

15-17 in

| 38-42 cm

15-17 in

| 42-46 cm

17-18 in

| 46-50 cm

18-20 in

CHEST| 94-98 cm

37-39 in

| 94-102 cm

37-40 in

| 94-102 cm

37-40 in

| 106-110 cm

42-43 in

| 102-106 cm

40-42 in

| 102-106 cm

40-42 in

| 106-110 cm

42-43 in

| 110-114 cm

43-45 in

WAIST| 86-92 cm

34-36 in

| 92-96 cm

36-38 in

| 92-96 cm

36-38 in

| 104-108 cm

41-43 in

| 100-104 cm

39-41 in

| 100-104 cm

39-41 in

| 104-108 cm

41-43 in

| 108-112 cm

43-44 in

HIP| 90-94 cm

35-37 in

| 94-98 cm

37-39 in

| 94-98 cm

37-39 in

| 102-106 cm

40-42 in

| 98-102 cm

39-40 in

| 98-102 cm

39-40 in

| 102-106 cm

40-42 in

| 106-110 cm

42-43 in

THIGH| 44-48 cm

17-19 in

| 48-52 cm

19-20 in

| 48-52 cm

19-20 in

| 56-60 cm

22-24 in

| 52-56 cm

20-22 in

| 52-56 cm

20-22 in

| 56-60 cm

22-24 in

| 60-64 cm

24-25 in

CALF| 34-36 cm

13-14 in

| 36-38 cm

14-15 in

| 36-38 cm

14-15 in

| 40-42 cm

16-17 in

| 38-40 cm

15-16 in

| 38-40 cm

15-16 in

| 40-42 cm

16-17 in

| 42-44 cm

17-17 in

CROTCH TO FLOOR| 80-84 cm

31-33 in

| 84-88 cm

33-35 in

| 88-92 cm

35-36 in

| 88-92 cm

35-36 in

| 88-92 cm

35-36 in

| 92-96 cm

36-38 in

| 92-96 cm

36-38 in

| 96-100 cm

38-39 in

SPINE TO WRIST| 70-74 cm

28-29 in

| 74-78 cm

29-31 in

| 78-82 cm

31-32 in

| 78-82 cm

31-32 in

| 78-82 cm

31-32 in

| 82-86 cm

32-34 in

| 82-86 cm

32-34 in

| 86-90 cm

34-35 in

HEIGHT| 163-173 cm

64-68 in

| 173-183 cm

68-72

| 178-188 cm

70-74 in

| 178-188 cm

70-74 in

| 178-188 cm

70-74 in

| 183-193 cm

72-76 in

| 183-193 cm

72-76 in

| 188-198 cm

74-78 in

WEIGHT| 60-70kg

132-154 lbs

| 70-80kg

154-176 lbs

| 75-85kg

165-187 lbs

| 85-95kg

187-209 lbs

| 80-90kg

176-198 lbs

| 85-95kg

187-209 lbs

| 90-100kg

198-220 lbs

| 100-110 kg

220-242 lbs

SOCK SIZE| 38-39 EU

5-6 US

| 39-40 EU

6,5-7 US

| 41-42 EU

8,5 US

| 41-42 EU

8,5 US

| 41-42 EU

8,5 US

| 42-43 EU

9,5 US

| 43-44 EU

10 US

| 45-46 EU

12 US

9-10 in

| 26-30 cm

10-12 in

| 30-34 cm

12-13 in

BICEP| 30-34 cm

12-13 in

| 34-38 cm

13-15 in

| 38-42 cm

15-17 in

CHEST| 96-100 cm

38-39 in

| 100-104 cm

39-41 in

| 104-108 cm

41-43 in

WAIST| 86-90 cm

34-35 in

| 90-94 cm

35-37 in

| 94-98 cm

37-39 in

HIP| 96-100 cm

38-39 in

| 100-104

39-41 in

| 104-108 cm

41-43 in

THIGH| 55-60 cm

22-24 in

| 60-64 cm

24-25 in

| 64-68 cm

25-27 in

CALF| 38-42 cm

15-17 in

| 42-46 cm

17-18 in

| 46-50 cm

18-20 in

CROTCH TO FLOOR| 76-80 cm

30-31 in

| 80-84 cm

31-33 in

| 84-88 cm

33-35 in

SPINE TO WRIST| 66-70 cm

26-28 in

| 70-74 cm

28-29 in

| 74-78 cm

29-31 in

HEIGHT| 155-165 cm

61-65 in

| 160-170 cm

63-67 in

| 170-180 cm

67-71 in

WEIGHT| 45-60 kg

99-132 lbs

| 55-70 kg

121-154 lbs

| 65-80 kg

143-176 lbs

SOCK SIZE| 38-39 EU

5-6 US

| 39-40 EU

6,5-7 US

| 41-42 EU

8,5 US

PICTOGRAM EXPLANATION

PREPARING THE SUIT

SILICONE AND NEOPRENE CUFFS AND COLLAR
The silicone and the neoprene collar/neck seal has been designed to allow its size to be adapted to the neck size of the diver. If this is necessary, you can have this carried out by an experienced and qualified technician in a specialised dive shop. The same applies to the silicone and the neoprene cuff seals. Any damage caused to the suit during this operation is not covered by our guarantee.

