Nov 19, 2024

Marine Industry News from the UK carried the story that TeamO Marine, a UK-based designer and manufacturer of safety products, has unveiled an advancement in maritime safety equipment with its new Hi-Lift lifejacket, which will be previewed at METSTRADE. 

The firm says its new design, set to hit the market in spring 2025, represents a rethinking of lifejacket technology. Its most notable achievement is said to be a 60 per cent increase in mouth freeboard compared to existing market leaders — a safety metric measuring the distance between the water’s surface and the user’s mouth. 

In an engineering development, the Hi-Lift’s 150N model surpasses the ISO standard performance of 275N lifejackets. This performance is achieved through ‘buoyancy distribution’, effectively repositioning flotation elements traditionally ‘wasted’ above the waterline. 

The Hi-Lift incorporates TeamO’s BackTow Technology, a patented safety feature that has been used since 2017. Unlike conventional harnesses that can drag users face-down alongside a moving vessel, BackTow’s release mechanism rotates the user into a safer, face-up seated position, improving survival chances in man-overboard situations. 

Oscar Mead, designer and product manager for TeamO, says: “Our mission at TeamO is to lead the industry with cutting-edge technology to enhance customer safety. The Hi-Lift is a total rethink of the Lifejacket bladder design. We really had to forget everything we thought we knew and start from scratch, but the results speak for themselves.” 

The development additionally features a twisted bladder design that enhances neck and head support while reducing bulk around the shoulders, improving mobility during rescue operations. The firm says lightweight and ergonomic materials used also ensure comfort during extended wear. 

TeamO has attracted high-profile users, including Tracy Edwards, MBE’s Maiden Sailing Team, 2024 Vendee Globe competitor Sam Goodchild, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Last year, the firm appointed Bainbridge International as a global distributor.

The Hi-Lift lifejacket will be available through TeamO‘s website and selected retailers starting in spring 2025. The lifejacket can also be previewed during METSTRADE and in the DAME awards hall, where the product will be displayed.