January
30, 2002
Custom
Buoyancy Inc. (CBI), of Torrance, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 7,700
overpressure valves (OPV) used with buoyancy control systems. The overpressure
valve can stick in the open position, posing a drowning hazard to divers. CBI
has received three reports of the valves sticking open. No injuries have been
reported.
The recalled overpressure valve is installed on buoyancy control systems with
the following brand names: Diving Unlimited International (DUI), International
Divers, Ocean Management Systems, Rip Tide and Steam Machines. Brand names and
logos are printed on the epaulettes and pockets. These buoyancy control systems
come in two versions, a jacket style and a wings style. The date code, printed
on an instructional label sewn to the buoyancy control system, is the first
four numbers after the brand name abbreviation. The first two numbers indicate
the month and the second two numbers indicate the year. The recall includes
date codes from October 2000 through June 2001. Valves with an asterisk below
the serial number are not involved in this recall. Authorized CBI distributors
sold the buoyancy control systems with the overpressure valves nationwide from
October 2000 through November 2001 for about $590.
Consumers should stop using the buoyancy control systems with these
overpressure valves immediately and contact the CBI dealer where purchased for
a free replacement valve. For more information, consumers can contact CBI at
(866) 790-5099 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers
also can visit the firm's web site at http://www.custombuoyancy.com/recall.asp.
Diving Unlimited International (DUI) Inc., an authorized CBI dealer, recalled
buoyancy control systems with these overpressure valves in December 2001.