USER’S MANUAL FOR MARES REGULATORS

1. INTRODUCTION WARNING
Congratulations on your purchase of a MARES regulator. All MARES The use of an auxiliary emergency breathing system in
products are the result of over 70 years of experience and relentless temperature less than 10 °C is not a preferred configuration and
research in new materials and technologies. We hope you will enjoy many alternative fully independent systems are advised.
great dives with your new equipment. The use of an auxiliary emergency breathing system (octopus)
in water temperature less than 10 °C carries a significant risk of
WARNING accidents.
The complete documentation consists of this manual and The use of an auxiliary emergency breathing system (octopus) at
a separate sheet dedicated to the specific regulator you have depths over 30m carries a significant risk of accidents.
purchased. You must read and understand both this manual and the If a SCUBA unit is configured for and used by more than one diver at
separate sheet in their entirety before using this product. Keep the the same time, then it shall not be used at depths greater than 30m
manual and the sheet for future reference. and in water temperatures less than 4°C.

All Mares regulators described in this manual have passed the EC

WARNING type examination described above and obtained the corresponding CE
As with all SCUBA equipment, MARES products are designed to be certification. The examinations are carried out by RINA, notified body
used by trained, certified divers only. Failure to fully understand the 0474, located in Via Corsica 12, 16128 Genova, Italy. CE conformity is
risks of using such equipment may result in serious injury or death. denoted by the “CE” marking on first and second stages, including
Do not use this or any other piece of SCUBA equipment unless you octopus, followed by the number 0474, which identifies RINA as the
are a trained, certified SCUBA diver. You must be a certified diver notified body controlling production in compliance with Module D of
with a valid certification from an internationally recognized training European Regulation 2016/425. Regulators are also marked with “EN250
agency in order to use this product. Always follow all rules and A” in which the “A” indicates compliance with the requirements set out in
guidelines as taught by your training agency on all dives. Annex B of EN250:2014 regarding auxiliary emergency breathing systems
(octopus) at a temperature of 4°C. Only regulators marked with “EN250 A”
may be used as an escape device by more than one user at the same time.
WARNING The regulators described in this manual are manufactured by Mares SpA
Carefully follow these and all other instructions concerning MARES located in Salita Bonsen 4, 16035 Rapallo (GE), Italy.
products. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death. If
the instructions provided in the manual are unclear or difficult to 3. APPLICATION
understand, please contact your authorized MARES dealer before
using the product. The regulators described in this manual are intended for use in
recreational SCUBA diving activities, to a maximum depth of 50m and
temperature of 4°C or higher. They are to be used only with compressed
air complying with EN12021. For information about use with other
2. CE CERTIFICATION – EN250:2014 breathing mixes, see section 9.
All regulators described in this manual have undergone an EC type
examination, which is the procedure whereby the approved inspection 4. ASSEMBLY
body establishes and certifies that the PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment) model in question satisfies the relevant provisions of The regulators described in this manual consist of a preassembly of a first
European Regulation 2016/425. stage and a second stage (Fig. 1) connected by a low pressure hose. The
first stage can be of the threaded connection type (Fig. 2) or of the yoke
Said regulation lays down the conditions governing the placing on the
type (Fig. 3). Both types are according to ISO EN 12209:2013.
market and free movement within the Community and the basic safety
The first stage features high and low pressure ports for the connection
requirements which PPE must satisfy in order to ensure the health
of various components and subassemblies. The high pressure ports are
protection and safety of users. SCUBA regulators are PPE of category III
intended for high pressure hoses or high pressure transmitters. They
and are tested according to European Norm EN250:2014. This European
feature a 7/16” UNF thread. Use a 4mm allen wrench to remove the port
Standard defines SCUBA as self-contained open-circuit compressed air
plugs that you intend to use and an appropriate wrench to install the
underwater breathing apparatus and specifies minimum requirements
desired component.
for the SCUBA unit and their sub-assemblies to ensure a minimum level
of safe operation of the apparatus down to a maximum depth of 50 m,
while using compressed air conforming to EN12021. At a minimum, the
WARNING
EN250:2014 defines a SCUBA unit as composed of cylinder with valve, Only assemble components onto the high pressure ports with
demand regulator, pressure indicator, facepiece and carrying system. the proper pressure rating: 232bar/3350psi (yoke type) or
The EN250:2014 mainly focuses on equipment meant for one diver only. 300bar/4350psi (threaded connection type). Failure to do so may
In case of an emergency, and if an auxiliary breathing system (octopus) result in serious injury or death.
is connected to the system, the EN250:2014 specifies a further set of
conditions. In particular, when an auxiliary emergency breathing system
(octopus) is attached to the regulator, the EN250:2014 specifies minimum
requirements to ensure a minimum level of safe operation for such an
apparatus to a maximum depth of 30 m and a water temperature of 10 °C
or less, depending on the type of octopus.

