Switlik http://www.switlik.com/blog Marine and Aviation Safety and Survival Blog Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:36:05 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Coast Guard Alaska Season 2: Switlik Employees bursting with pride as their hard work gets national attention http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/04/27/coast-guard-alaska-season-2-switlik-employees-bursting-with-pride-as-their-hard-work-gets-national-attention/ http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/04/27/coast-guard-alaska-season-2-switlik-employees-bursting-with-pride-as-their-hard-work-gets-national-attention/#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:34:48 +0000 Switlik http://www.switlik.com/blog/?p=260 With a successful season one of Coast Guard Alaska, the Weather Channel is at it again showing grueling action packed rescue missions of the USCG rescue team Kodiak, AK for a second season.  Coast Guard Alaska, which follows a team of Coast Guard swimmers and rescue pilots stationed in Kodiak, AK, as they train and implement strategies to save lives while battling harsh, icy weather conditions.  The show has hit home with all employees at Switlik as they see their hard work put to use with a screen full of  bright orange Anti Exposure Dry Suits worn by the pilots and crew members.  The Switlik U-ZIP-IT Dry Suit has been the suit of choice by the USCG for over seven years and due to its bright color is seen by every employee at the Trenton, NJ factory as it travels through the production line.  Filmed over the brutal winter months of Alaska, the new season is packed full of footage of the Dry Suits.  As a product manufacturer its invaluable to get an hour a week of product demonstrations and candid live feedback as the suits go through a vigorous range of activities.

When designing the suits we understood that the teams would be wearing them for extended periods of time which led to our core focus in making the dry suits incredibly comfortable to wear.  After watching season one and the start to season two of Coast Guard Alaska we are very confident that the design philosophy  and how we intended our suits to be worn is precisely how the experts at the USCG station Kodiak Alaska use them.

Join the Switlik team in showing their support to the brave members of the Coast Guard by tuning in to the weather channel on Wednesday nights at 9pm.

For more information about the Anti Exposure Dry suits worn on the show visit http://switlik.com/aviation/uzipit and for details on the next show, visit www.weather.com/coastguardalaska

]]> http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/04/27/coast-guard-alaska-season-2-switlik-employees-bursting-with-pride-as-their-hard-work-gets-national-attention/feed/ 0 Switlik Life Rafts used in the 2012 US Sailing Safety at Sea Seminar at U.S. Naval Academy http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/04/12/switlik-life-rafts-used-in-the-2012-us-sailing-safety-at-sea-seminar/ http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/04/12/switlik-life-rafts-used-in-the-2012-us-sailing-safety-at-sea-seminar/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:33:54 +0000 Switlik http://www.switlik.com/blog/?p=228 Over the course of this past weekend, two Swilik Offshore Life Rafts were deployed, allowing over 100 participants the opportunity to experience firsthand how to deploy, board and utilize all the safety equipment supplied in a offshore life raft.  The first training session took place on the severn river and was a live deployment off one of the Naval Academy’s sloops.  The raft used in this session was the Switlik SAR-6 Offshore Life Raft, which is the most advanced life raft available on the market.  The key features of this raft is the convertible canopy which allows for simple boarding as victims can jump directly into the raft, limiting their time the water.  The canopy design allows for endless configurations for shelter ensuring proper ventilation in addition to providing easy extraction when rescue teams are on scene.  The second feature which was highlighted in the Safety at Sea Seminar is the large ballast system.  The entire bottom of the raft features one large ballast bag that allows a large amount of water to enter and circulate in an oval fashion, ensuring the raft will be stable while riding waves and can withstand the downdraft of a rescue helicopter when extracting victims. 

The second session was located at the Naval Academy pool and the Switlik MD-3 ISAF/ISO approved life raft was used for a range of training drills.  This raft was chosen for this session of the Safety at Sea Seminar as it is a widely used raft in the upcoming 2012 Newport to Bermuda Race as it meets the life raft safety requirements as listed in the Notice of Race.  As shown in the pictures from the pool session, you will see the Switlik MD-3 has a full auto erecting canopy as required by the ISO-9650-1 and Category 1 & 2 racing requirements which is followed by the 2012 Newport to Bermuda Race. The pool session included, both boarding direct to the raft and from in the water.  During the in-water boarding drill the ability to board from two sides, with the help of the rigid boarding ramp provide made for simple entry allowing all victims to get out of the water quickly.

