Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
Vehicle
Pathfinder Divers BSAC 0161
Diver Propulsion Vehicle
Operator & Maintainer Course
General Information,
Maintenance & Care
OT2 1
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 2
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
Vehicle
SeaScooter History
In Service Since BSAC Was Formed
• 1980s: Popularity Rose
• 1990s: Tec Diving Model Introduction – Greater Depth &
Runtime Capability
OT2 3
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 4
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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)
OT2 5
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
Vehicle
SeaScooter Components
• Trigger
Main Body with
circuit board
and motor unit
•Handles
•Propeller
Buoyancy
Chamber
Body
Clips
Extract From User Manual
Buoyancy
chamber
OT2 6
08/02
Unit
Cap
Battery
Unit
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
Vehicle
SeaScooter Types
• Technical
Long run time
Rugged construction
Deep dive capability
Large carrying capacity
OT2 7
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 8
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 9
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
Vehicle
Battery Types
Lead Acid
Advantages: Cost
Able to charge partially charged battery
Recharge easy
Disadvantages: Weight
Damage caused through deep discharge
OT2 10
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 11
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 12
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 13
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 14
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 15
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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.
OT2 16
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 17
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
Vehicle
Charging The Battery
1. Ensure Master Switch Off
2. Ensure SeaScooter is clear of water, dry & in dry area
3. Give half turn to latches & remove from nose cone
4. Remove outer nose cone and Buoyancy Control
Chamber
5. Unscrew Vent Plug & Open Vent
6. Feed silicone ring through latch holes in Inner Nose
Cone & Hook over hooks on Battery Housing
7. Screw Pump Nozzle onto Vent Hole & pump air into
Battery Chamber until Inner Nose Cone pops off
8. Remove silicone ring & remove Inner Nose Cone.
9. Allow two minutes for off gassing
OT2 18
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
Vehicle
Charging The Battery
10. Press locking feature & disconnect battery cable from
housing cable
11. Remove battery & place on level surface
12. Connect battery cable to charger cable
13. Plug charger into mains & turn on supply
14. Charging will take 6 – 8 hrs for fully discharged battery.
Flashing light indicates battery fully charged
15. Unplug adapter from mains
16. Allow battery to stand 30 mins before use
17. Unplug battery cable from Charger cable
18. When ready for use, install battery & reconnect to
housing cable
OT2 19
08/02
Diver
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Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
Vehicle
Charging The Battery
19. Ensure seals & sealing surfaces are clean & lubricated
before replacing Inner Nose Cone
20. Replace Inner Nose Cone [ensure key correctly aligned]
21. Ensure Vent O Ring seated correctly
22. Screw Vent Plug to seal vent
23. Replace Buoyancy Control Chamber
24. Replace Outer Nose Cone [ensure key aligned, insert
latches & lock Nose Cone with half turn]
OT2 20
08/02
Diver
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Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
Vehicle
Replacing Battery
1. Follow steps 1 – 9, to open the SeaScooter
2. Unplug battery at socket [press locking feature]
3. Remove discharged battery
4. Install & connect charged battery in correct position
[battery leads must be correctly oriented as shown on
battery label]
5. Follow steps 19 – 24, to close SeaScooter
OT2 21
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 22
08/02
Diver
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Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
Vehicle
Use
Use – Getting Started [Swimming & Snorkelling]
• Place SeaScooter in water, allowing Handle,
Outer Nose Cone & Nozzle to fill with water
•
•
•
•
•
OT2 23
08/02
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
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Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 24
08/02
Diver
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Propulsion&
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Diving
Signals
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
OT2 25
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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]
OT2 26
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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:
•
•
•
•
•
•
OT2 27
08/02
Remove SeaScooter from water
Master Switch in Off position
Remove both grille pins with screwdriver
Unclip grille
Remove obstruction
Reassemble grille & insert clips
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 28
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 29
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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]
OT2 30
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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.
OT2 31
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 32
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 33
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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]
OT2 34
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 35
08/02
Diver
Diving
Propulsion&
Equipment
Diving
Signals
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
OT2 36
08/02
Diver
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Propulsion&
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Diving
Signals
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
OT2 37
08/02