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Product recallOPSS

Apeks Exotec Buoyancy Control Device recalled over a drowning risk

DrowningHigh risk

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.

Do not use it for swimming or bathing.

Check your product

Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.

20 identifiers listed for this notice.

  • Apeks Exotec Buoyancy Control Device

    ModelOn the rating label, base, back or box.
    • 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
    • Article number (CPN) BT1380108ML
    • Article number (CPN) BT1380108XLXXL
    • Article number (CPN) BT1380110ML
    • Article number (CPN) BT1380110XLXXL

What to do now

Apeks Exotec Buoyancy Control Device could contribute to drowning.

  1. Do not use it for swimming or bathing.
  2. Never leave a child alone in or near water, even for a moment.
  3. Use the contact details in the official notice to arrange a refund, repair or replacement.
  4. If someone has been hurt or the product has failed, report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service.

Why it matters. Drowning is fast and silent. Bath seats, inflatables and swim aids can give a false sense of security.

Refunds, repairs and replacements

In a recall, the business responsible arranges the remedy, which may be a refund, a repair, a replacement or a free part. The notice says which one applies.

Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 also apply: goods must be safe, of satisfactory quality and as described. Within 30 days of purchase you can usually reject faulty goods for a full refund.

From the official notice

Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2210-0083). Quoted as issued.

Summary

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.

The risk

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.

Action taken

This product is subject to a recall by the manufacturer. (Please find further details below)

Advice to consumers

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

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

Open the OPSS notice

Questions

Why has Apeks Exotec Buoyancy Control Device been recalled?

Apeks Exotec Buoyancy Control Device could contribute to drowning. Drowning is fast and silent. Bath seats, inflatables and swim aids can give a false sense of security.

How do I know if my product is affected?

Compare the model on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.

What should I do now?

Do not use it for swimming or bathing. Never leave a child alone in or near water, even for a moment.

Can I get a refund or a repair?

In a recall, the business responsible arranges the remedy, which may be a refund, a repair, a replacement or a free part. The notice says which one applies. Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 also apply: goods must be safe, of satisfactory quality and as described. Within 30 days of purchase you can usually reject faulty goods for a full refund.

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