Oceanic-brand Reliant Buoyancy Compensator (BC) Inflators and AERIS-brand AW3 BC Inflators
CPSC Recall #04-210 — September 1, 2004
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 04-210 |
| Recall Date | September 1, 2004 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 11,600 |
| Manufacturer | Pelagic Pressure Systems, of San Leandro, Calif. |
| Manufactured In | Taiwan |
Where It Was Sold
| 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. |
Product
Oceanic-brand Reliant Buoyancy Compensator (BC) Inflators and AERIS-brand AW3 BC Inflators
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Pelagic Pressure Systems, of San Leandro, Calif. is voluntarily recalling approximately 11,600 Oceanic-brand Reliant Buoyancy Compensator (BC) Inflators and AERIS-brand AW3 BC Inflators. 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.Name of product: Oceanic-brand Reliant Buoyancy Compensator (BC) Inflators and AERIS-brand AW3 BC InflatorsUnits: About 11,600Manufacturer: 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: TaiwanSold 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 [email protected] or [email protected], or write to Pelagic Pressure Systems, 2002 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA 94577.
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.
Remedy Instructions
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.
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.