29/01/09
During the stopover in Singapore, the Ocean Safety Servicing Team travelled out to meet the fleet and provide an important mid-race service on all the Jonbuoys and an inspection of all the liferafts carried on board each yacht.
New Zodiac liferafts were supplied by Ocean Safety to the race organisation as compulsory equipment to be carried on board each yacht during the race, prior to the start. Part of Ocean Safety's obligations were to service all the supplied equipment, two liferafts and two Jonbuoys, and to check over all the contents packed and stowed inside the lifesaving appliances.
As well as servicing the equipment, batteries and systems were checked inside EPIRBs, SARTs and personal locator beacons to ensure that they would function in the event of deployment in an emergency situation.
Alistair Hackett, General Manager at Ocean Safety, who was out in Singapore to oversee operations, said, "Given the rigorous conditions which the boats encountered in the first half of the race and the potential for more adverse weather, it was deemed best practice to service and inspect all the kit at the half way point. These checks ensure that no damage has occurred and that every piece of equipment is functional and in proper working order. All the liferafts and Jonbuoys were found to be dry and in perfect condition."
Email: marketing@oceansafety.com
http://www.oceansafety.com