Product Recall: Apeks Exotec Buoyancy Control Device (2210-0083)

Product recall for Apeks Exotec Buoyancy Control Device presenting a risk of drowning as the dump valve pull cord on the specified BCD jackets were identified as being too short and could present a risk to the end user.

Summary

Product: Apeks Exotec Buoyancy Control Device

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. (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

Published 3 November 2022