Buoyancy Compensators used for Scuba Diving

CPSC Recall #10-208 — April 27, 2010

Recall Summary

Recall Number10-208
Recall DateApril 27, 2010
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 20,000
ManufacturerOcean Management Systems Inc., of Middletown, N.Y.
Manufactured InUnited States

Where It Was Sold

Dive stores nationwide from May 2006 through August 2008 for about $400.

Product

Buoyancy Compensators used for Scuba Diving

Description

This recall involves buoyancy compensators with the following model numbers. Buoyancy compensators provide buoyancy control for scuba divers by allowing them to inflate or deflate the devices. The compensators were sold in black or red. "OMS" is printed on the front inside of the compensators. Item and serial numbers are printed on the warning label located in the non-inflation area of the buoyancy compensator. A list of serial numbers included in this recall is available from the firm.Item NumberDescriptionBC-TCPS- BTACOPS® BC ; BlackBC-TCPS-RTACOPS® BC ; RedBC116-32B16 BNon retraction single tank BC 32 lb. lift / BlackBC116-32RNon retraction single tank BC 32 lb. lift / RedBC-LGS45Larry Green Signature Series 45 lb. lift BCBC-LGS70Larry Green Signature Series 70 lb. lift BCBC118 - KDual Bladder BC [inflated] 94 lb. lift Black or RedBC115 - KBDual Bladder BC, 60 lb. lift in BlackBC115 - KRDual Bladder BC, 60 lb. lift in RedBC118 - KDual Bladder BC [deflated] 94 lb. lift Black or RedBC117 - K45Single Bladder BC 45 lb. lift / BlackBC117CR - K45Chemically Resistant 45 lb. lift / BlackBC117 - K60Single Bladder BC, 60 lb. lift / BlackBC117 - KBSingle Bladder BC, 94 lb. lift / BlackBC117 - KRSingle Bladder BC, 94 lb. lift / RedBC116-45BNon-retraction Single Bladder BC 45 lb. lift/ BlackBC116-60BNon-retraction Single Bladder BC 60 lb. lift/ BlackBC116-60RNon-retraction Single Bladder BC 60 lb. lift/ RedBC116-60CChemically Resistant 60 lb. lift / Black

Hazard

The buoyancy compensator seal ring could crack, posing a drowning hazard to divers.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the diving equipment and contact Ocean Management Systems to receive a free repair.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.