Diving Tip: OPV (Over Pressure Valve) Check on your Wing or Trim Device

Members

A diving tip when setting up your equipment. In amongst the other equipment checks you should be conducting when setting up your equipment, you MUST also check the functionality of the OPV on Wing or Trim Device. This is an important step, as we use the OPV as the primary form of releasing gas from the Wing or Trim device.

In order to perform a OPV check, remove the wing or trim device from your gear bag or bucket. Prior to assembly, pull the OPV (Over Pressure Relief Valve) string while the wing or trim device is completely deflated. It may be a little sticky. Then attach the wing or trim device to the backplate or harness as appropriate. Partially inflate the wing or trim device (orally or power) and again pull the string to ensure that it releases gas. It should feel smooth and easy.

There have being several issues in the field. First, is that if the diver dismantels the OPV when washing out their wing or trim device and then reassembles it, they sometimes get the string caught in the spring inside the OPV. This prevents the OPV from functioning properly and can cause the OPV not to respond correctly. A second issue is that when the OPV is not used over time, the salt crystals will build up on the OPV material and will cause it to stick together. This again will affect the functionality of the OPV.

It is really simply to avoid these issues by simply conducting a test prior to assembly and then double checking it with a partially inflated wing or trim device.

Safe Diving

Andrew