Garmin Recall of Bluechart g2 and g2Vision data cards

[boutwell]

Out of an abundance of caution, Garmin has voluntarily chosen to globally recall its 2009 version of BlueChart g2 and g2 Vision data cards. In certain waters, there are inaccuracies and/or omissions in the way that this specific version of charting represents depth contours and depth areas, resulting in the depiction of water depth as deeper than the actual depth under certain display conditions.
Boaters should not use BlueChart g2 or g2 Vision 2009 data cards, dated March 2009, for navigation. Any boater who owns BlueChart g2 or g2 Vision v2009 will be given a replacement traditional BlueChart card or g2 Vision card v2008.5 (dated July 2008) free of charge and will also receive the 2009 card free of charge when it is re-released. Affected customers may contact their retailer or Garmin directly at 1-800-800-1020, email cartography@garmin.com, or visit www.garmin.com/bluechartrecall.
Garmin apologizes for this inconvenience and is working diligently to ensure that boaters can rely on future versions of BlueChart.
Who is affected by this recall?

Any boater that is running BlueChart g2 or g2 Vision v2009 data cards is subject to this global recall.
When did Garmin become aware of these issues?

Garmin was made aware of these issues during the last week of May. We investigated these reports and out of an abundance of caution, we decided to stop selling BlueChart g2 and g2 Vision v2009 and issue a worldwide recall on June 2, 2009. That announcement took place on June 4, 2009 after the proposed recall notice was notified to the applicable product safety regulatory agencies.
Are these errors prolific, or concentrated in one area?

We are aware of specific reports within the waters along the coast of Sweden and Denmark. However, we cannot be certain that these issues won't manifest themselves elsewhere, which is why we've instituted a worldwide recall of BlueChart g2 and g2 Vision v2009.
Has Garmin determined the cause of the errors?

Yes. In the 2009 version of BlueChart g2 and g2 Vision, changes in the production process resulted in the current issues.
What should boaters do who have BlueChart g2 or g2 Vision v2009?

Boaters should not use the 2009 version of BlueChart g2 or g2 Vision for navigation. Any boater who owns a 2009 version of BlueChart will be given a replacement BlueChart g2 or g2 Vision card v2008.5 (dated July 2008) free of charge. Affected customers may contact their retailer or Garmin directly at 1-800-800-1020, email cartography@garmin.com, or visit www.garmin.com/bluechartrecall.
What functionality will boaters lose by reverting to the 2008.5 version of BlueChart?

Older versions of BlueChart do not support the additional depth information contained in the 2009 version, and do not have the uniform presentation present in the latest release.
Are all versions of BlueChart g2 and g2 Vision affected?

No, only version 2009 data cards are affected by this recall.
How do boaters check to see which version of BlueChart g2 or g2 Vision they're running?

This varies from unit to unit. Consult your owner's manual or contact Garmin at 1-800-800-1020.
How have boaters been affected by these chart inaccuracies?

We have heard of two unverified reports of boaters running aground in the Stockholm archipelago. We do not believe any serious injuries have resulted from these incidents.
Will boaters get a new version of the latest edition of BlueChart g2 or g2 Vision once Garmin corrects the errors, and if so, when?

Yes, once this latest version of BlueChart g2 and g2 Vision is corrected, we intend to make it available free of charge to affected customers. We expect this new version will be available by the end of 2009. Go to www.garmin.com/bluechartrecall to check the status of this revised version.
How many Garmin products are affected by this recall?

These numbers are considered proprietary by Garmin. That said, we intend to work with maritime authorities, distributors, and dealers and the media to ensure that all affected boaters are notified of this recall.
Will boaters need to send in their Garmin chartplotters for repair?

No. This is an issue with the most recent version of BlueChart g2 and g2 Vision data cards, and not the hardware or firmware of your unit. Other versions of the cartography are not affected.
Are you proactively communicating with distributors, dealers, and customers who are affected by this recall?

Yes, Garmin is contacting these groups and is taking the appropriate steps to ensure that our customers are made aware of this recall.

[Ethan]

Oh boy!

[Joe]

Fixed by the end of 2009??

Not in a big hurry, huh?

[bluewaterpirate]

exception of shaded contours .... that where the problem lies. Contour shading is not matching actual charted depths. This is the display where the issue lays. The G2 Vision and G2 Chart SD cards for 2009 have specific enhancements to take advantage of the Mariners Eye and Perpective Views. These displays will work fine using the 2008.5 version the only difference is the 2008.5 and earilier versions don't have the new depth chart shading enhancements.

This why it is so important for those who purchase GaRmin products to register them as soon as possible. If you didn't then when the generated the auto recall e-mail you would get it. I have client who purchased the 2009 version and received his notification this afternoon. If you have one or think you have one and you haven't registered it call Garmin of the vendor you bought it from.

[OldPete]

VUS005R not on the list... no "free" update for me then.

[KeyPineSavage]

Originally Posted by Joe

Fixed by the end of 2009??

Not in a big hurry, huh?

Joe

Oh, trust me, I think they are in a plenty big hurry. But obviously, until they have the fix nailed down 100% they want to give themselves a window they are sure will be big enouth. I would be surprised if it takes 'til the end of the year, but if it does, I guess it does. Best they get it right.