1
 WARNING 6. CHECKS PRIOR TO USE AND PREPARING FOR
Only assemble components that meet the EN250:2014 requirement
THE DIVE
on maximum allowable gas flow (100l/min at standard temperature
WARNING
and pressure with an upstream pressure of 100bar).
The low pressure ports are intended for auxiliary emergency - Check all hoses visually for signs of wear or damage. Do not dive
breathing systems (octopus) and inflation systems (buoyancy if a hose is damaged or worn. If a hose is loose you must tighten
compensator hoses and dry suit hoses). They feature a 3/8” UNF it with a wrench prior to diving.
thread. Use a 4mm allen wrench to remove the port plugs that - Check the first stage and the second stage and all other
you intend to use and an appropriate wrench to install the desired components for damage. Do not dive if any component shows
component. signs of damage.
- Check the mouthpiece on the second stage for any tear or
damage. Do not dive with a torn or damaged mouthpiece.
WARNING - Prior to mounting your SCUBA regulator on a tank, ensure that
Only assemble components onto the low pressure ports with a the tank valve and the regulator components mating with the
minimum pressure rating of 35bar/500psi. tank valve are free of debris (dirt, sand, salt residue etc.).
- DIN type: remove the dust cap then screw the male connector on the
first stage into the female connector on the valve (Fig. 4). Tighten it
WARNING by hand ensuring that the male connector is inserted all the way.
Only assemble auxiliary emergency breathing systems authorized - Yoke type: remove the dust cap then place the yoke of the first
for this regulator (see table on separate sheet). stage over the tank valve and slowly tighten the yoke screw while
ensuring that the sealing surfaces are interfacing correctly (Fig.
5). Tighten the yoke screw by hand without using excessive force.
5. ASSESSMENT OF RISK - The proper positioning is such that the hose of the second stage
SCUBA regulators protect from the risk of drowning. Cold water, low exits the first stages parallel to your right shoulder (when worn,
visibility and strenuous workload are all elements which can increase Fig. 6).
the risk of an accident during a dive. If you plan to dive in cold water, - Perform a vacuum test by inhaling from the second stage while
low visibility or while performing strenuous work, make sure that you the tank valve is still closed. You should feel resistance and no
have been trained specifically for these conditions by an internationally air should enter the system from the outside. This needs to be
recognized training agency. Failure to do so may result in serious injury repeated for the auxiliary emergency breathing system if one is
or death. connected. Do not dive unless you can establish a minimum of
vacuum in each second stage in your set-up.
5.1 COLD WATER DIVING - Slowly open the tank valve while pointing the face of the pressure
In addition to the guidelines from your cold water diving specialty class, gauge (if present) away from you and ensure that there are no
for dives in temperatures below 10°C/50°F we recommend the following: leaks from the first or the second stage. Do not dive if there are
- Keep the regulator in a warm place until the last possible moment and leaks in any component of your system.
carry out all the predive checks in a warm dry place. - Take a reading from the pressure gauge or hoseless transmitter to
- Once at the dive site, ensure that no water can enter the first or ensure that the tank has enough pressure for the intended dive. Do
second stage while on the surface. not dive unless if you have a sufficient supply of breathing gas.
- Do not attempt to inhale and exhale through the second stage while on - Take a breath from the second stage to ensure that it is working
the surface and avoid using the purge button while on the surface. properly.
- Whenever possible, do not remove the regulator from your mouth
during the dive and at the surface and do not use the purge button
during and after the dive. 7. DONNING
Don the complete SCUBA unit and place the second stage regulator in
your mouth, take a breath to ensure it is working, then enter the water
and prepare to dive. Do not dive unless the second stage delivers a
smooth, comfortable flow of breathing gas.

8. USE AND REMOVAL

Breathe normally throughout the dive. Never hold your breath. After the
dive, close the tank valve, purge the second stage to depressurize the
system and disassemble it. It is very important that you put the dust cap
onto the first stage in order to prevent water, moisture or debris from
entering into it. Rinse the regulator thoroughly in fresh water.

9. BREATHING GASES
WARNING
The regulator described in this manual is intended for use with
compressed air corresponding to EN12021 only.

WARNING
This regulator is not meant to be used with any breathing gas
containing 22% or more of oxygen.

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 NOTE:
USE OF NITROX MIXES OUTSIDE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Mares regulators, auxiliary emergency breathing systems and all
components of the gas delivery system are compatible with and
exclusively designed for use with open-circuit SCUBA equipment
that uses compressed air or oxygen-rich mixtures (Nitrox)
with oxygen content not greater than 40%. They do not require
additional cleaning or servicing. If however the regulator should
become contaminated with grease, oil or dirt, it needs to be
serviced by a Qualified Technician at a Mares Lab Service Center
(www.mares.com) prior to renewed use.

10. CARE, STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

The flexible hose of your regulator must be checked prior to each use
for integrity and presence of bubbles. Any leakage or sign of damage,
cracking, deformation, heavy abrasion or cut is an indication of wear
and of obsolescence of the hose assembly and indicates the need for its
replacement. Rinse your regulator thoroughly in fresh water after every
dive. Ensure that the dust cap is installed on the first stage prior to doing
so. In order to limit and remove water or contaminants from the flexible
hose and the regulator you should, after each dive, rinse your regulator
in fresh water, dry it thoroughly, attach it to a pressurized cylinder and
repeatedly purge the second stage. Never expose your regulator to
any heat source, never allow the flexible hose to be crushed. Store the
regulator in a dry place away from direct sunlight. When travelling with
your equipment, it is best to use a padded bag such as is commonly used
to transport diving equipment.

11. MAINTENANCE
Mares recommends an inspection every year or 100 dives and a complete
overhaul every two years or 200 dives.

Regulator Service Guidelines

Every year or 100 dives:
Take your Mares regulator to an Authorized Mares Dealer for an Annual
Regulator Inspection and/or Service. The results of the inspection may
require certain parts be replaced or a complete overhaul. Check with your
Mares Dealer for Service Guideline details.

Every two years or 200 dives:

Take your Mares regulator to an Authorized Mares Dealer for a complete
regulator overhaul. This includes replacing all parts included in the
Service Kit.

WARNING
In case of a strong hit to the regulator first or second stage, you must
have the regulator itself inspected and if necessary overhauled.

NOTE:
At the latest after five years of operation the flexible hose of your
regulator should be taken out of service.

12. WARRANTY
The warranty of this regulator does not cover effects of or damage caused
by normal wear or obsolescence of the flexible hose assembly and of any
other part of this regulator.
Terms and conditions of the warranty are described on the warranty
certificate included with the regulator.