Scuba Regulators Recalled by Under Sea

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 1) -- Second-stage scuba regulators which may pose a drowning hazard to divers are being recalled by their manufacturer, Under Sea Industries, Inc., in Compton, California.

A second-stage regulator consists of the diver's mouthpiece and the "purge," which is a button used to clear water from the mouthpiece.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

An integral exhaust valve, which enables the diver to exhale, may dislodge from its proper position if the purge is depressed and the diver's tongue is blocking the mouthpiece. This can cause the regulator to flood.

The unintentional application of silicon lubricant to the valve or valve seat during servicing is believed to cause the valve displacement.

Approximately 800 of these regulators have been sold in diving stores nationwide at retail prices ranging from $90 to $150. The company previously notified its dealers and some consumers about the recall, but poor response has prompted this additional bulletin.

The recall applies to the "SCUBAPRO" model 11-108-000 second-stage regulator and to model 12-103-000 and 12-010-000 regulator systems, which include the potentially defective valve. The model numbers appear on the packaging carton and the warranty card.

Divers who have purchased these regulators or had them serviced between September 12, 1978, and April 1, 1979, should return them to any authorized "SCUBAPRO" dealer for free repairs. Dealers are listed in the "Yellow Pages" section of the telephone directory under the heading, "Divers' Equipment and Supplies."

To verify model numbers, consumers may contact CPSC's toll- free Hotline 800/638-2772.