Recall: Dry Suit AC Valve Recalled by DUI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 1988
Release # 88-042

DUI Dry Suit AC Valve Recalled

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Diving Unlimited International, Inc. (DUI) of San Diego, California is announcing a recall of its AC (air control) dry suit valve because the valve malfunctions.

The DUI AC valve is used on SCUBA diving dry suits. The DUI AC valve deflates or inflates the diving dry suit to allow the diver to equalize air pressure while ascending or descending in the water by pressing on the valve. The AC valve differs from the standard 2-valve system commonly used in dry suits, where air intake and outflow are controlled by two separate valves.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is aware of incidents involving 16 divers which are associated with AC valve malfunction. The valve may free-flow causing air to fill the dry suit resulting in the diver rising rapidly to the surface or failing to provide sufficient air to maintain buoyancy. The possibility exists of serious injury and/or death, especially if appropriate emergency procedures are not followed.

Owners of dry suits with AC valves attached should immediately stop using the dry suits. DUI asks that all divers return their suits (at DUI's expense) and have the AC valve replaced at no charge.

All dry suits returned to DUI will be tested and DUI will fix any leaks in the suit (except for seals) at no additional charge. Further, if the diver wishes to upgrade the valve system, this will be done at the manufacturer's cost of the valves only.

Divers who have one of these AC valves attached to their dry suits should contact DUI on their toll free number 800-327- 8439 to obtain valve replacement instructions and a FREE dry suit check-up.

If owners of these suits have any questions regarding the recall or identifying the dry suit valves in question, please contact the firm at the number listed above or the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.