QLR3 Weight Pocket Quality Alert for Excursion 2, Probe HLC & Ocean Pro 1000D BCDs.

Oceanic has initiated a mandatory replacement (retrofit) of all original QLR3 Weight Pockets (with black stiffeners) with newly designed Weight Pockets (with gray stiffeners) that afford better locking.
Extensive analysis by Oceanic engineers has shown that functionality of a limited number of QLR3 weight pocket systems has been adversely affected by the materials used.  Inconsistencies in the properties of material rendered it to be unpredictable for use to adequately secure the weight pockets in the BC.  Engineers have tested and evaluated replacement material that demonstrates superior performance and locking ability.

CONSUMER NOTICE
STOP PRODUCT USE
QLR3 BC WEIGHT POCKETS

Oceanic has received isolated reports of select model BCs fitted with QLR3 type Weight Pockets that unexpectedly released. Affected are Excursion 2, Probe HLC, and Ocean Pro 1000D model BCs fitted with the original QLR3 Weight Pockets having black stiffeners. All BCs of this type currently being shipped by Oceanic are fitted with the new (gray) stiffeners. See illustrations above.
Analysis by Oceanic engineers has shown that functionality of a limited number of QLR3 weight pocket systems has been adversely affected by the materials used. Inconsistencies in the properties of material rendered it to be unpredictable for use to adequately secure the weight pockets in the BC. Engineers have tested and evaluated replacement material that demonstrates superior performance and locking ability.
Oceanic urges all owners of Oceanic BCs that have the original QLR3 Weight Pockets (with black stiffeners) to go online and complete the QLR3 Registration Form to obtain replacement pockets at no charge.

Go to >> www.oceanicww.com/QLR3

Upon submission and verification of the digital form, Oceanic will ship a pair of the new replacement Weight Pockets (with gray stiffeners) to the address furnished.
WARNING: Do not continue use of the original (black) QLR3 Weight Pockets, or use the Weight Pockets if the fixed (female) buckle that secures it in the BC is damaged. Do not attempt to repair any damaged components. If the fixed (female) buckle in the BC is damaged, take the BC with the Pockets to your Authorized Oceanic Dealer for inspection and service. Unauthorized personnel who attempt repairs of the BC risk voiding the warranty and rendering the product dangerously unsafe for normal SCUBA use.

New NOAA Air Deco Tables

The Other Final Frontier - NY Times article

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/opinion/sunday/the-other-final-frontier.htm

Rebreather Forum 3

From May 18-20, 2012, several industry leaders will be gathering to discuss the current state of rebreather diving. Co-sponsored in part by DAN, PADI and the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), the Rebreather Forum 3 will address major issues surrounding rebreather technology and its application to sport diving.

Agencies work together to protect coral on seawall

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and U.S. Naval Air Station Key West worked together to execute a plan to rescue coral from the Navy seawall prior to structural repairs. U.S. Naval Air Station Key West-funded Truman Mole Pier pre-construction coral rescue project commenced October 17^th 2011. From October 17^th until October 27th more than 1476 coral and coral fragments measuring more than 15cm were rescued from the Truman Mole Pier seawall. The coral was relocated to the FKNMS dockside coral nursery. The largest in-tact coral rescued measured in excess of one meter.  The total number of species rescued from the seawall was fourteen. The combined coral count for the FKNMS nursery as of November 8, 2011 was 1569.

Resource Manager and coral rescue project lead Lauri MacLaughlin evaluates large coral location at the FKNMS dockside nursery. Photo submitted by Brenda Altmeier (FKNMS)

Baskets of coral are lined up on the pier at the FKNMS Key West office waiting to be placed in the Key West nursery. Photo submitted by Brenda Altmeier (FKNMS).

Key West coral nursery. Photo submitted by Brenda Altmeier (FKNMS).

FKNMS staff Lauri MacLaughlin and Mike Buchman perform dive operations to evaluate project area for completion. Photo submitted by Brenda Altmeier (FKNMS).

The U.S. Navy plans to contribute funds for the husbandry and upkeep of corals in the nursery for two years, until such time they can be placed in beneficial use projects such as restorations, aquaculture, educational exhibits and scientific research. Navy contractors worked closely with FKNMS staff to accomplish this rescue effort. Of the coral remaining that measured 15cm or less, an in-kind rescue effort by FKNMS staff, coral reef nursery partners, aquarium and scientific researchers will continue through the end of the calendar year. 

Story and Photos Submitted by:

Brenda Altmeier, FKNMS