AP Valves and Ambient Pressure Diving Merge to Form AP Diving

AP Valves, founded by David Parker in 1969 and famous for producing BCDs and dive accessories of the highest quality, has merged with CCR sister company Ambient Pressure Diving to become one company again – AP Diving.

Martin Parker, Managing Director of AP Diving, had this to say of the in-house merger:

“Looking at the group as a whole, we realised there was some confusion out there about the relationship between the two companies and the multiple brand names we have collected over the decades.  To rectify this we have now taken the strategic decision to simplify things by aligning AP Valves and its products (BUDDY BCDs, accessories and spares) with Ambient Pressure Diving’s rebreathers and product lines and to sell them both under the umbrella name AP Diving.

“This has meant re-branding both companies with a unified new-look as well as a number of product re-namings (see the ‘BUDDY GOES COMMANDO’ news item on the AP Diving website here) – to create brand clarity between open circuit and closed circuit products and hopefully clear up any confusion to the customer about Who’s Who and Who makes What…

“It’s simple – AP Diving now make and sell everything – Rebreathers and BCDs.

In terms of our product range, this change means that  both the ‘AP Valves’ company name and the ‘BUDDY’ brand name will no longer be used in the sport diving market and the ‘BUDDY Commando’ is now called the AP Commando. This and the other re-named AP BCDs will then sit alongside the AP Inspiration range of rebreather models – the Inspiration XPD, the Inspiration EVO (previously the ‘Evolution’) and the Inspiration EVP (previously the ‘Evolution Plus’).

For divers this means clearer product labelling, simpler ordering and this new web brochure and shop – where you can buy all you want and find out all the information you need – all  in one place. Importantly, you will now be buying and ordering factory direct from us – no middleman – ensuring you receive exceptional, fast & reliable service from our knowledgeable team. Some things never change.”

AP Diving was officially launched at LIDS 2014 a couple of weeks ago. Scubaverse caught up with Jeff Parker, AP Diving’s Marketing and Design Manager at the show, and talked to him about the relaunch. To watch our exclusive interview with Jeff, click here.

To visit the new AP Diving website, click here. To start buying AP Diving product, click here.