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Emergency communications system incident

An incident occurred onboard a member’s vessel where, as a result of flooding of the external battery pack for the through water communications, electronics in the communications unit were damaged. This caused smoke to enter the bell. As a result the divers had to use their BIBS and masks.

The manufacturer, on investigation of the incident, has found that the pressure relief screw had been incorrectly fitted after the pack had been charged.

All customers have been made aware of the problem and provided with relevant information to modify the supplied unit. To avoid a reoccurrence of the incident the manufacturer has modified its manufacturing procedures and updated its manuals, as well as supplying a field service bulletin.


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