Scuba Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs)
CPSC Recall #01-141 — May 2, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 01-141 |
| Recall Date | May 2, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 10,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Dive stores and mail-order catalogs nationwide sold the BCDs from September 2000 through March 2001 for between $150 and $450. |
Product
Scuba Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs)
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sheico PKS Inc., of Carlsbad, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 10,000 scuba buoyancy compensator devices (BCDs), which are used by divers to maintain neutral buoyancy. The overpressure valve can stick in the open position, presenting a drowning hazard to divers. Sheico has received one report of a valve sticking open. No injuries have been reported.The recalled buoyancy compensators were sold under the following brand and model names: BRAND NAMEMODEL NAMESSERIAL NUMBERSSherwoodSilhouette, Magnum, Avid, Luna, Outback and FreedomBetween 21280001 and 22010740GenesisCayman, Cobra, Athena, and PhantomTalon and ReConBetween 21280001 and 22010740Between 20520001 and 22010740AerisAtmosAll UnitsThe brand name can be found on the right, outside pocket of the jacket; the model name can be found inside the jacket, near the small of the back; and the serial number can be found on the aircell of the buoyancy compensator.Dive stores and mail-order catalogues nationwide sold the BCDs from September 2000 through March 2001 for between $150 and $450.Consumers should stop using the BCDs immediately and return them to the dive store where purchased for a free replacement. For more information, call Sheico toll-free at (800) 808-3306 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers can also visit one of the following websites: www.sherwoodscuba.com/opv, www.genesisscuba.com/opv, or www.diveaeris.com.
Hazard
The overpressure valve can stick in the open position, presenting a drowning hazard to divers.
Incidents & Injuries
Sheico has received one report of a valve sticking open. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the BCDs immediately and return them to the dive store where purchased for a free replacement.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace 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 (Replace) 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.