RECALL - APEKS XL4 , XL4+ and OCEA Second Stages

Carolyn Bryan   Jul 01, 2026

recalls apeks

HEAD Watersports, as distributor and importer of Apeks products in the United States, Canada and Caribbean, is conducting a voluntary safety recall in coordination with the manufacturer, Apeks Marine Equipment Ltd.

Products affected

The recall concerns the following Apeks second stages and octopuses:

• XL4
• XL4+
• OCEA

Affected serial numbers: 250402212 to 260402893, inclusive.
How to find it: The serial number is laser-marked directly onto the second-stage body.Units with serial numbers outside this range are not affected.

Reason for the recall

• Performance testing identified that certain affected second stages do not meet the requirements of the EN 250 safety standard.
• A defect in the spindle mould tool has allowed the spindle assembly to be installed incorrectly. Under demanding diving conditions, particularly at depths exceeding 45 meters, this can restrict the flow of breathing gas, posing a risk of inadequate air supply to the diver at depth.

Affected regulators must NOT be sold or used, at any depth, until they have been inspected and, if necessary, repaired.

Action required

1. Stop diving with the affected regulator or octopus immediately.
2. Contact an authorised Apeks dealer or service centre to arrange for an inspection and, if necessary, a repair.
3. All inspections, repairs, and return shipping are handled free of charge by qualified technicians.

Customers whose serial number falls outside the affected range may continue using their regulator. Anyone who is unable to verify the serial number must stop using the regulator until it has been inspected and, where necessary, repaired in accordance with the official recall procedure.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your immediate cooperation.