May 21, 2003
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), UWATEC AG, of Hallwil, Switzerland, is voluntarily recalling about 390 dive computers manufactured in 1995 and sold under the model name Aladin Air X NitrOx . Software in the dive computers may inaccurately calculate desaturation times, resulting in possible decompression sickness under aggressive dive conditions. UWATEC AG has received five reports of decompression sickness allegedly associated with the use of the 1995 dive computers. This recall involves Aladin Air X NitrOx dive computers manufactured in 1995. The manufacture date is located on the back of the dive computer, in the lower right hand corner. The date code reads the number of the month followed by a decimal point and the year, for example, "01.95." The dive computers are blue and black with the words "Aladin" and "NitrOx" printed across the front. Aladin Air X NitrOx dive computers with date codes other than "95" are not included in this recall.
Scuba diving stores sold the dive computers nationwide from July 1995 through March 1996 for between $950 and $1,200. Consumers should stop using these dive computers immediately and contact UWATEC for a free replacement. Consumers will receive the current model, Aladin Air Z Nitrox. For more information, consumers can contact UWATEC toll-free at (800) 806-0640 anytime or visit the firm's web site at www.uwatec.com
Identifying affected computers
UWATEC is conducting a voluntary recall of the Aladin Air X Nitrox dive computer manufactured in 1995. You can determine if you have one of these units by turning the computer over and looking for the test date in the lower right hand corner. The affected units will have the number of the month followed by a decimal point and the number 95. If the test date is a year other than 1995, your dive computer is not included in this recall.
For safety reasons, we ask that you stop using the 1995 dive computer immediately.
Replacement Program
UWATEC will replace your 1995 dive computer with a current model, the Aladin Air Z Nitrox dive computer. In order to obtain a replacement, register on line by filling out the form below. After we obtain your name, address, and telephone number, UWATEC will send you a return shipping box and UPS shipping label. All you will need to do is to place the 1995 dive computer in this box, seal the box, attach the UPS label, and drop it off at any UPS shipping location. Once we have verified that the unit is under the recall, we will mail you a replacement computer.