VIKING launches their RescYou™ Coastal liferaft with safety and comfort features exceeding the new ISO-2 standard

"We consider standards to be minimum requirements for safety. The features that we have chosen to include on our new Coastal liferafts are those we consider to be the absolute minimum for basic safety and comfort in a liferaft, not just the minimum required by law," says Dorte Hansen, General Manager for VIKING Life-Saving Equipment in France.



Several features make the liferaft safer and more comfortable than ISO 2 requires
Unlike most other yachting liferafts in their category, the RescYou™ Coastal has a self-erecting canopy that automatically inflates with the liferaft. There is no need to waste precious time and energy pumping when you get on board, shelter is immediately ready from the cold and the weather, making occupants more comfortable and reducing the risk of hypothermia. As Dorte Hansen explains:

"There are plenty of other things to worry about in an emergency situation. Your liferaft should be completely ready for you to board straight away, leaving you to concentrate on getting rescued."

Getting out of the water quickly and easily is essential for avoiding hypothermia. VIKING’s unique wide entry step automatically folds out and remains stable in the water so that evacuees can easily enter the liferaft.

Waiting for rescue in a dark liferaft can be an unpleasant prospect. Although not required by the ISO9650-2 standard, VIKING chose to include an internal light – invaluable when reading the survival and signalling instructions included in an emergency pack, or just to improve orientation and make the stay in the liferaft more comfortable.

Once safely in shelter, comfort becomes an important factor
Hours can seem like a long time when waiting for rescue. The simple, yet well designed RescYou™ Coastal liferaft has incorporated several features that make this liferaft one of the more comfortable in its class. The A-symmetric roof gives increased headroom for taller occupants on one side of the liferaft and two liferaft openings allow for greater visibility and ventilation. Storage pockets in the liferaft prevent loose items rolling around and becoming obstacles inside – especially in rough water.

Smart, lightweight and compact
The liferaft is stored in either a handy water resistant valise or a low profile, compact fibre glass container that is high gloss and sturdy. Both are small and lightweight enough to be carried on and off board where there is a risk of theft.

More information about the RescYou™ Coastal liferaft