Heed This Call!
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Smartphone Safety Recall
Washington D.C. (October 14, 2016) – This safety alert reminds vessel owners, operators, mariners, cruises ship passengers, and all others employed in the maritime domain of the importance of concerns associated with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Smartphone. This includes phones recently replaced. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as of last month there have been at least 92 reports of batteries overheating, including 26 reports of customer burns and 55 reports of property damage. The primary concern is the phone’s Lithiumion batteries which stores significant energy. During normal use and charging devices have overheated and ruptured. The recalled devices have a 5.7 inch screen and were sold in the following colors; black onyx, blue coral, gold platinum and silver titanium with matching stylus. The word Samsung appears across the top front of the phone with Galaxy Note7 printed on the back.
All Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Smartphones including those recently replaced are recalled. Contact the wireless carrier, retailer, or follow directions found on the Samsung.com website to receive a refund or a new replacement device. The Coast Guard strongly recommends immediately powering down and ending all use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones not updated. In exceptional cases only and in alignment with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight requirements, if a person has not replaced their phone, and must bring it onboard a vessel the Coast Guard recommends:
• Turn off their phones;
• Disconnect the phone from any charging equipment;
• Disable all applications that could inadvertently activate the phone such as the alarm clock;
• Protect the power switch to prevent it from being turned on;
• Keep the device accessible; and
• Do not store it in an inaccessible space such as baggage storage area.
This safety alert is provided for informational purpose only and does not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational, or material requirements. Developed and distributed the Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis. Questions or comments may be sent to HQS-PF-fldr-CG-INV@uscg.mil.