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CPSC recall · Reported October 20, 2022

AQUALUNG Recalls Buoyancy Compensator Devices Due to Injury and Drowning Hazards

The dump valve knob can get stuck when the recalled BCD is inflated, opening the dump valve which stops the BCD from fully inflating. This can result in a loss of buoyancy control…

Recall #
23021
Affected scope
330
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
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Aqualung Group, of Carlsbad, California recalled This recall involves Apeks Exotec SCUBA Diving Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs). The E… - a moderate-severity action.

AQUALUNG Recalls Buoyancy Compensator Devices Due to Injury and Drowning Hazards was recalled by Aqualung Group, of Carlsbad, California in October 20, 2022. Reason: The dump valve knob can get stuck when the recalled BCD is inflated, opening the dump valve which stops the B…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled buoyancy compensator devices and tak…. Verify recall #23021 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Aqualung Group, of Carlsbad, California issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The dump valve knob can get stuck when the recalled BCD is inflated, opening the dump valve which stops the B….

Moderate
severity level
330 units
affected scope
October 20, 2022
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #23021 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #23021) was formally reported on October 20, 2022. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Aqualung Group, of Carlsbad, California is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as 330.

The documented reason for this recall is: The dump valve knob can get stuck when the recalled BCD is inflated, opening the dump valve which stops the BCD from fully inflating. This can result in a loss of buoyancy control and poses injury (decompression sicknes… Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled buoyancy compensator devices and take them back to the place where purchased for a free repair. If a consumer is unable to return the product to a… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Household Products recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 3,056 household products recalls on record

50100150200250 20052008201120142017202020232026 115
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

330

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

This recall involves Apeks Exotec SCUBA Diving Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs). The Exotec is a back flotation-style BCD used to control a SCUBA diver's buoyancy underwater. The Apeks brand and Exotec model name are embroidered on the back panel and side pockets of the BCD and the metal components are gray or orange. Only model numbers BT1380108ML, BT1380108XLXXL, BT1380110ML and BT1380110XLXXL are included in the recall. The model number is printed on the label tucked behind the bladder between the tank attachment belt and the lower dump valve.

Reason for recall

The dump valve knob can get stuck when the recalled BCD is inflated, opening the dump valve which stops the BCD from fully inflating. This can result in a loss of buoyancy control and poses injury (decompression sickness) and drowning hazards.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled buoyancy compensator devices and take them back to the place where purchased for a free repair. If a consumer is unable to return the product to a dealer where purchased, they should reach out to AQUALUNG directly for instructions to receive a free repair.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 23021
Date reported October 20, 2022
Date initiated October 20, 2022
Recalling firm Aqualung Group, of Carlsbad, California
Affected scope 330
Distribution Not disclosed
Official source CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Scale of Impact

330 units affected - limited or regional distribution scale.

Regional (<10K units) ✓ This recall
Multi-state (10K – 100K units) -
Large-scale (100K – 1M units) -
Massive (≥1M units) -

Bracket cutoffs follow federal recall-disclosure conventions; bar widths scale linearly within each bracket. Source: PlainRecalls analysis of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission filings.

What to do with this recall

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled buoyancy compensator devices and take them back to the place where purchased…

  • Check the recall number (23021) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
This recall involves Apeks Exotec SCUBA Diving Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs). The Exotec is a back flotation-style BCD used to control a SCUBA diver's buoyancy underwater. The Apeks brand and Exotec model name are embroidered on the back panel and side pockets of the BCD and the metal components are gray or orange. Only model numbers BT1380108ML, BT1380108XLXXL, BT1380110ML and BT1380110XLXXL are included in the recall. The model number is printed on the label tucked behind the bladder between the tank attachment belt and the lower dump valve.. Recalled by Aqualung Group, of Carlsbad, California. Units affected: 330.
Why was this product recalled?
The dump valve knob can get stuck when the recalled BCD is inflated, opening the dump valve which stops the BCD from fully inflating. This can result in a loss of buoyancy control and poses injury (decompression sickness) and drowning hazards.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled buoyancy compensator devices and take them back to the place where purchased for a free repair. If a consumer is unable to return the product to a dealer where purchased, they should reach out to AQUALUNG directly for instructions to receive a free repair.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on October 20, 2022. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 23021.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (23021) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product?
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported October 20, 2022. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.