Overpressure Valves (OPV) used with Buoyancy Control Systems

CPSC Recall #02-072 - December 18, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-072
Recall DateDecember 18, 2001
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 3,500

Where It Was Sold

Authorized DUI dealers nationwide sold these Buoyancy Control Systems from November 1997 through November 2001 for about $590.

Product

Overpressure Valves (OPV) used with Buoyancy Control Systems

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Diving Unlimited International (DUI) Inc., of San Diego, Calif., is recalling about 3,500 Overpressure Valves (OPV) used with Buoyancy Control Systems. The overpressure valve can stick in the open position, posing a drowning hazard to divers.DUI has received two reports of the valves sticking open. No injuries have been reported.These Buoyancy Control Systems come in two versions, a jacket style and a wings style. The overpressure valve is installed on these units. It is very difficult to distinguish the defective overpressure valves from those not affected. Therefore, all overpressure valves with red pulls are included in this recall. The jacket model has the DUI logo printed on the jacket pocket, epaulet, and weight pockets. The wings model has the DUI logo printed on the epaulet and weight pockets. The letters "DUI" are printed on the permanent hang tags found on the Buoyancy Control System.Authorized DUI dealers nationwide sold these Buoyancy Control Systems from November 1997 through November 2001 for about $590.Consumers should stop using the overpressure valves immediately and contact the DUI dealer where purchased for a free replacement. For more information, consumers can contact DUI at (800) 325-8439 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers also can visit the firm's website at www.DUI-Online.com.All new OPVs are equipped with yellow pulls.

Hazard

The overpressure valve can stick in the open position, posing a drowning hazard to divers.

Incidents & Injuries

DUI has received two reports of the valves sticking open. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the overpressure valves immediately and contact the DUI dealer 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.