Ahead of the new season on the water, Ocean Signal Ltd is reminding boaters to assess and strengthen their onboard safety kits to ensure they are well prepared in the event of an emergency.
Ocean Signal is highlighting the most essential products and offering safety advice in line with National Safe Boating Week from 17 – 23 May, an annual event held as part of the National Safe Boating Council’s (NSBC) Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by always boating responsibly and wearing a life jacket.
The communication and safety at sea specialist is embarking on the 2025 summer season by offering its most advanced range of safety gear yet, providing boaters with the latest technology in Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), Man Overboard (MOB) devices and more.
Ocean Signal continues to extend its portfolio of advanced, best-in-class safety devices and set new industry standards in technology innovation, and product quality and design, with new gear for 2025 including the rescueME EDF2 eVDSD (Electronic Visual Distress Signalling Device), the Class-M approved SafeSEA M200 man overboard locator device and the rescueME MOB2.
For the first time, the company is also offering a Marine Grab Bag, a waterproof, buoyant and easy-to-carry website exclusive product which will be available for the summer.
Ocean Signal recommends a properly-equipped marine grab bag for all boaters in case the boat needs to be abandoned quickly. It should include: emergency communications (EPIRB, PLBs, VHF radio, satellite communicator); flares and visual signals (electronic flares or SOLAS-rated pyrotechnic flares, waterproof LED torch); first aid kit; water and emergency rations; navigation and survival tools; warmth and shelter (foil blankets, sun protection); lighting and power; documentation and identification.
A properly registered Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) for crew are essential for the reassurance that search and rescue can be alerted in an emergency.
Further strategies for a safe boating season include a recommendation from sister company UML to check the Automatic Inflation Systems in your life jackets and ensuring the inflator is serviced and in good condition.
In addition, always make sure to show crew where all the safety gear on the boat is located, how and when to use it, and practice some basic abandon ship safety drills to ensure a safer boating season.
Further comprehensive advice ahead of the sailing season, including what to do if someone falls overboard and why you should register your EPIRB, and the full range of safety equipment are available on the Ocean Signal website.
