Ocean Technology Systems Issues an

SAFETY RECALL

4/19/22

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Ocean Technology Systems is voluntarily recalling the PowerCom and MilCom Wireless Diver Units.

Hazard: 

Water can leak into the recalled underwater communication device during a dive and penetrate the battery pack, causing the battery circuit board to short and ignite after the dive, posing a fire hazard.

Which Units Are Affected?
 
PowerCom 3000D Diver Unit (900471-000)
PowerCom 5000D Diver Unit (900472-000)
MilCom 6000D Diver Unit (900473-000)
 
Remedy:
 
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled PowerCom, MilCom and RBLi-4 communication devices and contact the firm to receive a free battery pack that has been sealed to prevent water leakage. The firm will provide shipping instructions with packaging to return the recalled battery pack. We have identified a potential safety issue with a limited number of PowerCom 3000D, PowerCom 5000D, and MilCom 6000D Wireless Diver Units.
 
While conducting a depth pressure testing operation on our production floor, we found a single incident in which a battery’s PC board flooded causing a small fire. Because of this, we recommend an immediate dive stop until further notice.
 
This has been a single, isolated event and we have no reports of this occurring in fielded use. Safety of our customers takes priority in everything we do, and for this reason, we are recommending a stop use on all units until further investigation can be conducted and solution can be determined. No injuries reported.
 
We are working as quickly as possible to remedy the situation and will advise when we recommend resuming normal use of these products.
 

Recall FAQ

Q.  Why is the firm conducting this recall?

A. Water can leak into the recalled underwater communication device during a dive and penetrate into the battery pack, causing the battery circuit board to short and ignite after the dive, posing a fire hazard.
 

Q. How can I tell if my Powercom/Milcom is affected by the recall?

A. All Powercom/Milcom units purchased during or before April 2022 are affected by this recall
 

Q. How can I take advantage of the recall?

A. Call our toll free number 800 550 1984 and we will ship you the appropriate packaging and return label for the product along with a new Battery pack
 

Q. What is the problem with my Powercom/Milcom?

A. If water leaks into the recalled underwater communication device, it can penetrate into the battery pack, causing the battery circuit board to short and ignite, posing a risk of fire.
 

Q. My Powercom/Milcom appears to be operating okay. Can I continue to use it? 

A. No. Even though your product appears to be safe, we are asking all customers to immediately stop using the product and participate in the recall by returning the battery pack to us for a free replacement.
 

Q. I no longer have the receipt for the product.  Can I still return it?

A. Yes.  You can still return the product without a receipt.
 

Q. How long will it take for me to receive the replacement battery pack?

A. Please allow up to 8 weeks from the date you contacted We apologize for any inconvenience, and assure you we are working as quickly as possible to replace your product.

 

Q. Can I just throw the recalled battery in the trash or take it to a local store for recycling?

A. No. Due to local and state ordinances, recalled batteries cannot be thrown in the trash and cannot be deposited in used battery recycling boxes found at various retail and home improvement stores.

 

Q. What should I do with the recalled battery?

A. Please dispose of the battery in accordance with all local and state requirements for recalled lithium-ion batteries. For U.S. customers only, please check with your local municipality for recycling options for this recalled battery, or visit one of the following websites to find recycling locations near you: 

 

EPA: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries

 
For immediate questions, contact the OTS Sales or Service Department
 
Sales Department
(714) 754-7848 Ext. 115
 
Service Department
(714) 754-7848 Ext. 141
 

 

URGENT SAFETY NOTICE


STEALTH FFM / SRG-1 SAFETY BULLETIN

OTS issued a safety bulletin due to a report that couple of our Stealth Regulators have experienced a free flow problem. Although we have sold several hundred Stealth Regulators, with only two incidences reported, we are not satisfied with these incidents and have decided to replace the suspected part.

To further clarify, in careful review of the Stealth Regulators sent back, we discovered a part that had a manufacturing defect. Upon further investigation, only one specific lot of Stealth Regulators have been affected. Therefore, voluntarily we choose to replace the part in your Stealth Regulator. Because of this defect, please do not dive the Stealth Regulator until we have exchanged the part.

What to do:

I have a Stealth Regulator, how do I know if it’s affected?

Call or e-mail alitzinger@otscomm.com or 714-754-7848 ext.116 with your Stealth Regulator serial number and we will assist you in determining if your regulator has been affected.

I have a Stealth Regulator that is affected. What should I do?

