We get a lot of questions about what the Mares Horizon is and what’s the purpose so we are here to answer them! Here's some of the most common ones: -

What is the Mares Horizon?
The Mares Horizon is a Semi-Closed Rebreather (SCR) designed with one clear purpose: simplicity! It is easy to setup, transport, dive and maintain because every component of the unit is accessible by the user.

What is the advantage of SCR?
SCR extends you diving time due to the low gas usage.
Lightweight and small design makes it easy to move around and travel with.
As easy as normal Nitrox diving. 
Creates a natural diving platform underwater.
Totally failsafe gas system.
Easy to set up and prepare for diving. 
* Ready for Recreational decompression if required.

How much does it weigh and how big is it?
The empty weight of the Horizon is 12kg and with filled scrubbers takes it up to 14kg. This surface weight will increase when going diving depending on how much weight the diver will need to go diving In their environment. The dimensions of the Horizon are- Height: 54cm, Width: 40cm and Depth: 22cm. Making the Horizon small and compact for ease of travel and fits in most average suit cases.

How does it work?
The Mares Horizon is designed with one clear purpose: simplicity! It is easy to setup, transport, dive, and maintain, since every component of the unit is accessible by the user. The unit’s internal components are easily accessed by removing the scrubbers that are located under the main outer cover. To keep everything small and light, the gas supply for the unit comes from one or two off-board cylinders, which gives the diver an experience similar to sidemount diving.

The Mares Horizon is what we call an active SCR with variable flow rates to maintain the desired nitrox mix in the breathing loop. The diver can decides what nitrox they wish to breathe on that particular dive and set it in the computer and off it goes. To achieve the constant nitrox mix you require, the SCR unit must constantly change the flow rate of the gas coming in to the SCR from 5 to 30 l/min, depending on the gas usage of the diver. The Mares Horizon maintains a minimum flow rate of 5 l/min via the orifice at all times. During a dive, the fraction of oxygen in the loop is constantly measured. When the fraction drops below the set point, an electronically controlled valve or ‘Electronic Addition Valve’ (EAV) opens. This valve injects fresh nitrox into the breathing loop until the fraction increases to reach the required nitrox mix. It has a big, clear and easy to use dive computer attached with all the required alarms and warnings if something was ever to go wrong with the SCR!

How far can the Horizon take me in diving?
The Horizon is designed to allow for diving within the no-decompression limits or for decompression dives up to a maximum depth of 40 meter. To accelerate decompression two different gas mixtures can be used with it. A bottom gas cylinder for the decent and deeper part of the dive, and then a decompression gas to be used on ascent and for decompression stops. Both the bottom and decompression gases must meet the following criteria: Minimum oxygen content of 30% and maximum of 100%

Do you have any more questions about the Mares Horizon or about taking it for a Try SCR session? Please sign up online or get in touch.