DUI AC dry suit valve
CPSC Recall #88-042 — June 19, 1988
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 88-042 |
| Recall Date | June 19, 1988 |
| Remedy Type | Replace, Repair |
Product
DUI AC dry suit valve
Description
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 (800) 638-8270. SCUBA Diving Dry Suit Valve is Recalled
Hazard
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.
Incidents & Injuries
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is aware of incidents involving 16 divers which are associated with AC valve malfunction.
Remedy Instructions
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.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace, 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 (Replace, 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.