Other items on display at the event were a line of man overboard equipment that are widely used in offshore racing, which include the popular Switlik MOM 8 and MOM 600.  The MOM 8 is continually touted by safety experts for its quick deployment and quality of safety contents provided to a victim in water.  The MOM 600 is a new item to the safety market that is proving to be an excellent aid in getting victims our of the water quickly and on a stable, visible platform.  The rigidity of the MOM 600 platform allows for multiple victims to knell or stand aiding in their ability to simply climb back on board a high freeboard boat.  With a full range of demos completed, in addition to excellent lectures from industry professionals, the 2012 US Naval Academy Safety At Sea Seminar was a wide success for all participants and we hope this will contribute to a safe and fun 2012 sailing season.

Photos courtesy: Mary Cox

]]> http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/04/12/switlik-life-rafts-used-in-the-2012-us-sailing-safety-at-sea-seminar/feed/ 0 Switlik announces sales department personnel changes http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/31/switlik-announces-sales-department-personnel-changes/ http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/31/switlik-announces-sales-department-personnel-changes/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:02:23 +0000 Switlik http://www.switlik.com/blog/?p=201

January 31, 2012 (Trenton, NJ) Switlik Parachute Company is pleased to welcome Mr. Anthony Florio as the newest member of its Sales Department, effective January 30, 2012. Mr. Florio brings 13 years of experience in selling lifesaving equipment components in all the same markets that Switlik currently serves (Military, Aviation and Marine). Switlik also announces the retirement of long time Aviation Sales Manager, Ms. Kathleen Kalinowski, after 28 years of distinguished service to the company. Ms. Kalinowski helped transform Switlik from largely a military products manufacturer to a diversified worldwide competitor in the aviation, marine and military markets.

Ed Vienckowski, VP of Sales and Marketing for Switlik, had this to say upon making the announcement: “We are thrilled to add someone the caliber of Anthony Florio to our Sales team. Anthony brings a wealth of experience in all our current markets, and is well familiar with our customer base, having served many of these same customers throughout his career. At the same time, the departure of Kathleen Kalinowski is bittersweet. We certainly wish Kathleen all the best in her new pursuits, and thank her for all her contributions to Switlik’s past success. Kathleen will be sorely missed, but rest assured our Sales team of Andrew Goetting, Marie Gowen and Anthony Florio, along Michael Dilts and myself will ensure the same level of customer service that all have come to expect from Switlik.”

Please use the following as your initial points of contact for Sales Inquiries:
Military/Government Sales: Michael Dilts, mdilts@switlik.com
Commercial Aviation Sales: Marie Gowen, mgowen@switlik.com
Helicopter Products and General Aviation Sales: Andrew Goetting, agoetting@switlik.com
Marine Products Sales: Andrew Goetting, agoetting@switlik.com

General Inquiries: info@switlik.com
Purchase Order Submittals: sales@switlik.com
VP Sales and Marketing: Ed Vienckowski, evienckowski@switlik.com 

View Press Release as a PDF

]]> http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/31/switlik-announces-sales-department-personnel-changes/feed/ 0 The Weather Channel’s: Coast Guard Alaska gives the Switlik U-ZIP-IT a starring role http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/25/the-weather-channels-coast-guard-alaska-gives-the-switlik-u-zip-it-a-starring-role/ http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/25/the-weather-channels-coast-guard-alaska-gives-the-switlik-u-zip-it-a-starring-role/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:03:59 +0000 Switlik http://www.switlik.com/blog/?p=160 The Weather Channel has been running a series that features the Coast Guard Air Station located on Kodiak Island, Alaska.  It highlights an elite team that risks their lives in search and rescue missions in the treacherous waters off Alaska.  The seven part series, Coast Guard Alaska, takes you into the family lives and onboard the missions of the heroes of the United States Coast Guard.  This show is of keen interest to the Switlik Survival Products team from Trenton, NJ, makers of the orange anti-exposure “dry” suits that help protect the USCG flight crews that wear them on every mission aloft.
Switlik has been a leading manufacturer of anti-exposure suits for the military and aviation sectors since 1984. The Switlik designed U-Zip-It™ Aircrew Anti Exposure Garment (AEG) was chosen by the United States Coast Guard for their flight and tactical personnel as their exclusive use, cold water immersion, aircrew flight suit.

