Aladin Air X NitrOx dive computers

CPSC Recall #03-079 — February 4, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-079
Recall DateFebruary 4, 2003
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 390

Where It Was Sold

Scuba diving stores sold the dive computers nationwide from July 1995 through March 1996 for between $950 and $1
200.

Product

Aladin Air X NitrOx dive computers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), UWATEC AG, of Hallwil, Switzerland, is voluntarily recalling about 390 dive computers manufactured in 1995 and sold under the model name Aladin Air X NitrOx. Software in the dive computers may inaccurately calculate desaturation times, resulting in possible decompression sickness under aggressive dive conditions.UWATEC AG has received five reports of decompression sickness allegedly associated with the use of the 1995 dive computers.This recall involves Aladin Air X NitrOx dive computers manufactured in 1995. The manufacture date is located on the back of the dive computer, in the lower right hand corner. The date code reads the number of the month followed by a decimal point and the year, for example, "01.95." The dive computers are blue and black with the words "Aladin" and "NitrOx" printed across the front. Aladin Air X NitrOx dive computers with date codes other than "95" are not included in this recall.Scuba diving stores sold the dive computers nationwide from July 1995 through March 1996 for between $950 and $1,200.Consumers should stop using these dive computers immediately and contact UWATEC for a free replacement. Consumers will receive the current model, Aladin Air Z NitrOx. For more information, consumers can contact UWATEC toll-free at (800) 382-2211 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.uwatec.com (note - recall no longer available on firm's website).

Hazard

Software in the dive computers may inaccurately calculate desaturation times, resulting in possible decompression sickness under aggressive dive conditions.

Incidents & Injuries

UWATEC AG has received five reports of decompression sickness allegedly associated with the use of the 1995 dive computers.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these dive computers immediately and contact UWATEC for a free replacement. Consumers will receive the current model, Aladin Air Z NitrOx.

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.