Recall information and technical notice

 Recall Information: APEKS EXOTEC Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)  -    29.06.2022 

Dear Customer, 

Aqualung Group is conducting a recall on a limited number of its EXOTEC BCD that have been produced and distributed on the market since August 2021. The recall concerns four models where it has been identified that the said BCD should have a longer “Pull Cord”, as shown in Fig2 below. Fig 1 shows the affected model with the shorter length cord.

Why is this a problem?

When the BCD is inflated, the grey pull dump knob retracts towards the stitched channel of the jacket. The channel then prevents the knob from further retracting and slightly opens the dump valve. As a result, the BCD cannot be fully inflated, which could lead to a lack of buoyancy control

Instructions for Customers :

• Customers are kindly asked to :

• Immediately stop using their EXOTEC BCD if it is one of the affected models as per the “Identification guide” provided hereunder
• Immediately return it to the Specialized Dealer where they bought the unit; the Dealer will make the necessary adjustments in accordance with the Instructions provided in this communication to allow the device to perform correctly.
• Alternatively, you can send the affected BCD for repair at Aqualung Technical Center – After Sales, 1ère Avenue – 14ème rue BP148, 06513 CARROS CEDEX – FRANCE.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact customer service at the following address:  https://uk.apeksdiving.com/pages/contact

Thank you for your understanding and unwavering support.

The Aqualung Team

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IDENTIFICATION GUIDE FOR PRODUCTS CONCERNED BY THE RECALL & INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIR

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A.    IDENTIFICATION OF PRODUCTS CONCERNED BY THIS RECALL

The total of four models have been identified to be affected by this issue. Please refer to the below references to verify if your BCD is concerned by this recall:

1)    Models & Serial numbers of the affected EXOTEC BCDs are:

Model BC, APEKS EXOTEC, BLK/ORANGE, ML/LG having an article number (CPN) BT1380108ML and bearing one of the below serial numbers:

Model BC, APEKS EXOTEC, BLK/ORANGE, XL/XXL having an article number (CPN) BT1380108XLXXL and bearing one of the below serial numbers:

Model BC, APEKS EXOTEC, BLK/GREY,ML/LG having an article number (CPN) BT1380110ML and bearing one of the below serial numbers:

Model BC, APEKS EXOTEC, BLK/GREY, XL/XXL having an article number (CPN) BT1380110XLXXL and bearing one of the below serial numbers:

2)    Where to find the Serial Number.

Location of Serial Number on the product

B.    INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIR OF EXOTEC BCD RIGHT SHOULDER PULL CORD ISSUE: TO BE PROVIDED TO THE SPECIALIZED DEALER / NOT TO BE USED BY END USERS

INSPECTION: Review the right shoulder pull cord as illustrated below. The BCD must be fully inflated.

Fig 1 is an example of too little space between the pull-knob and the cord channel.

Fig 2 shows a properly spaced right shoulder pull cord.

**Proper spacing should be 1” (2.5 cm) + .25” (.6 cm)

Fig 1                                                                                   Fig2

Required Tools

Ruler
Needle nose pliers
Chalk/marker

Preparation

It is best to work on a flat table large enough to accommodate the BC.

Corrective Action

Step 1: Deflate entirely the BCD to easily access the cord’s knot. Slide the pull-knob back to expose the knot and untie the knot (using needle nose pliers will aid this process).     

ATTENTION: It is important that the washer remains on the cord when tying the new knot.

Step 2: Inflate entirely the BCD. Lightly pull on the cord until it is taut, but don’t pull hard enough to open the dump valve. Measure 1” (2.5 cm) from the edge of the cord channel or webbing loop and mark the cord with white chalk or some other marking pen. Then make another mark 1.5” (3.75 cm) from the edge of the cord channel.

Step 3: Make sure that the pull knob and the plastic washer, in that order, are back on the cord before tying the new knot. Fold the cord at the 1.5" (3.75 cm) mark. Tie a double overhand knot as shown. The knot should be .5" (1.25 cm) from the 1" (2.5 cm) mark. Pull down on the pull knob so it sits snugly against the knot.

Step 4: Check the pull knob position, which should be approximately 1" (2.5 cm) ± 1/4" (.6 cm) from the cord channel. Don’t forget that the BCD must be fully inflated when measuring the cord.

Step 5: After confirming that the cord length is correct, cut the cord leaving about a 1/2" (1.3 cm) tail. Using a match or lighter, momentarily burn the end of the cord to prevent it from fraying. As soon as the cord begins to “melt”, remove the flame.

Step 6: As a final step, still with the BCD fully inflated, pull the right shoulder strap up and down to make sure there is no air leakage.

Finally, take note of the serial number from the repaired BCD and send it to

consumersupport-emea@apeksdiving.com   Reference “EXOTEC UPDATE”

Thank you for your continued support

The Aqualung Team.

Technical Notice: APEKS ATX Second stage models (Regulator)  -    30.05.2023 

SUBJECT: RG912050 Exhaust Valve Replacement

Dear Aqualung Customer/Consumers

Following routine quality inspection & cold-water testing, we have noticed inconsistencies with the performance on the Apeks ATX second stages.

 After investigating, it has been determined that the inconsistencies are due to the exhaust valve RG912050. A small quantity of the exhaust valves appears to vary in thickness, which is leading to slight instability in performance.

All 2^nd stages with the serial number prefix “2302” and higher are good, and do not need to be replaced. Instructions of where to find the serial number are further down in this document.

This does not present any safety issues; however, we would recommend replacement.

The recommended course of action for Customers/Consumers is as follows.

1. A new exhaust valve RG912050 would need to be installed. Please take your ATX regulator to the Dealer you purchased it from, who will exchange your exhaust valve free of charge. Alternatively, you can contact any of the after sales departments listed below, who will arrange the replacement for you.

Serial number location can be found on the underside of the 2nd stage case. Any number with a prefix of “2302” and higher has been assembled with a new exhaust valve and does not require replacement.

Should you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact us at any of the following email addresses:

DACH (Germany)         aftersales.dach@aqualung.com

Spain                             aftersales.spain@aqualung.com

Italy                                aftersales.italy@aqualung.com

UK                                   aftersales.uk@aqualung.com

Export                            contact.ttcexport@aqualung.com

France                        contact.sav@aqualung.com

Thank you for your understanding and unconditional support.

The Aqualung Team      

Technical Notice: Exotec Washer Replacement  -    13.09.2022 

SUBJECT: Exotec Washer Replacement

PRODUCTS AFFECTED:
BT1380108 (sizes SM-ML-XLXXL)
BT1380110 (sizes SM-ML-XLXXL)

Dear Apeks customer, PRODUCTS AFFECTED: BT1380108 (sizes SM-ML-XLXXL) BT1380110 (sizes SM-ML-XLXXL) Should you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact our Technical Center: contact.sav@aqualung.com or 008002782782 Apeks have identified an issue concerning the “waist-plate bolt”, which may pull through the back-plate on the Apeks Exotec BCD.

An updated hardware kit has been created to improve the design of the BCD and to make it more robust by adding two stainless steel washers.

This is not a safety concern as the backplate would remain attached to the BCD at all times. However, we would recommend that you kindly return your BCD to your nearest dealer, who will gladly upgrade your kit free of charge.

To identify if your BCD has been upgraded, please check the presence of stainless steel washers in the central hole of the waist-plate. If there is no stainless steel washer as shown below, we recommend that you return your BCD to your nearest dealer for an upgrade.

Should you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact our Technical Center: contact.sav@aqualung.com or 008002782782