All it takes to put on the hood is ripping open the Velcro strip and pulling it on from its integral pouch on the jacket. It is a simple innovation that makes safety and comfort that much easier in rough weather.

Ocean Safety also put a flare in the air to launch their new Mini-Signal kit at the show. The new self contained personal emergency flare is designed for ease as well as safe use. It has a simple two part design which enables it to be primed and fired single handed. The unit also has a unique safe-fire mechanism which only allows the unit to be fired upwards within 30° of the vertical, which means that it cannot be used inappropriately.

Originally developed for the military, there was obvious potential for use in the commercial marine industres. It is so compact and versatile that the company believes there will be a market for its use in boats of all sizes.

Each flare projects to a minimum height of 90m with an approximate burning intensity of 9,000 candela for a minimum of five seconds. These flares hold a visible envelope of over 1,500m in bright daylight.

Besides being highly visible, the Mini-Signal is compact and lightweight, tipping the scales at only 180g. It has a three year shelf life. The flare block houses eight individual units and users have the option of purchasing more.