Gear Review

CPSC, Head USA Inc. Announce Recall of SCUBA Diving Computers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: SCUBA Diving Computers

Units: 181

Distributor: Head USA Inc., of Norwalk, Conn.

Hazard: The dive computers were improperly calibrated, resulting in incorrect calculations. Diving with an improperly calibrated dive computer can provide inaccurate "No Decompression (no stop) Time," "Decompression Time," "Desaturation Time" and "No Fly Time." This could result in divers suffering serious injuries, including decompression sickness.

Incidents/Injuries: Head USA received one report of a computer malfunction. No injuries were reported.

Description: The recall includes the Dacor Darwin Air dive computer with serial number 3265 through 3415, and the Dacor Darwin Console dive computer with serial numbers 8503 through 8592. The serial number will appear on the dive computer screen after removing and reinserting the batteries. The Darwin Air is a completely integrated dive computer and pressure gauge with "Dacor Darwin Air" written on the front. It is encased in gray on black heavy-duty plastic. The Darwin Console is a dive computer with a compact submersible pressure gauge bearing the word "Dacor" on the front. It is encased in black heavy-duty plastic.

Sold at: Dive shops nationwide from March 2004 through December 2004 for about $700 for the Darwin Air and $400 for the Darwin Console.

Manufactured in: Italy by HTM Sports S.p.A.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled diving computers, and return the computers to an authorized Dacor dealer for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: Call Head USA at (800) 874-3236 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.divedacor.com

Firm's Media Contact: Karin Flood at (203) 855-8666, Ext. 1212.

For pictures, got to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.