To get a glimpse of the Weather Channel’s Coast Guard Alaska series: http://www.weather.com/tv/tvshows/coast-guard-alaska.

To learn more about the U-ZIP-IT Anti Exposure Dry Suit worn by the rescue team visit:
http://switlik.com/aviation/uzipit.

]]> http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/25/the-weather-channels-coast-guard-alaska-gives-the-switlik-u-zip-it-a-starring-role/feed/ 1 A Mariner’s Most Dreaded Phrase, “Man Overboard”: Marine Safety training from the experts http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/10/a-mariners-most-dreaded-phrase-man-overboard-marine-safety-training-from-the-experts/ http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/10/a-mariners-most-dreaded-phrase-man-overboard-marine-safety-training-from-the-experts/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:02 +0000 Switlik http://www.switlik.com/blog/?p=97 By: Teresa O’Connor, Life Raft Survival Equipment, Inc.   teresa@LRSE.com

The new Switlik MOM 600 is ideal for quick man overboard rescue.

All possible efforts and actions should constantly be made to ensure that this nightmare never occurs. Unfortunately Man overboard situations happen every year with devastating results. As the crew overboard, your primary concern is to stay alive long enough for the vessel to return to your position to make a successful recovery.

Should you ever find yourself in the water from a man overboard situation, your largest concerns are to stay afloat, stay warm, stay calm, stay still and stay together – the ‘Stay Rules’.  If you don’t have a lifejacket on, then you have a challenge of staying afloat. If you don’t have on the proper clothing and you stay in the water, hypothermia is a threat. If you don’t have a raft then staying together is a problem. If you panic you’re bound to move around and release body heat from your high heat areas not to mention all the other acts that will hurt your rescue.

Dan from LRSE trains crews for safety and man overboard situations on boats like the RAMBLER 100, and the Gunboat Phaedo for transatlantic sailing races.

Unfortunately not too many mariners have had the opportunity to practice man overboard drills like cold water survival, the ‘Stay Rules’, and boarding life rafts from the water which is why we began hands on training classes 6 years ago. One section of our training takes place in a heated indoor pool with clear calm water. Yet the crippling effect of mild hypothermia, despite layered clothing and lifejackets, surprises all our participants. They find their movements slowed, their breath change and everything seems difficult. We have to pull participants out of the water at the end of the class.  They feel the effects of what we teach them, conduction in water is 25% greater than in the air. Once our participants are warmed up and recovered, they all want to know how to improve their own crew overboard gear now that they have the training.

Equipment for crew overboard or loss of vessel in coastal water must be pragmatic. It must be lightweight and small, it must be intuitive to use, it must be easily accessible, it must have some type of signaling device, and every crewmember onboard must understand its application and why it is used. A small inflatable platform like Switlik’s new MOM 600 or the rail mounted, quick deployed MOM 8 fits this criteria quite well and gives the victim the ability to climb back onboard or utilize the lifting straps should crew need to be pulled out of the water. Having the right tools will get crew to stay afloat, stay warm, stay still and stay together, now it’s just up to a vessel owner to have the training to keep the crew calm.

