For seven years, UWATEC, then Scubapro (which is owned by
Johnson Outdoors), ignored problems in a UWATEC computer,
resulting in at least five bends cases and several lawsuits. While the
problems were first apparent in 1997, they did not recall the computer
until earlier this year.
Apparently, Scubapro (and Johnson) has learned a lesson. In conjunction
with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it recently
recalled 6,000 Swiss-made UWATEC Smart Dive Computers. In faulty
models, the alert signal system does not work properly, freezing the computer
screen and leading to an inaccurate depth, tank pressure, or
ascent rate display.
The recalled units are the UWATEC Smart PRO, which is offered
as a console and as a wrist unit, and the Smart COM, which comes
only in a console model. The recalled units were sold between
February 2002 and June 2003.
Contact your UWATEC dealer for a free replacement or call (800)
808-3948 or visit the website at www.uwatec.com.
In an unusual press release, Johnson Outdoors said the recall
would "drag on its quarterly earnings." But 6,000 computers amount
to such a minuscule part of Johnson Worldwide business, so one must
wonder if there is more to the story.