Urgent Safety Notice, SILVA RECALLS EARLY S10 FIXED DSC VHF RADIOS FOR CRITICAL UPGRA

[Codfather]

(9 December 2005) Silva Ltd has today issued a recall for an early batch of S10 fixed DSC VHF radios. These radios carry the serial numbers 0300001 to 0401060 and were supplied to the market between December 2003 and May 2004.

Very recently Silva received feedback that an S10 DSC radio from this batch had transmitted a distress signal that was received by the coastguard. The latter successfully established contact with the vessel concerned, however the GPS position transmitted by the unit was immediately obvious as erroneous, and it is for this reason that all the units from this batch are being recalled.

The manufacturer responsible for this particular run was replaced in 2004 by a UK-owned and managed company with ISO 9000 accreditation and a reputation for excellent quality control and consistency, and tests of subsequent S10 units have shown them to be working at 100% of specification.

To ensure that the recall process causes the minimum of disruption Silva has put in place a fast and simple returns service that delivers a brand new S10 direct to affected owners while at the same time collecting their original sets for return to the company – all at no cost to themselves. Full details can be obtained by calling 01506 406288 or going to http://www.silva.se/vhf

The serial number on each S10 can be found both on the top right of the upper surface of the VHF casing, and on the outside of the box in which the unit was supplied.

Silva apologises unreservedly for any inconvenience caused, but is confident that the recall is the most prudent option in the interests of both customer safety and satisfaction.