The highest quality is ingrained in everything we do and make at SWITLIK. Why? Because it has to be. Our gear is used by some of the largest helicopter emergency medical services, aerial law enforcement, militaries, search and rescue and oil and gas operators, in addition to recreational boaters and pilots. When you need your safety product to work, it needs to work. With others’ lives in our hands, we follow the highest marker of quality, AS 9100D.

Depending on your aircraft and its operation, you may be required to have a life vest(s) with rated capacity and buoyancy for all of your passengers.  The FAA requires all extended overwater flights carry  life preservers and other approved safety flotation devices for passengers and crew for Parts 121, 125 and 135. Extended overwater flight is defined as one over water at a distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline. A life preserver, with an approved survivor locator light, is required for each occupant of the plane.

Depending on your aircraft and its operation, you may be required to have a life raft(s) with rated capacity and buoyancy for all of your passengers.  The FAA now requires a life raft on-board for flights over 50 miles overwater operations for Parts 121, 125 and 135 aircraft and for Part 91.501 over 100 miles overwater. And when traveling internationally, different regulations like the ICAO or Canadian regulations may additionally require one. Even if not mandated, large bodies of water, like lakes are an unforgiving environment, with hypothermia being a constant threat. For all aircraft, including Part 91 General, a life raft is the best protection from the elements when going further than gliding distance from land.

In recent years, drone advancements have allowed Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to be used in increased capacities in emergency response. Drones can offer some distinct advantages in emergency response missions, and may keep people out of risk, and can be flown in environments where other options may not be available, including bad weather. Using drones or UAS, when equipped with a droppable, inflatable flotation device, like the Techfloat, can provide a critical support to search and rescue operations.

Storage

During the season, your man overboard recovery equipment was probably stored right on your deck, mounted to your railing. Perfect for easy access, but when your boat is not in use, it is recommended that the MOM be removed from the rail and stored below if the boat will be moored for extended periods.