Divers may get bends if computers go unfixed

US SAFETY BODY the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said a Finnish firm has warned Suunto Dive Computers need a software fix, because the timing may cause the bends.

The Suunto D9 and D6 Model Wristop Dive Computers may incorrectly track dive time, meaning decompression sickness ("the bends") may ensue.

Although Suunto has sold nearly 4,000 of these devices in the US, no injuries have been reported.

The CPSC said the devices are advanced gas switching computers with serial numbers for the D9 of 62102582 and below, and for the D6 62103693 and below.

The D9 was sold between September 2004 to June 2006 for $1,200 or so, while the D9, which lacks a wireless transmitter, cost about $900.

Customers are being advised to take units to their nearest Suunto dealer for a software update, and further tests. The revised products will be marked as safe.

The CPSC warning is here. µ

L'INQ
Suunto safety notice