For information on LRSE crew training or any of the Switlik Man Overboard Modules visit:  LRSE.com or Switlik.com/marine/manoverboard

]]> http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/10/a-mariners-most-dreaded-phrase-man-overboard-marine-safety-training-from-the-experts/feed/ 0 Switlik SAR-6 Offshore Life Raft aides in the Rescue of two 11 year old boys in Sydney, Australia http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/08/switlik-sar-6-offshore-life-raft-aides-in-the-rescue-of-two-11-year-old-boys-in-sydney-australia/ http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/08/switlik-sar-6-offshore-life-raft-aides-in-the-rescue-of-two-11-year-old-boys-in-sydney-australia/#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:51:51 +0000 Switlik http://www.switlik.com/blog/?p=104

Their boat sank within one minute in relatively calm seas, about 10km off North Head, shortly after 8am (AEDT) on Thursday. Riley Smiles and Ryan Matthews, both 11, were asleep on swags on the boat’s flybridge when Riley’s father Scott noticed black smoke coming out of the exhaust about three hours after they had left Botany Bay on a fishing trip.
Mr. Smiles made sure everyone had a lifejacket as water filled the engine bay, grabbing an emergency beacon and an esky before they jumped into the water. The EPIRB beacon was activated at 8.30am (AEDT) and they were found by a Westpac Rescue Helicopter 45 minutes later, five nautical miles (9.2km) from North Head.
All four were rescued when the helicopter dropped a Switlik SAR-6 life raft into the water, before a water launch arrived a short time later. Rescue helicopter chief executive Steve Leahy said the boat had sunk very quickly, leaving no signs of debris.

The Switlik SAR-6 is our military grade air-droppable blue water offshore life raft, and is the raft of choice of professional search and rescue teams around the world. We’re so happy that a Switlik was able to help save the lives of the two young boys.

Read more about the story: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8398728
Learn more about the Switlik SAR-6: http://www.switlik.com/marine/sar6/

]]> http://www.switlik.com/blog/2012/01/08/switlik-sar-6-offshore-life-raft-aides-in-the-rescue-of-two-11-year-old-boys-in-sydney-australia/feed/ 0 Switlik hosts visit by acting New Jersey Governor Guadagno http://www.switlik.com/blog/2011/11/16/switlik-hosts-visit-by-acting-new-jersey-governor-guadagno/ http://www.switlik.com/blog/2011/11/16/switlik-hosts-visit-by-acting-new-jersey-governor-guadagno/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:52:02 +0000 Switlik http://www.switlik.com/press/?p=66

November 16, 2011 (Trenton, NJ): Switlik Parachute Co. was pleased to host a visit by New Jersey’s Acting Governor Kim Guadagno to its Trenton, NJ headquarters and manufacturing facility yesterday. This visit was the final stop in the Acting Governor’s nine month long “100 Businesses Initiative”, where she travelled to all areas of the state to meet directly with a variety of companies that help fuel New Jersey’s diverse economy. The visit offered Switlik the opportunity to demonstrate to the Acting Governor the breadth of work that is performed at the Trenton facility, by our highly skilled workforce, emphasizing our proud history of saving lives worldwide while providing jobs locally.

Acting Governor Guadagno first met privately with the Switlik Executive Management team in a productive exchange of ideas aimed at determining how New Jersey government can best support its existing businesses, to help them continue to compete in today’s world economy. The Acting Governor was then given a tour of the Switlik facility, led by company President Stanley Switlik. The tour culminated with remarks made by Mr. Switlik and Acting Governor Guadagno in front of the entire Switlik workforce, along with members of the press and invited guests.

Mr. Switlik later commented: “We were very pleased and honored to host this final stop of the Acting Governor’s 100 Businesses Initiative. It’s just very refreshing that someone is actually coming and asking us what we think. That is in stark contrast to previous administrations. It was a very good day, and we very much appreciated it.”

Refer also to http://www.state.nj.us/governor/news/news/552011/approved/20111115a.html for the Press Release from the Governor’s office on this visit.

