Apeks has announced a global safety recall affecting certain XL4, XL4+ and Ocea regulator second stages after identifying a manufacturing defect that could restrict breathing gas flow during deep dives.
The recall applies to specific regulators manufactured between April 2025 and April 2026 and follows the discovery of a potential fault within the second-stage spindle assembly. According to Apeks, the issue could reduce airflow when the regulator is used at depths greater than approximately 45 metres (148 feet), creating a potentially hazardous situation for divers.
The company is urging owners of affected regulators to stop using them immediately until they have been inspected and repaired by an authorised Apeks dealer.
What is the problem?
Apeks says a manufacturing defect in the spindle assembly of certain second-stage regulators may restrict the flow of breathing gas under high-demand conditions encountered during deeper dives.
While the issue is expected to manifest at depths beyond around 45 metres, the manufacturer has chosen to issue a precautionary global recall to ensure diver safety.
No other Apeks regulator models are included in this recall.
Which regulators are affected?
The recall applies only to certain serial numbers of:
- Apeks XL4
- Apeks XL4+
- Apeks Ocea
Only regulators manufactured between April 2025 and April 2026 are potentially affected.
Divers should check the serial number printed on the second stage against the list published by Apeks.
What should divers do?
Owners of affected regulators should:
- Stop using the regulator immediately.
- Check whether their serial number falls within the affected production range.
- Contact an authorised Apeks dealer for a free inspection and repair.
- Avoid diving with the regulator until the corrective work has been completed.
The inspection and repair will be carried out at no cost to customers.
Independent verification
The recall has been independently confirmed through multiple sources beyond Apeks’ own announcement.
A reminder about life-support equipment
Although product recalls involving scuba regulators are relatively uncommon, they highlight the importance of registering life-support equipment with manufacturers whenever possible. Registration allows manufacturers to contact owners directly should a safety issue arise.
Divers are also encouraged to have regulators serviced by authorised technicians at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer and to remain alert to product safety notices affecting critical dive equipment.
Owners who believe they may have an affected regulator should consult Apeks’ official recall page or contact their nearest authorised Apeks dealer before returning the equipment to service.
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