Pains Wessex

Pains Wessex, established for over 100 years, is supported by world-class distributors in all major ports. Its pyrotechnic products are approved globally and are manufactured in compliance with the latest Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) and Marine Equipment Directive (MED) requirements. The products listed below are trusted for their reliability and consistent superiority by rescue services, navies, merchant ships and fishing fleets throughout the world.

Linethrower 250 – self-contained line throwing device

Linethrower 250 is a self-contained line-throwing appliance that is fully compliant to the latest international SOLAS / MED and USCG legislation and meets worldwide approval standards. A solid propellant rocket is used which guarantees a highly accurate flight path – even in strong sidewinds.

It has a throwing range of >230m and is suitable for all line throwing operations at sea between vessels, ship-to-shore, shore-to-ship and shore-based rescue services.

Manoverboard MK9 – self-activating smoke signal

The Pains Wessex Manoverboard MK9 (MOB MK9) is a self-activating smoke signal, with unique all-round lighting system designed for attachment to emergency life buoys. When released it indicates its position by emitting a dense orange smoke and two lithium battery powered lights. Safe to use on petrol or oil-covered water, the unit can be automatically or manually deployed from the stainless steel mounting bracket, and is ideal for use on ships or rigs.

Lifesmoke MK9 distress signalling smoke is used to indicate position and wind direction during daytime emergency situations, making it invaluable for helicopter based search and rescue operations.

Linethrower 250 is a self-contained line-throwing appliance suitable for all line throwing operations.

The Red Handflare MK8 is a highly visible, easy to operate distress signal flare designed for use in day or night time emergencies afflicting large commercial or naval vessels.

Manoverboard MK9 is a self-activating smoke signal, with unique all-round lighting system.

The Parachute Red Rocket MK8A burns suspended by a parachute for 40 seconds at a minimum height of 300m, accurately pinpointing vessels in distress.

Some large tankers and oil rigs need to mount this marker at heights in excess of the SOLAS 30m requirement. To satisfy this need the MOB 360 has been tested up to 50m, well in excess of the SOLAS requirements, and conforms to all worldwide approval standards.

Red Handflare MK8 – compact flare

The Red Handflare MK8 is a compact flare, ideal for storage on a boat or within a life raft. It features an ergonomically designed grip handle with unique telescopic design. The flare burns for a minimum of 60s, producing a bright red 15,000 candela light.

The Red Handflare MK8 is intended for short range day or night-time signalling, and is designed for use in emergencies situations arising onboard commercial and leisure vessels. The White Handflare MK8 is used for collision warning, signalling and illumination.

Parachute Red Rocket MK8A – long-range flare

The Parachute Red Rocket MK8A is designed to attract attention at long range, firing a 30,000 candela red signal to a minimum altitude of 300m. Suspended beneath a parachute the signal burns for 40s. The Parachute Red Rocket MK8A is designed for day or night time use, and is intended for use in an emergency afflicting either commercial or leisure vessels.

Lifesmoke MK9 – daylight smoke signals

Also available in the range is the Lifesmoke MK9 for use in daylight. This signal emits a dense orange smoke for a minimum of 3min, which is used to indicate position and wind direction (a great aid for helicopter pilots) during a search and rescue operation. The Lifesmoke MK9 features a flat peel off top cap which allows for ease of stowage and packing.