News
Mares issue voluntary recall on XR Line Inflator
Mares have discovered a quality issue on the inflator mounted on the XR line aircells and are issuing a VOLUNTARY product recall to ensure the safety of the diver. This inflator is made by a third party supplier (FERPLAST) and is henceforth referred to as FERPLAST inflator.
If you have one of these recalled units, IMMEDIATELY STOP DIVING WITH IT AND RETURN IT TO YOUR MARES DEALER, who will arrange for a free replacement of the inflator. If you no longer have this item please contact your Mares dealer immediately with the information below and provide them with the name and contact information of the new owner.
PRODUCTS AFFECTED BY RECALL
The recall concerns only the following products:
| Code | Description |
| 417511 | Donut Bladder Single Tank – XR Line |
| 417512 | Donut Bladder Twin Tank – XR Line |
| 417536 | Sidemount Pure Light Bladder – XR Line |
| 417539 | Red Devil Single Backmount set – XR Line |
| 417540 | Red Devil Single Backmount set SSI – XR Line |
| 417547 | Pure Light Sidemount compl.set – XR Line |
| 417550 | Silver Knight Single BM set – XR Line |
| 417551 | Blue Battle Single Backmount set – XR Line |
The recall concerns only products on which the NEW type of Ferplast inflator is installed and not the previous type. The new inflators can be easily identified visually as shown in the picture below:
IN PARTICULAR, ONLY INFLATORS WITH A SERIAL NUMBER FROM 8A – 02001 to 8A – 07630 BEING RECALLED.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE SERIAL NUMBER ON YOUR INFLATOR
Each inflator is identified by its own serial number as can be seen in the picture below. IF THE INFLATOR BODY IS MARKED with an X and the serial number is starting with 19.XX.XXX AS IN THE PICTURE, IT HAS BEEN ASSEMBLED PROPERLY AND CAN BE USED FOR DIVING.
If the inflator doesn’t have the X engraved on the body and the serial number is in the range from 8A – 02001 to 8A – 07630, the inflator is affected, and cannot to be used anymore and needs to be replaced immediately. The replaced units need to be returned to the place of purchase.
If you own one of the products listed at the beginning of this letter and have identified it to be affected by the recall, either by comparing the serial number or by recognizing the inflator as being a NEW MODEL, DO NOT DIVE WITH IT! If you are in doubt as to whether your product is affected or not, STOP DIVING WITH IT AND CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR MARES at the phone number or email listed below.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM AT THE ROOT OF THE RECALL
Under certain circumstances the deflation button could come unscrewed which could result in loss of the seal at the mouthpiece. This in turn would result in loss of buoyancy that could potentially lead to an accident and serious injury or death, hence Mares has decided to issue a VOLUNTARY product recall to protect the safety of the diver.
The problem arises because insufficient torque was applied during the assembly of a small lot of these inflators. The inflators are produced by a third party supplier who has used the same principle on hundreds of thousands of inflators without problems. The issue at hand is limited to a small lot due to a change in their production process, which has already been rectified. The problem is solved by applying the correct torque when assembling the button. For added safety, a special glue is now added on the threads.
Inflators assembled with proper torque and glue are marked with an X on the body and ID started with 19.XX.XXX as described above. IF THE INFLATOR BODY PRESENTS THE X and ID started with 19.XX.XXX AS IN THE PICTURE, IT HAS BEEN ASSEMBLED PROPERLY AND CAN BE USED FOR DIVING.
- WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW
If you own one of the products listed at the beginning of this letter and have identified it to be affected by the recall by recognizing the inflator being a NEW MODEL and PART OF THE AFFECTED SERIAL NUMBER RANGE, IMMEDIATELY STOP DIVING WITH IT and contact your dealer or contact Mares directly at the phone number or email address listed below.
If you are in doubt as to whether your product is affected or not, STOP DIVING WITH IT AND CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR CONTACT MARES at the phone number or email below.
Every affected inflator will be replaced with a complete set comprising new inflator, corrugated hose and gasket for the elbow connection. The inflator will have an X marked on the body as shown in the picture above, indicating it has been properly assembled.
Substitution of the inflator and corrugated assembly should be performed by an authorized Mareslab Service Center, which will perform this service free of charge.
Additional information will be available on www.mares.com and the Mares Facebook page.
Mares: We apologize for the inconvenience that this recall causes you. We believe in safety and we care about our customer and about all divers. We will do our utmost to make the process of replacing the inflator as seamless as possible. Your cooperation is deeply appreciated. Should you have any additional question or concern please contact your dealer or contact Mares directly at:
UK Contact:
- E.bulmer@uk.mares.com
- 07717 214559
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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