NAVDEX 2019: Survitec showcased rescue equipment.

Survitec has demonstrated a range of maritime defence equipment, including boats and PPE, with live waterborne displays at the NAVDEX/IDEX event, which took place from February 15 to 22 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Survitec presented its new 530GPM boat during NAVDEX 2019 (Picture source : Defence Photography/Survitec)

Twice a day, three former soldiers and Survitec SME’s carried out simulated rescue missions in the marina adjacent to the exhibition hall. The squad made its way to shore in Survitec’s recently updated 530GPM, a 5.3m-long a heavy duty, robust and lightweight inflatable boat, wearing full Survitec maritime ensemble. Two soldiers then swam ashore to assist a fourth soldier playing the role of a downed pilot.

Survitec’s Pre-Hospital Care Systems (PCS) were used in the demonstrations, with military personnel using first responder equipment from an FC-4 waterproof medical rucksack. The two medics then moved the “casualty” via a stretcher to the Survitec boat and returned back to the NAVDEX base.

David Duffin, Maritime Director – Defence, Survitec said: “The in-action displays were executed by trained military personnel, offering a chance for visitors to see our kit put through its paces in a live action scenario. An ex-combat medic and two ex UK Royal Marines operated the boat, whilst an ex-army offer remained shoreside awaiting ‘rescue’.”

“We were exceptionally pleased how the updated 530GPM handled,” added Duffin. “The new model is constructed from high specification Hypalon material which is abrasion and UV resistant. With additional features, such as extra wear patches on the tubes, extra rubbing strake on the keel and a double skin reinforcement on the bow area, the boat is able to withstand robust operations and impact damage during beach landings.”

Throughout the demonstrations, the soldiers wore Survitec’s Marine Infantry Ensemble, which features a breathable and lightweight dry suit to keep the operator comfortable for long periods of use.

This included the XTP290 low-profile life preserver and SABRE ASCENT, designed to protect the wearer when climbing ladders up ships sides and offer buoyancy when swimming. This is the only fully kitted load carriage and armour system in the world that adds swimmer buoyancy. It is also certified to height safety regulation BSEN361 for vertical ascent operations.

“Very few companies offer both boats and personal protective equipment (PPE) in their product portfolio. As an original equipment manufacturer or sole distributor of all the equipment showcased at NAVDEX/IDEX, visitors were able to see first-hand how Survitec is well placed to provide critical safety systems from technically advanced inflatable boats and PPE. To a complete ship wide offering including MES, Fire systems, liferafts and LSA to the high standards required by our military customers,” said Duffin. Following the daily demonstrations, Survitec personnel answered a number of questions from the assembled crowd about all of its rescue and mission critical equipment.

Survitec presented its new Pre-Hospital Care Systems during NAVDEX 2019, UAE (Picture source : DEFENCE PHOTOGRAPHY / Survitec)