ADCI SAFETY FLASH
Band Masks/Helmets and Manufacturer Responsibility
The ADCI is formally notifying industry stakeholders of the manufacturing in South America of band masks that appear to be patterned from the Kirby Morgan KMB-18 band mask design and recently another model patterned from the Submarine System’s Omega band mask design.
In the last paragraph of the manufacturer’s Manifesto of Technical Responsibility it states that
"...we declare that the company assumes no dive helmet-responsibility as to performance, quality, and safety of our equipment, remembering that (mask name and model)....Do not ask for product certification of diving full face masks in (country name)."
Because all helmet and mask manufacturers should assume responsibility for the performance, quality and safety of their equipment, the ADCI strongly cautions all contractors and schools from purchasing any helmets or masks that are not vetted for reliability and safety. Additionally, the ADCI strongly recommends that future purchases of helmets and masks from manufacturers that are not internationally recognized and vetted by industry be thoroughly researched and assessed for reliability and safety.
NOTE: This issue has also presented itself in China with the manufacture of counterfeit Kirby Morgan KMB-18 Band Masks and SL-17 Diving Helmets. Click here for further information.