(UPDATE: Aqua Lung issued the recall notice for the SureLock II pocket handles in 2014.)
Aqua Lung recently announced it was conducting a “voluntary recall” of all SureLock II rubber weight pocket handles.
The SureLock II is the mechanical weight release system found on most Aqua Lung buoyancy compensators since 2009.
The company says in its recall notice:
“Whether you have an original rubber handle or one of the revised rubber handles from the previous recall, Aqua Lung would now like to replace it with the latest generation handle, p/n 12396. Aqua Lung is concerned about the life expectancy of both models of rubber handles. A failure may occur due to separation of the rubber, cracking, tearing or breaking. If this were to occur during a dive, the weight pocket would be left engaged inside the BC. While there are no known occurrences of this happening underwater, and there have not been any reported injuries, Aqua Lung believes that a recall is the safe and prudent thing to do. The newest generation of handle does not rely upon rubber and is considered much stronger and safer.”
So if you use an Aqua Lung BC with the SureLock II handles, the company says to stop using them immediately and bring the pockets to your nearest Aqua Lung retailer or dive center. The staff there will replace the handles while you wait, and it won’t cost you anything.
To view the full recall notice, go to the Aqua Lung website.
