CPSC, Custom Buoyancy Inc. Announce Recall of Scuba Diving Devices

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Custom Buoyancy Inc. (CBI), of Torrance, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 7,700 overpressure valves (OPV) used with buoyancy control systems. The overpressure valve can stick in the open position, posing a drowning hazard to divers.

CPSC and CBI have received three reports of the valves sticking open. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled overpressure valve is installed on buoyancy control systems with the following brand names: Diving Unlimited International (DUI), International Divers, Ocean Management Systems, Rip Tide and Steam Machines. Brand names and logos are printed on the epaulettes and pockets. These buoyancy control systems come in two versions, a jacket style and a wings style. The date code, printed on an instructional label sewn to the buoyancy control system, is the first four numbers after the brand name abbreviation. The first two numbers indicate the month and the second two numbers indicate the year. The recall includes date codes from October 2000 through June 2001. Valves with an asterisk below the serial number are not involved in this recall.

Authorized CBI distributors sold the buoyancy control systems with the overpressure valves nationwide from October 2000 through November 2001 for about $590.

Consumers should stop using the buoyancy control systems with these overpressure valves immediately and contact the CBI dealer where purchased for a free replacement valve. For more information, consumers can contact CBI at (866) 790-5099 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers also can visit the firm's web site at www.custombuoyancy.com.

Diving Unlimited International (DUI) Inc., an authorized CBI dealer, recalled buoyancy control systems with these overpressure valves in December 2001.