The affected radio was one of a batch of 1700 issued between December 2003 and May 2004 that was made by a supplier Silva had stopped using in 2004 and which had subsequently stopped trading.

So Silva immediately put out a product recall and set up a system to replace the affected batch with brand new radios, all free of charge to the owners.

"We agree a time and place with the owner, then the brand new unit is delivered by hand and the old radio is taken back, " said Silva UK managing director Tony Kent. "We want to make sure those original sets don't find their way back into the market."

Silva also made sure the boating media knew all about the problem, placing advertisements in 15 yachting, fishing and diving magazines across the UK and Ireland.

As we closed for press, the replacement operation was picking up pace. Units were starting to come in and Silva said the replacement service is working to plan, with plenty of new stock having been brought in to ensure that customers are served promptly.

"I'm doing two things right now, " Kent told BB. "First I'm focussing on dealing with the product recall so it's done quickly and efficiently and in the best possible way and we leave as few stones as possible unturned. The second is to make sure it never happens again."

The serial numbers of the offending batch are numbers 0300001 to 0401060. The serial number on each S10 can be found on the top right of the upper surface of the VHF casing (see picture left), 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.

Full details of the recall and replacement operation can be obtained by calling 01506 406288 or going to www.silva.se/vhf