Recall: Pelagic Pressure Systems Recall of SCUBA BC Inflators

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 2, 2004 Release # 04-210

Firm's Hotline: (888) 854-4960 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Pelagic Pressure Systems Announce Recall of SCUBA BC Inflators

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Oceanic-brand Reliant Buoyancy Compensator (BC) Inflators and AERIS-brand AW3 BC Inflators

Units: About 11,600

Manufacturer: Pelagic Pressure Systems, of San Leandro, Calif.

Hazard: The Power Inflator Buttons can stick, which can cause uncontrolled inflation of the BC. This could cause divers to ascend too fast, resulting in decompression sickness as well as the danger of an embolism.

Incidents/Injuries: Pelagic has received eight reports of the buttons sticking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes Oceanic-brand Reliant BC inflators and AERIS-brand AW3 BC inflators. The Oceanic Reliant-type inflators have three flow-through holes in the hand grip of the lower inflator mechanism. The AERIS AW3 inflator has one flow-through hole in the hand grip of the lower inflator mechanism.

Manufactured in: Taiwan.

Sold at: Authorized Oceanic dealers sold BCs fitted with Reliant inflators nationwide from February 2004 through June 2004 for between $320 and $550. Authorized AERIS dealers sold BCs fitted with AW3 inflators from May 2004 through June 2004 for between $400 and $560.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using BCs fitted with the recalled inflators immediately and take them to any authorized Oceanic or AERIS dealer to get a free repair.

Consumer Contact: Call Pelagic toll-free at (888) 854-4960 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, send an email to service@oceanicusa.com or info2@diveaeris.com, or write to Pelagic Pressure Systems, 2002 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA 94577.