UWATEC Smart Dive Computers

CPSC Recall #03-163 — July 16, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-163
Recall DateJuly 16, 2003
Remedy TypeReplace
Units Affected6,000
ManufacturerUWATEC AG, of Hallwil, Switzerland
Manufactured InSwitzerland

Where It Was Sold

Authorized UWATEC dealers nationwide from February 2002 through June 2003 for between $638 and $910.

Product

UWATEC Smart Dive Computers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, UWATEC AG of Hallwil, Switzerland is voluntarily recalling UWATEC Smart Dive Computers. The computer's alert signal system may not work properly and the computer screen may freeze. This may cause inaccurate information to be displayed, such as water depth, tank pressure, and ascent rate, posing a risk to the safety of a diver.Name of product: UWATEC Smart Dive ComputersUnits: 6,000 unitsManufacturer: UWATEC AG, of Hallwil, SwitzerlandHazard: The computer's alert signal system may not work properly and the computer screen may freeze. This may cause inaccurate information to be displayed, such as water depth, tank pressure, and ascent rate, posing a risk to the safety of a diver.Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of the dive computers not working properly, though no injuries have been reported.Description: The recalled units are the UWATEC Smart PRO and the Smart COM dive computers. The Smart PRO is offered as a console and as a wrist unit. The Smart COM only comes in a console model. The names of each unit appear on the computer case, along with the name "UWATEC."Sold at: Authorized UWATEC dealers nationwide from February 2002 through June 2003 for between $638 and $910.Manufactured in: SwitzerlandRemedy: Consumers should contact UWATEC for a free replacement unit.Consumer Contact: Consumers can call UWATEC American representatives at (800) 382-2211 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or register on the website at www.uwatec.com.Media Contact: Cynthia Georgeson at (262) 631-6653

Hazard

The computer's alert signal system may not work properly and the computer screen may freeze. This may cause inaccurate information to be displayed, such as water depth, tank pressure, and ascent rate, posing a risk to the safety of a diver.

Incidents & Injuries

The firm has received two reports of the dive computers not working properly, though no injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should contact UWATEC for a free replacement unit.

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.