CAUTION
Avoid restricting blood flow by ensuring that the silicone and the neoprene neck seal is not too tight.

PLASTIC DRY ZIPPER
Ensure the dry zipper is lubricated in line with the recommendations in the AFTER THE DIVE SECTION.

INFLATOR
Connect the hose supplied with the suit to a medium pressure port on your regulator’s first stage. During final preparation and checking the suit before entering the water.

GLUED ARAMID SOLE BOOT
This drysuit is equipped with slimline glued boots that keep the feet dry. The boots are cut so that they can fit inside a rock boot or wetsuit boot.

PRIOR TO THE DIVE

WATERTIGHTNESS OF THE SUIT
Check the general condition of the suit; there should be no cuts or tears that could cause water to leak into the suit. Never dive with a suit showing any signs of deterioration. CUFF AND NECK SEALS Check that these parts are in good condition. The silicone and the neoprene cuff and neck seals should first be treated with talc or French chalk. The neoprene cuffs should also be treated. Alternatively, you may also use soft soap or shampoo.

DRY ZIPPER
Check that the zipper is in good condition by opening it several times before donning the suit. If the zipper cannot be completely closed or if it opens unexpectedly, do not use the suit and take it to a specialised dive shop for repair.

PURGE AND INFLATOR
Check that the arm-mounted purge valve operates correctly by unscrewing it and verifying that it cannot be unscrewed more than one complete turn. With one complete turn you can completely close the valve, preventing air from entering or escaping. By unscrewing it you allow air to escape during the ascent. It is recommended that you close the purge valve completely during the descent to prevent water entry and then open it 1/4 turn on arriving at your maximum depth and during the rest of the dive.

CAUTION
Before dressing and entering the water you should check that the inflator on the chest and the purge on the arm are correctly screwed together. If they are not tightly screwed there is a risk of water entering the suit.

DONNING AND DOFFING A FRONT ENTRY SUIT

Warning : Avoid sharp objects (rings, earrings, fingernails) when donning suits. Use talcum powder or baby powder if the seals are too difficult to slide on.

Tuck Neck Seal : Some models of drysuits come fitted with a hood dam. Simply tuck your drysuit hood inside the dam before your dive to minimize water flushing between the hood and neck seal.

Warning : Neck seals that are too tight may restrict blood flow to the brain, resulting in serious injury.

Doffing : When removing your drysuit, follow the same steps as above in reverse.

1. Unzip main opening zippers and pull out the suspenders.

2. Roll the Core down to the inseam, exposing the two leg hole openings.

3. Sit down. Grip one of the Core leg hole openings on either side and put your leg in, pulling the Core leg hole opening up to your crotch.

