01/03/2010
Dive Equipment Recall
December 22, 2009
Dear David,
Dive Rite takes the safety of our consumers very seriously. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Dive Rite is issuing a voluntary recall on various Dive Rite Wings.
The Over Pressurization Valve (OPV) springs found on Dive Rite wings manufactured between June 2006 and October 2008 may rust and fail allowing the buoyancy compensator devices to lose gas and pose a drowning hazard. The wings may be red, blue or black in color and have serial numbers falling between 42000 and 72000. The following models are affected by this recall: Travel, Venture, Rec, Trek, Classic, Nomad and Super Wings. It does not affect EXP or 360-branded wings. The recall does not affect lift bags, surface marker tubes or other Dive Rite inflatable devices.
Due to the serious implications of an OPV spring failure, consumers should stop using the recalled diving equipment and have the OPV spring immediately replaced by a Dive Rite authorized dealer or distributor.
Dive Rite will provide replacement OPV springs to all Dive Rite authorized dealers and distributors for all affected wings that have been sold and/or are brought in for service. Please contact Mike in Service at [email protected] or call us at 800-495-1046 to request these springs. Dive Rite will send dealer and distributors these springs at no cost, including shipping. If dealers or distributors choose not to replace the OPV springs, Dive Rite will replace the OPV springs for dealers, distributors and the consumers. You may also have your customer(s) contact Dive Rite directly.
To comply with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, we must ask for all recalled springs, which are replaced, to be returned to Dive Rite for proper destruction. Dive Rite will pay the cost for standard shipping, United States Postal Service shipping of these recalled and replaced springs. In addition, each dealer or distributor must document the number of individuals who have received a replacement spring and repair from your business. Dive Rite must report this information to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Please contact Dive Rite directly at 800-495-1046 with any questions.
INSTRUCTIONS TO REPLACE OPV SPRING
Unscrew the OPV. There will be a cover, a spring and a plug on the same string.
Remove the old spring. The spring can be easily removed by locating one end of the spring and allowing the string to go below one end of the spring. Then move the string around the outside of the spring, continuing until the spring is free.
ALL OPV springs must be replaced.
Install the new spring. Locate one end of the spring and allow the string to slide under that end. Move the string around the outside of the spring. Finally allow the string to pass below the other end. This completes the spring replacement.
Replace the OPV. Make sure the OPV is free of sand or other debris on the fl**ge. There is a slight depression on the plug and cover of the OPV for the spring to sit in. Plug the OPV back onto the fl**ge. Make sure the cover is flat and in relation to the fl**ge. Gently begin to screw down the OPV cover. This should go on easily. If you feel resistance, stop, unscrew the OPV, reposition and try again. Continuing to force the OPV when you feel resistance may cause damage from cross threading. Do not force the OPV into place.
Inflate the wing. Inflate the wing to full capacity and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes to check that the OPV is seated properly and not leaking. If the wing holds air, the OPV replacement is complete. If the wing deflates, remove the OPV and repeat the above steps. If the wing still does not hold air, contact Dive Rite at 1-800-495-1046 for assistance.
Also, video instructions on how to replace the OPV spring can be viewed at www.DiveRite.com
Sincerely,
Dive Rite
SCUBA diving equipment and dive gear manufacturer for technical, wreck and cave diving since 1984.
