Ludovico Mares
Ludovico Mares (1898–1989) was an influential inventor and entrepreneur whose innovations played a pivotal role in shaping the modern scuba diving industry. Born in Pula, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Mares developed a deep connection to the sea from an early age while growing up in a bustling naval port city.
During World War I, he served as a naval diver, gaining invaluable firsthand experience in underwater operations and salvage work. This exposure sparked a lifelong pursuit of improving diving technology. In the years following the war, Mares began experimenting with equipment design, creating one of his earliest diving masks using rubber tubing and glass lenses. This simple yet effective innovation greatly enhanced underwater visibility and quickly gained popularity among fishermen and early diving enthusiasts.
After relocating to Italy in the aftermath of World War II, Mares transformed his passion into a business, founding Mares Sub in 1949. Under his leadership, the company introduced groundbreaking fins, spearguns, and breathing apparatus that were rapidly adopted by divers worldwide. His inventions and numerous patents helped establish foundational design standards that continue to influence modern recreational diving equipment.
Today, the Mares brand remains one of the most respected and recognized names in the diving world. Ludovico Mares’ pioneering spirit and technical ingenuity helped make underwater exploration safer, more efficient, and accessible, leaving a lasting legacy for generations of divers to come.