Bright future for VIKING RescYou™ liferafts

Leading marine safety equipment manufacturer VIKING has made survival easier for the yachting set – and life easier for rescue teams – with the introduction of a bright yellow canopy to its 2010 range of best-in-test RescYou^TM liferafts.

"We challenged conventional industry thinking about liferaft visibility, conducting extensive tests with a variety of colours and nuances to determine exactly which one is easiest to spot in all-weather conditions at sea," says VIKING Sales & Marketing Director, Henrik U. Christensen. "And it turns out that a very particular version of fluorescent yellow makes a clear difference."

While it may be new to liferafts, the fluorescent yellow chosen by VIKING is a familiar sight in many European countries, appearing on ambulances and rescue vehicles. Certified according to the High Visibility Norm EN471 for traffic visibility, testing has shown the colour provides excellent contrast to gray and dark blue – the colours of the sea. It also offers the best visibility in bad weather and foggy conditions.

The bright yellow canopy isn’t the only innovation for the new RescYou^TM Pro liferafts. VIKING has increased bodily comfort for unlucky sailors with blue inner linings designed to reduce anxiety and seasickness, and curtained windows that provide a 360-degree outlook without having to open the liferaft and risk cooling down. Boarding is easier and quicker, too, thanks to new handles positioned above the boarding ramp.

Hailed as the market’s best by independent sources, the company’s RescYou^TM Pro products have led the market since their debut as the world’s first ultra-fast self-righting liferafts. Today, this liferaft is considered by many to be the ultimate for all types of yachting and the perfect choice for ocean sailing. Full compliance with ISO standards and a worldwide network of VIKING companies and certified service stations ensure yachtsmen superior peace of mind.

The full range of bright yellow canopy VIKING RescYou^TM liferafts will be launched at METS in Amsterdam, November 17-19, 2009 (stand 11.527).



Notes to editors:
Founded in 1960, VIKING is a global market leader in maritime safety. The company provides essential safety and fire-fighting equipment to the following markets: passenger, cargo, offshore, defence, fishing, yachting and fire fighting.

VIKING is a privately held Danish corporation with group headquarters in Esbjerg on the west coast of Denmark. Products are manufactured at facilities in Denmark, Norway and Thailand.

The company offers a choice of product packages and systems solutions – standard or tailor-made – that are certified to the latest requirements of IMO, SOLAS, EU and the USCG. Products include chute, slide and stair-based marine and offshore evacuation and embarkation systems, liferafts, lifejackets, immersion suits, fire suits, work suits, air pilot and transportation suits, man overboard (MOB) boats, davits and other life-saving appliances.

The VIKING RescYouTM range of yachting liferafts consists of three types of liferafts:

- VIKING RescYou^TM Pro – the ultimate self-righting liferaft for all types of yachting and the perfect choice for ocean sailing
- VIKING RescYou^TM – ideal for cruising and short international voyages
- VIKING RescYou^TM Coastal – ISO2 liferaft designed for coastal or inland sailing near rescue points

A unique network of over 50 branch offices, agents, 270 certified servicing stations and worldwide stock points makes VIKING a truly global provider offering cost-effective and convenient service whenever and wherever it is needed.
For further information, please contact Lone A. Jessen, laj@viking-life.com