Comet will be showcasing a full range of marine distress signals at METS. On show at Comet’s stand, 03.207 in the British Pavilion, hall three, is the complete range of SOLAS-approved marine distress signals. There will also be personal and compact distress signals suitable for the marine, aviation and outdoor sectors on display.
The SOLAS range sets the industry standard for styling, size and method of operation. The hand signals are more compact, being designed mainly for use in life rafts, where stowage space is always at an absolute premium, thereby saving vital space in rafts compared to previous products.
All Comet products – the Red Handflare, Red Parachute Signal Rocket, Smoke Signal Orange, Light and Smoke Signal and Line Throwers – conform to the stringent Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards and have gained Marine Equipment Directive (MED) approval, along with other national approvals where required, such as USCG and Japanese MOT.
The Red Handflare demonstrates the development of technology and product styling now available. A compact flare, which is ideal for storage on a boat or within a liferaft, the Red Handflare features an ergonomically designed grip handle with unique telescopic design.
The Red Parachute Signal Rocket is designed to attract attention at long range, firing a 30,000 candela red flare to a minimum of 300m altitude. The signal burns for 40 seconds suspended under a parachute.
A key benefit from this design is the reduced recoil, making it easier to fire.
Also available in the range is the Smoke Signal Orange for day-time use. This signal provides a dense orange smoke, for a minimum of three minutes, used to indicate position and wind direction (essential for helicopter pilots) during a search and rescue operation. The product is again a significantly more compact design than the other models and features a flat, peel off top cap, which facilitates stowage and packing.
Other products in the SOLAS range include the Light and Smoke Signal, which far exceeds SOLAS / MED requirements. These are mounted on either side of a ship’s bridge wing. There is also a similar product available without the lights.
Also on show are Comet’s line throwing devices, which are self contained, single shot, 250m line throwing appliances that are fully compliant with the latest international SOLAS / MED and USCG legislation, and meet worldwide approval standards. Ships have to carry four line throwers.
These products are manufactured in compliance with the latest international SOLAS MED and ISO requirements. Comet products are supported and available worldwide through a network of qualified distributors.
Visitors to the stand will also be able to surf the Comet website to gain awareness of the online availability of datasheets and training videos.