4. To get your foot all the way in the Core sock, roll the same leg opening down to the knee. Again pull the Core leg hole opening up to the crotch. Your foot should now be in the Core sock.

5. Follow steps 3 & 4 to don the other leg.

6. Stand up. Grip the Core waist opening on either side and pull it up to your waist. The Core inseam should now be in place.

7. Pull the outer skin up to your waist.

8. Adjust suspenders for a snug yet comfortable fit. The suspenders should hold the suit up in the crotch.

9. Put your arm in the Core arm opening and push hand through the wrist seal, using your free hand to expand the wrist opening. Use thumb loops on undergarment to hold garment in place, eliminating bunching.

10. If you are not using dry gloves, be sure to tuck the undergarment thumb loops back under the seal.

11. Follow steps 9-10 to don the other arm.

12. Using both hands, stretch the neck seal over your head. Make sure the seal is sitting flat against your neck for the best seal and comfort.

13. Close the dry zipper or have your dive buddy do it. Ensure the zipper is fully closed to
    the end.

14. After the dry zipper has been closed, either you or your dive buddy close the protective over zipper. Make sure the dry zipper pull is tucked under the closed protective over zipper.

DONNING

DRY ZIPPER
Once you have successfully carried out these checks, put on the suit and have someone Check the zipper. Take care to ensure that nothing is impeding the path of the slider : under-suit, etc.

CAUTION
If the slider is not totally home at the end of the zipper, there is a risk of a water leak.

INFLATOR
Connect the hose supplied to the inflation valve. Check that the valve is operating correctly by pressing on the button controlling the delivery of air. When the button is released the airflow should stop immediately.

WATERTIGHTNESS CHECK
To check for watertightness, close the purge valve and inflate the suit. If you crouch down, air should only escape gently through the purge over-pressure valve. Purge the suit completely after this check: open the purge valve and crouch down with your arms across your chest. When all air has been purged, close the purge valve completely.

FITTING SILICONE AND NEOPRENE SEALS
You may want to fine-tune the fit of your silicone or neoprene seals. If your seals seem too tight, they can be trimmed to create a comfortable fit. Using scissors, carefully trim off 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) at a time, checking the fit each time. You do not have to wear your suit during this process, just slide one wrist or your neck into the seals to test the fit as you go along. The seals should be snug but not tight. You may want your dealer to assist you in fitting your seals. Warning: Neck seals that are too tight may restrict blood flow to the brain resulting in serious injury.

CAUTION
An inappropriate choice of under-suit could cause hypothermia or hyperthermia. Only specialised training will give you the knowledge required to make the best choice of equipment. Hydrostatic pressure will reduce the thickness of the suit. Thus the thermal protection of the suit can reduce with depth. This phenomenon is most felt when using a suit made of non-compressed neoprene.

VARIATION OF BUOYANCY
The presence of a volume of gas inside the suit will be subject to the effects of compression and expansion relative to the hydrostatic pressure. Inappropriate use of the inflator and the purge could cause squeeze during the descent as well as a too fast ascent which could result in a decompression accident.

CAUTION
Introducing gas into the suit should serve only to control the internal volume and so avoid water entries. Use of a drysuit will in no way replace the need for a buoyancy-compensating jacket (BC). This suit is intended for use with compressed air. Do not use any other gas or mixture for inflation of the suit.

USE IN DIVING
The purge valve should be completely closed during descent. On arrival at your maximum depth, open the purge valve 1/4 turn. During ascent, air should escape automatically from the purge valve. You can adjust the pressure within the suit by opening or closing the purge valve. Before carrying out exploration dives, practice this procedure in shallow protected water following the advice of an instructor. On your first open water dives you are advised to surface using a shot line or the boat’s anchor line, allowing you to control your ascent better by holding onto the line if necessary.

CAUTION
Never open the zipper closure during the dive or on the water surface. Always wait until you are out of the water before attempting this. If you allow water to enter it can flood the suit, causing an immediate loss of thermal protection, and could result in the diver sinking rapidly, risking death by drowning.