]]> http://www.switlik.com/blog/2011/11/16/switlik-hosts-visit-by-acting-new-jersey-governor-guadagno/feed/ 0 Switlik introduces two new Helicopter Life Vests to their line http://www.switlik.com/blog/2011/08/01/switlik-introduces-two-new-helicopter-vests-to-their-line/ http://www.switlik.com/blog/2011/08/01/switlik-introduces-two-new-helicopter-vests-to-their-line/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:20:01 +0000 Switlik http://www.switlik.com/press/?p=28 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1, 2011 (Trenton, NJ): Switlik Parachute Co. is pleased to announce the addition of the Switlik Aviator and X-Back™ Air Crew vests to their line of FAA approved helicopter style aviation life vests. These new designs are distinguished by several innovative features, drawing on feedback from a broad spectrum of users. Helicopter vest wearers have clearly stated they want lightweight, low profile, durable vests that are comfortable to wear on long flights. The new Switlik Aviator and X-Back™ Air Crew vests deliver all this and more.

The Switlik Aviator Vest (Model EV-35) is a stylish new design that provides the most comfort ever offered in a constant wear life vest. Suitable for pilots, crew or passengers, the Aviator is ergonomically shaped to drape over the wearer’s shoulders, unlike traditional “yoke” style vests that hang from the neck, leading to discomfort and fatigue. Substantially lighter (1.3 lbs) than previous designs, the Aviator offers 35 lbs. of buoyancy in a single inflatable cell, with a unique three layer cell configuration, so that if the primary cell is compromised, a second cell is available providing another full 35 lbs. of buoyancy. So thin and comfortable, you may forget you’re wearing it!

The Switlik X-Back™ Air Crew Vest (Model HV-35X) is a newly configured, lightweight crew vest that is a quantum leap in comfort and durability over its predecessors. The aptly named X-BackTM has a unique, proprietary cross back strap configuration, with breathable mesh Molle style vest that is ergonomically fitted to one’s shoulder contours for an amazing fit. Accessories are located to the sides rather than midsection allowing more room for shoulder and lap belts, for added comfort when seated. As accessories are added, their weight is distributed on the shoulders and off the neck, greatly increasing comfort for the wearer. A variety of accessories are offered in Molle configuration, including a stylish new multi-compartment zippered pocket.

Both the Aviator and X-Back™ Air Crew vests have covers made from a durable Nomex®/Kevlar® woven fabric. The new fabric is softer than previous cover fabrics and highly fire resistant, far exceeding FAA requirements. The covers are fitted with breakaway zippers that contain and protect the vest cells, but easily open when inflation is actuated.

The Aviator and X-Back™ Air Crew vests will be available in mid-September. Look for them at your local aviation supply outlet or at www.switlik.com/aviation.

About Switlik: Established in 1920, Switlik Parachute Co. has been owned and operated by the Switlik family for four generations and is known worldwide as a manufacturer of the highest quality sewn and heat sealed inflatable safety and survival products for the aviation, marine, and military/government markets. Switlik products are defined by Quality, Performance and Innovation. Every day, in all we do. All our products are proudly manufactured in Trenton, NJ USA, carrying the Switlik name on their labels for more than 90 years running.

For additional information, Email: info@switlik.com

Media Contact:
Edward V. Vienckowski
VP, Sales & Marketing
1-609-587-3300
evienckowski@switlik.com


View Press Release as a PDF

]]> http://www.switlik.com/blog/2011/08/01/switlik-introduces-two-new-helicopter-vests-to-their-line/feed/ 0 SWITLIK Announces New Senior Management Appointment http://www.switlik.com/blog/2010/07/01/switlik-announces-new-senior-management-appointment/ http://www.switlik.com/blog/2010/07/01/switlik-announces-new-senior-management-appointment/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:44:40 +0000 Switlik http://www.switlik.com/blog/?p=223 July 1, 2010 (Trenton, NJ)  Switlik Parachute Co., Inc., a leading manufacturer of aviation, marine and military personnel safety and survival equipment since 1920, announces the appointment of Ed Vienckowski as Vice President-Sales and Marketing.

Mr. Vienckowski has spent his entire career in the area of safety and survival, in both the aerospace and marine industries.  He brings over 30 years of technical expertise and program management experience to Switlik, having established solid working relationships with a wide range of customers, from the corporate likes of Boeing and Airbus, down to individual product end users.  Mr. Vienckowski is a graduate of Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a host of other organizations.

