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Buoyancy Aids and Equipment - Your First Line of Defense in an Emergency
Markogroup

Buoyancy Aids and Equipment - Your First Line of Defense in an Emergency

Buoyancy equipment is a crucial component of any marine activity and is essential for the safety and survival of individuals on board a vessel. These items help to keep individuals afloat in the water and prevent drowning, which is one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide. In addition to providing flotation support, they are also equipped with safety features, such as reflective tape, whistle, and strobe lights, to help rescue efforts in low-light conditions and provide means of attracting attention or signaling for help. Let's take a closer look what are buoyant devices to aid people in water. 

Immersion Suit - Protection from cold

Immersion suits are designed to provide insulation and buoyancy for individuals in cold water. They are made of neoprene, it is watertight to prevent water from entering and can protect against hypothermia, making them essential for those who may find themselves in cold water for an extended period of time.

Lifejacket - Keeping you afloat

Lifejackets are designed to keep individuals afloat in the water in case of an emergency. Lifejackets and Personal flotation devices come in different styles, including automatic and manual inflation, they can be of various shapes and sizes, including inflatable and non-inflatable, and are designed for different activities, such as fishing, boating or any kinds of water sports.
Inflatable lifejacket is the most popular type and are very comfortable for wearing, They are designed to automatically inflate when immersed in water. They are more  than traditional lifejackets. Non-inflatable lifejackets are designed to keep the wearer afloat by providing the necessary buoyancy, and they are ideal for children and non-swimmers. According to international regulations, all vessels must carry enough lifejackets for all passengers and crew on board.

Life Buoy - Your lifesaving companion

Life buoys, also known as life rings, are safety devices designed to provide flotation and support to people who are in distress in water. They are typically made of a bright, high-visibility reflective material to make them more visible in low light conditions. They are equipped with a line to help someone reach the buoy from the water. Life buoys are commonly found on boats, ships, and other watercraft, as well as on docks, piers, and other structures along bodies of water. They are essential for water safety, providing a means for people to stay afloat until rescue arrives.

Self-igniting Lights - Making Yourself Visible in the Dark

Self-igniting lights are emergency lights that activate automatically when they come into contact with water. They help make you more visible to rescue teams, especially in low light or nighttime conditions.

Position Indicating Light - They will find you everywhere

Position indicating lights are devices that emit light and are designed to show the position of an individual in the water. They are usually attached to a lifejacket and provide means of attracting attention and signaling for help. Position indicating lights emit a flashing signal that can be seen from a distance, making it easier to locate individuals in the water.

Real-Life Examples of Buoyancy Aids and Equipment in Action

While the thought of being in a life-threatening situation on the water is terrifying, it's important to remember that life-saving equipment has saved countless lives. Here are just a few examples of how this equipment has made a difference:
  • In 2014, a group of fishermen were rescued from a capsized boat in the Gulf of Mexico thanks to their lifejackets. Without lifejackets the situation could have turned tragically for them. 
  • In 2018, a solo sailor was rescued off the coast of Hawaii after he activated his position indicating light.
  • In 2015, a group of 4 people were rescued off the coast of Alaska from a sunken fishing boat. Before leaving the vessel, they managed to put on immersion suits and swimm to a safe distance, after which they were picked up by a Coast Guard helicopter.

To sum it up

Having the proper buoyancy equipment on board is essential for any marine activity. Immersion suits, lifejackets, life buoys, lifebuoy self-igniting lights, and position indicating lights for lifejackets are all crucial pieces of equipment that can make the difference in case of an emergency.

It is important to make sure that you and anyone else on board a vessel are properly equipped with the right life-saving equipment. Regularly checking and maintaining your equipment can also help ensure that it will work properly when you need it the most.