Call or e-mail alitzinger@otscomm.com or 714-754-7848 ext.116 where an “SB” number will be issued to you. Then, send back the Stealth Regulator and we will replace the part while conducting a yearly service of the Stealth Regulator, free of charge.

Will I have to pay for shipping?

No! We will e-mail or fax you a UPS call tag free of charge when we issue the “SB” number. Return shipping will be complimentary as well.

How long will this service take?

The service will take about one-and-a-half weeks (working days) from when we receive the Stealth Regulator.

I’m an industry professional and cannot be without my regulator. What should I do?

If you are an industry professional, or under any other circumstance, which is reliant upon the Stealth Regulator, let the Service Department know in the event that further accommodations can be made.

If you have any comments and/or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Service or Sales department:

Sales: 714-754-7848 ext. 116

Service: 714-754-7848 ext. 131

Thank you for your cooperation as your safety and the quality of our products is of the utmost importance to us. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

– OTS Management

 Below is a list of all serial numbers we still have not received for the update as of June 7, 2018

15061275
15061293
15112721
15112736
15112737
15112744
15112748
15112834
15112835
15112842
15112843
15112844
15112845
15112846
15112847
15112848
15112849
15112850
15112857
15112858
15112860
15112861
15112862
15112870
15112873
15112880
15112889
15112896
15112897
15112927
15112928
15112976
15112999
15113016
15113026
15113027
15113028
15113039
15113040
15113041
15113043
15113044
15113048
15113049
15113051
15113054
15113063
15113081
15113082
15113083
15113084
15113114
15113127
15113189
15113190
15113220

GUARDIAN FFM POSSIBLE EXHAUST DIAPHRAGM PROBLEM

As of November 10, 2010, Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) Management has issued an Urgent Safety Noticeas follows:

(Note: this recall is serial number specific and is not all inclusive. If you have not been contacted by an OTS representative or if you do not fall within the serial number range 9051284-12091540, your unit is not affected)

It has been brought to our attention that under certain conditions and/or usages, the Guardian Full Face Mask (GFFM) Exhaust Assembly may come loose. If this assembly comes loose and separates from the housing, you will not be able to breathe the 2nd stage regulator. This is a result of a defective retaining ring found on some (not all) GFFM’s with OTS serial number 9051284 through 10070954.

It is extremely important that you conduct a simple test to ensure your 2nd stage regulator is securely fastened. Click this link for step by step directions www.otscomm.com/GFFM-NOTICE.  If you find any problem whatsoever with the 2nd stage, “DO NOT DIVE THE MASK”.

For further instructions, or questions, you can call OTS at 1-877-270-1984, or email at recall@otscomm.com.

It is OTS’s intention to have the best and safest Full Face Mask available. For this reason we take every safety matter seriously. We will be constantly monitoring this situation and all future GFFMs in production.

 Note: Serial Number Location on Regulator

 Guardian Retaining Ring – Recall
 

 


 

GUARDIAN FULL FACE MASK POSSIBLE VISOR PROBLEM.

UPDATE – As of February 25, 2010

GREAT NEWS – We have many customers who have received Guardian Full Face Masks (GFFM) with the visor clips installed. This fix solved the visor/frame problem and reports are GFFM’s ARE WORKING FINE. All GFFM currently being shipped by OTS come standard with clips installed. AND yes, we are shipping.

If you have not sent in your GFFM to be retrofit as per our recall notice, please do so immediately….

NEW UP DATE – The new upper and lower clamp (holds the visor in place) has been tested, looks good and will be in full production by DEMA of 2010. All customers who have clips will have the option to send in the GFFM for a retrofit or keep the clips as is. Once in full production, the new upper and lower clamps will be shipped. Clips will not be used at that point.

OTS now has CE Approval and is shipping to International customers. GFFM are being sold on a first come, first serve bases. Get your order in now.

Thank You – OTS Management.

As of August 12, 2009, Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) Management has issued an Urgent Safety Notice as follows:

It has been brought to our attention that under certain conditions and/or usages, the Guardian Full Face Mask (GFFM) visor can be dislodged and we are issuing an immediate “Stop Diving” alert until we can provide each GFFM with an easily installed remedy. For further instructions or if you have questions, you can call OTS at 1-877-270-1984, email at OTSrecall@otscomm.com or look on the website for further information at www.otscomm.com/GFFM-NOTICE

It is OTS’s intention to have the best and safest Full Face Mask available which is the reason we take every safety matter seriously and will be constantly monitoring this situation and all future GFFM in production.