The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·04210·Announced 2004-09-02

CPSC Recalls Oceanic and AERIS SCUBA BC Inflators Due to Sticking Buttons

Pelagic Pressure Systems is recalling about 11,600 Oceanic Reliant and AERIS AW3 SCUBA buoyancy compensator inflators because buttons can stick, causing uncontrolled inflation.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where the hazard (uncontrolled inflation leading to decompression sickness or embolism) is severe, but the source explicitly states that no injuries have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.

Plain-English summary

Pelagic Pressure Systems, of San Leandro, Calif., is recalling about 11,600 Oceanic-brand Reliant Buoyancy Compensator (BC) inflators and AERIS-brand AW3 BC inflators. The recall involves inflators where the buttons can stick, which can cause uncontrolled inflation of the BC. This malfunction could cause divers to ascend too fast, resulting in decompression sickness as well as the danger of an embolism.

The Oceanic Reliant-type inflators have three flow-through holes in the hand grip of the lower inflator mechanism, while the AERIS AW3 inflator has one flow-through hole in the same location. Authorized Oceanic dealers sold BCs fitted with Reliant inflators nationwide from February 2004 through June 2004 for between $320 and $550. Authorized AERIS dealers sold BCs fitted with AW3 inflators from May 2004 through June 2004 for between $400 and $560. Pelagic has received eight reports of the buttons sticking, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should stop using BCs fitted with the recalled inflators immediately and take them to any authorized Oceanic or AERIS dealer to get a free repair. Consumers can contact Pelagic toll-free at (888) 854-4960 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, send an email to [email protected] or [email protected], or write to Pelagic Pressure Systems, 2002 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA 94577.

The recalled product

Product
Oceanic-brand Reliant Buoyancy Compensator (BC) Inflators and AERIS-brand AW3 BC Inflators
Manufacturer
Pelagic Pressure Systems, of San Leandro, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Scuba Diving Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
11,600

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same manufacturer · Pelagic Pressure Systems, of San Leandro, Calif.

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