The new lifejacket is a development of ISP’s successful Challenger Worksafe 150 model, a professional standard lifejacket designed to meet the demands of regular hard wear imposed by working seafarers. It features ISP Interlock single bladder to provide 150 Newtons of buoyancy. The interlock design is unique in that it was developed by ISP to eliminate the possibility of water being channelled between the lobes of ordinary lifejackets and into the wearer’s face in a rough sea.

The new model now includes a pocket that will accommodate the Sea Marshall Locator Beacon. It also features a window that can be used to check the status indicator of the Halkey Roberts Pro 1F Auto Inflator before the jacket is put on. A simple red or green colour code will tell the wearer whether the inflator is ready for use and minimise the risk of an unserviceable lifejacket being picked up in an emergency.

Other features developed to meet the needs of the Spanish fishing industry include the side location of the belt buckle to minimise the chances of it snagging on a net and the addition of a neoprene panel on the jacket’s PVC coated nylon cover. Because the Challenger jacket is designed for continuous wear, the addition of the neoprene panel provides the wearer with optimum comfort in both wet and dry conditions.

Although the new lifejacket has been developed to meet the regulatory requirements of the Spanish fishing industry, ISP is confident it will be welcomed in other markets. Sales director Geoff Billington said, ‘Spanish fishermen are at the top of the list when it comes to seafarers who work in the toughest conditions. We believe that a lifejacket that can meet their needs will also be welcomed by other marine professionals.’