BY Vancouver Sun

An essential piece of scuba-diving equipment sold in Canada has been recalled by Health Canada.

The Oceanic and AERIS SCUBA Regulator First Stages, which regulate the flow of oxygen from tanks to the mouthpiece of the diver, has failed twice during dives and six times during testing by retailers, Health Canada said in a press release today.

At risk are the Oceanic Model CDX5, certain serial numbers from 30202856 through 513112641, Model FDX10, certain serial numbers from 51408026 through 51411813, and Models CDX, DXi, DX3, DX4 and TDX5, all serial numbers.

Font: The AERIS regulator in question is Model AT400, certain serial numbers from 30200036 through 51311560, and the "balanced diaphragm" all serial numbers.

"An internal component that seals air between the high pressure first-stage and the intermediate pressure second-stage can fail. This can result in uncontrolled flow of air to the diver and pose a risk of serious injury or death," the Health Canada release said.

No injuries have been reported, but Health Canada says "consumers should immediately stop using the recalled scuba regulator."

Consumers may take the recalled equipment to any authorized Oceanic or AERIS dealer for a free replacement part.

The items are manufactured in the U.S. and Taiwan, the release said, and were sold from May 2006 through October of this year.

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