Apeks Exotec Buoyancy Control Device
- Affected
- Scuba diving accessory, The EXOTEC Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) is worn by the diver to hold their cylinder (breathing gas) in position and to give buoyancy to the diver
- The problem
- The dump valve pull cord on the specified BCD jackets were identified as being too short and could cause an issue to the end user. When the BCD is fully inflated the cord retracts, the pull knob is stopped from moving by the BCD stitching, which slightly opens the dump valve. This means that the BCD cannot be fully inflated in the affected models leading to lack of buoyancy control.
- What to do
- This product is subject to a recall by the manufacturer. (Please find further details below)
Product information
| Type | Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Buoyancy Control Device |
|---|---|
| List of models | Model BC, APEKS EXOTEC, BLK/ORANGE, ML/LG, Model BC, APEKS EXOTEC, BLK/ORANGE, XL/XXL, Model BC, APEKS EXOTEC, BLK/GREY, ML/LG, Model BC, APEKS EXOTEC, BLK/GREY, XL/XXL |
| List of articles | Article number (CPN) BT1380108ML, Article number (CPN) BT1380108XLXXL, Article number (CPN) BT1380110ML, Article number (CPN) BT1380110XLXXL |
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Product description | Scuba diving accessory, The EXOTEC Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) is worn by the diver to hold their cylinder (breathing gas) in position and to give buoyancy to the diver |
| Product Report and Image | Link to Product Image and PDF |
Hazard
The dump valve pull cord on the specified BCD jackets were identified as being too short and could cause an issue to the end user. When the BCD is fully inflated the cord retracts, the pull knob is stopped from moving by the BCD stitching, which slightly opens the dump valve. This means that the BCD cannot be fully inflated in the affected models leading to lack of buoyancy control.
Corrective action
This product is subject to a recall by the manufacturer. You can find the recall information here: https://uk.apeksdiving.com/en/recall-information/recall-information.html
Communication documents are being sent out to Dealers/Distributors and customers who have purchased the product. Instructions on how to repair the BCD are attached to the communications and customers are advised to take their BCD back to their specialized Dealer where they purchased the goods to carry out the required adjustments to the pull cord.
From April 2022 all manufactured EXOTEC units have been fitted with an extended pull cord.
Additional information
PSD case number: 2210-0083
Notified by: Health and Safety Executive
Can I get a refund?
In most cases, yes – recalled items can usually be returned for a full refund, repair or replacement, often without a receipt. Follow the instructions in the notice above, or contact the shop you bought it from. More on your rights after a recall.
Updated 3 November 2022. This page summarises an official notice. Details can change – always follow the official notice.