AFTER THE DIVE

REMOVE THE SUIT
The suit must be used with great care particularly when dressing and removal, special care being required for the zipper closure and the seals. Take care to prevent damage to the silicone or smooth neoprene parts by your fingernails.

STORAGE
Do not store the suit near a source of heat or an electric motor generating ozone. It is recommended that the suit be hung on an appropriate clothes hanger or stretched out flat.

CAUTION
Extended exposure to significant heat, ozone, chlorine or ultraviolet can cause degeneration of neoprene.

MAINTENANCE

REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Rinse the suit in fresh water after every dive. Then dry the suit on a clothes hanger in a dry, shady, well ventilated location. Plastic zippers should be treated with an appropriate lubricant at most every 4 or 5 dives.

CAUTION
Use only products recommended by Apeks for lubricating zipper closures.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
Apeks recommends periodically washing the suit in clean fresh water followed by rinsing in warm fresh water at a maximum temperature of 30°C ± 5°C. If your suit has silicone or neoprene seals then it is important that they are carefully checked before the beginning of each season. If there are any signs of deterioration in the silicone and the neoprene then these items must be replaced before the suit is used. Have the purge valve and inflator checked by a professional before each season and at least once a year.

CAUTION
Do not dismantle the purge valve or the inflator yourself. Natural rubber components generally have a lifetime of 5 years before needing replacement.

DISPOSAL
When your drysuit can no longer be repaired for safe use, dispose of the garment in accordance with regulations within your jurisdiction.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

INFLATION VALVE STICKS OPEN
The drysuit inflates out of control. Disconnect the inflator hose from the inflator valve, and at the same time, operate the purge valve. In an extreme case you can assist the escape of air by releasing the neck seal or by holding your arm up and releasing the cuff seal with the other hand. Although this may release the air rapidly it can also allow water to enter the suit. If you find yourself making a fast ascent, then take all action necessary to prevent pulmonary barotrauma.

INFLATION VALVE STICKS CLOSED
Stop the descent and abandon the dive. Use your BC to control your return to the surface. Don’t forget to purge the suit occasionally during the ascent.

PURGE VALVE STICKS OPEN
Your suit will not retain any gas injected. Water may also enter via the valve. Abandon the dive and return to the surface following the safety rules.

PURGE VALVE STICKS CLOSED
It will no longer be possible to purge the suit automatically, which could cause an uncontrolled ascent. Return to the surface slowly, purging the suit via the cuff or neck seal. This procedure can allow water to enter the suit.

AIR LEAKS FROM THE INFLATION VALVE
Disconnect the inflator hose from the inflator. Continue to ascend normally.

WATER ENTERS VIA THE PURGE VALVE
Abandon the dive and use your BC to control your return to the surface.

WATER FLOODS THE SUIT
An unlikely occurrence but could be caused by a failure of the zipper closure or a panel in the suit. Abandon the dive and use your BC to control your return to the surface.

WARRANTY

• The warranty applies to all suits where there is a manufacturing fault or a material fault recognised as such by Apeks.
• The warranty does not cover damage resulting from improper use.
• The warranty does not apply if the equipment sold was not used or maintained according to the conditions detailed in this guide.
• The warranty is void if the suit is modified by a person or workshop that has not been authorised by Apeks.
• The warranty covers the free repair or replacement of the suit, at Apeks’s choice. Packing and transport charges remain the responsibility of the buyer.
• Any defective parts replaced remain the property of Apeks. The repair, modification or replacement of any parts during the warranty period does not prolong the duration of the warranty.
• The responsibility resulting from the sale of this suit is limited to the warranty above. It excludes any possibility of recourse to any penalties or damages and interest.
• To take advantage of this warranty, you must provide a proof of purchase (cash register receipt mentioning the date and the product purchased).

QUALUNG UK DISTRIBUTION, NEPTUNE WAY, BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND. BB1 2BT MADE IN POLAND

The EC conformity declaration is indicated on our website:www.apeksdiving.com

References

• Apeks - Technically Inspired Diving Equipment

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