Switlik Survival Products: Quality, Performance, Innovation

Established in 1920, Switlik Parachute Co. has been owned and operated by the Switlik family for four generations as a manufacturer of high quality sewn and heat sealed inflatable safety and survival products for the aviation, marine, and military markets worldwide.

While the traditional product mix during our 90 year history has comprised the complete inventory of military parachute and ejection seat harnesses, the more current product mix ranges from aviation style life preservers to large multi-place marine and aviation life rafts. Operations include producing a variety of sewn and heat sealed military personnel safety equipment items under government contract to the USN, USAF, US Army and USCG. The most up to date production mix includes anti-G suits, waterproof and breathable anti-exposure coveralls for aircrew, as well as numerous advanced designs of military and civilian inflatable life rafts and life preservers.

Switlik products are consistently at the forefront in design, performance and quality of manufacture.  We are proud of our long standing reputation for quality, performance and innovation, having put our family name on our products for 90 years.

Today, the diversification of our products and markets, and our continued willingness to change with the times, will ensure Switlik Parachute Co. maintains its position as an industry leading American manufacturer.

Switlik Survival Products: Looking forward with confidence.

For additional information, Email:  info@switlik.com

]]> http://www.switlik.com/blog/2010/07/01/switlik-announces-new-senior-management-appointment/feed/ 0 SWITLIK Announces New Senior Management Structure http://www.switlik.com/blog/2010/04/07/switlik-announces-new-senior-management-structure/ http://www.switlik.com/blog/2010/04/07/switlik-announces-new-senior-management-structure/#comments Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:31:05 +0000 Switlik http://www.switlik.com/blog/?p=215 April 7, 2010 (Trenton, NJ)  Switlik Parachute Co., Inc., a leading manufacturer of aviation, marine and military personnel safety and survival equipment since 1920, announces strategic changes in its senior management group.

After 43 years of service, Richard Switlik, Jr., grandson of the company’s founder, has retired from his day-to-day role in the company as Vice President and Director of Marketing. With Mr. Switlik’s contributions, the company has grown and transitioned from being solely a military products supplier to becoming a worldwide competitor in the aviation and marine fields. In recognition of this contribution, the Board of Directors has elected Richard Switlik, Jr. to the position of Honorary Chairman of The Board, a position last held by the company’s founder Stanley Switlik, Sr.. Mr. Switlik will continue to serve the corporation’s Board of Directors as an advisor on key development projects.

The Board of Directors further has elected Stanley Switlik, II as President. Mr. Switlik, with over 39 years of experience at Switlik Parachute Company in Engineering as Director of R&D, and more recently as Vice President and Director of Manufacturing, will be the chief executive, operational and administrative officer of the corporation. Michael C. Dilts was elected corporate Treasurer and will continue as the Company’s Executive Vice President and CFO. William C. Weber, Switlik’s long time production manager, has been promoted to Vice President and Director of Manufacturing.

 A Deeper Look Into The Company

Established in 1920, Switlik Parachute Co. has been owned and operated by the Switlik family for four generations as a manufacturer of high quality sewn and heat sealed inflatable safety and survival products for the aviation, marine, and military markets worldwide.

While the traditional product mix during our 90 year history  has comprised the complete  inventory of military parachute and ejection seat harnesses, the more current product mix ranges from aviation style life preservers to large multi-place marine and aviation life rafts. Operations include producing a variety of sewn and heat sealed military personnel safety equipment items under government contract to the USN, USAF, US Army and USCG. The most up to date production mix includes anti-G suits, waterproof and breathable anti-exposure coveralls for aircrew, as well as numerous advanced designs of military and civilian inflatable life rafts and life preservers.

Switlik products are consistently top notch in design performance and first in quality of manufacture. We are proud of our existing reputation, and so we put our family name on our products and have for 90 years.

Today, the diversification of our products and markets, and our continued willingness to change with the times, are what help to insure Switlik Parachute Company’s future.

Switlik Survival Products. We look forward with confidence.

]]> http://www.switlik.com/blog/2010/04/07/switlik-announces-new-senior-management-structure/feed/ 0