Wescom showcases ‘next-generation’ PLB
Emergency distress signal manufacturer Wescom Group is showcasing its new sMRT Shield 406MHz ‘next-generation’ PLB at METSTRADE this week (15-17 November 2022).
The firm is also launching a new man overboard light and smoke signal at the three-day trade exhibition, currently taking place in Amsterdam.
Following its recent acquisition of UK-based personal locator beacon manufacturer Marine Rescue Technologies (MRT), and a recent move into marine electronics, Wescom says it is committing to broadening its portfolio of quality survival products.
Wescom Group has chosen METS for an exclusive preview of the as-yet-unreleased sMRT Shield, a next-gen Galileo-powered PLB incorporating the “world’s most advanced distress alert and locating technologies”.
Combining the global distress alert of 406 MHz with the localised tracking and recovery power of AIS and with the addition of Return Link Service (RLS), sMRT Shield is said to deliver complete reassurance to the end user. The device employs the speed and accuracy of Galileo GNSS to accelerate location detection, together with essential tracking in the water. The full life-saving features of the product are being shared at the show this week prior to a full launch anticipated in 2023.
The Wescom team is located on Stand 03.222 at METS, also attended by Ryan Petit, the former CEO of MRT.
“I’m delighted to attend METSTRADE, the exhibition is synonymous with marine innovation and is exactly the right show to preview our innovative next-generation PLB, the sMRT Shield,” says Petit.
Wescom Group will also celebrate the launch of their new, upgraded Comet & Pains Wessex MOB. This mandated light and smoke device is activated by the release of a ship’s life buoys and now provides increased electric light duration of 15 hours (up from two hours), meeting the recently introduced USCH standards. Pains Wessex and Comet pyrotechnic distress signalling solutions range are also on display.
“This acquisition of MRT accomplishes a significant step forward in the strategy to expand our survival solutions within the marine sector,” says Ross Wilkinson, Wescom Group CEO.
“By previewing the new Galileo-powered sMRT Shield RLS PLB, with combined 406Mhz and AIS, on Wescom Group’s stand at METS, we are highlighting our global leading pyrotechnic solutions and the innovative distress signalling electronics that will soon be part of our channel network’s portfolio and help take huge strides in accelerating the search and rescue process.”
