Boating accident inspires new SOLAS innovation

The Life Cell Marine Safety Company has announced that it will debut Life Cell, its new floating buoyancy device at the 2016 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) next week, following its recent SOLAS approval as a Throwable Buoyancy Device.

Life Cell is an innovative floating device that keeps people together in the water should there be an accident at sea, and stores all essential safety equipment to aid survival. It will debut in the United States at FLIBS in the Superyacht Pavilion on Stand 649, when the show kicks off on Wednesday 3rd November. 

According to the business, the Life Cell is highly visible with clear signage and is simple to use even for the novice boater. It is also designed to float off its mounting bracket in the event of a vessel becoming submerged.

Jenny Aiken, CEO of Life Cell Marina Safety explained, “It [Life Cell] was invented when my brother and his friend and their two 11-year old sons survived a real life accident at sea off the coast of Sydney, Australia. They realised how poorly most safety equipment was stored on boats. There is no standard protocol and they believe this is costing lives. 

“When their boat sank suddenly, they had only seconds to locate the safety equipment that would ultimately save their lives. They were lucky, but many others are not, resulting in too many unnecessary deaths.

“Their experience inspired them to create a safety device that redesigns how safety equipment is stored and used on boats, to improve survival rates. The importance of safety equipment on boats is undeniable, however, safety equipment is often stored under seats, in gunwales or under bunks making it difficult to locate in a life or death situation.”

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show coincides with Life Cell Marine Safety’s recent partnership with Land ‘N’ Sea, to distribute Life Cell products in North America.

Recently gaining SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) approval as a novel life-saving appliance, all models of Life Cell are now classed as Throwable Buoyancy Devices, and are suitable for installation up to 30m above the water. 

Speaking exclusively to Yachting Pages, Jenny informed us that there are also two superyacht-specific models of Life Cell available, which are white and smaller in size to be more aesthetically pleasing alongside the yacht's superstructure, however these do not yet had SOLAS approval. 

For more information, visit Life Cell Marine Safety or visit them at the show.

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