The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·98012·Announced 1997-10-15

Mares Guardian Dive Computers Recalled Due to Potential Malfunction

Mares America is recalling approximately 1,200 Guardian dive computers because water leaks can cause malfunctions that may lead to decompression sickness.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where significant injury (decompression sickness) is possible, but the source explicitly states that no injuries or deaths have been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

Mares America Corp. is recalling about 1,200 Guardian dive depth computers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These devices are used by scuba divers to determine dive depth, dive time, and other automatic measurements. The recall covers two models: a wrist mount and a hose mount. The computers are approximately 3 inches wide and 3 inches long, featuring a black and gray body with yellow buttons, and the words "Mares" and "Guardian" are written on the frame around the screen.

The recall is necessary because the Guardian dive computers can fail to function if water leaks into the battery compartment during a dive. Additionally, the computers may malfunction by failing to switch on automatically or by having control buttons that do not operate properly. Mares is aware of 45 incidents where the computer failed to operate properly. While no injuries or deaths have been reported, these failures could result in divers suffering from decompression sickness, which can lead to significant injury.

Selected Mares dive shops sold these computers nationwide from January through August 1997 for approximately $400. Divers should stop using the Guardian dive computer immediately and return it to a Mares authorized dealer to receive a free replacement computer. For more information, consumers can contact Mares America Corp. toll-free at (800) 874-3236 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call at any other time to leave a message.

The recalled product

Product
Mares Guardian dive depth computers
Manufacturer
Mares America
Category
Consumer Product — Scuba Diving Equipment
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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