Wescom Group celebrates 150 years since first marine flare patent
04/04/2023
Wescom Group is marking 150 years since the first marine flare patent was issued.
The patent for rockets, lights and projectiles for signalling was granted on 18 February 1873 to James Pain, whose name lives on in the Pains Wessex marine safety brand, owned by Wescom Group.
VP Marine Sales, David Duffin, says, “The patent made way for improvements in marine distress signals that are still in use today. For instance, self-ignited signal rockets that could be fired from tubes on board vessels.
“Wescom today carries on that spirit of development and innovation and the technological superiority and innovative design as seen in our market-leading Pains Wessex, Comet Marine, Oroquietta and Aurora products that are sold to commercial and leisure markets around the world.”
Product & Customer Service Manager, Keith Bradford, says, “Nothing replaces the immediacy of a flare when it comes to signalling in an emergency, and nothing is as easily visible for locating those in trouble at sea.
“Pyrotechnic flares produce heat and smoke; two important elements in assisting search and rescue operations, providing a visual indication of wind strength and direction at sea level to pilots and an unmissable signature to thermal imaging equipment commonly used by emergency response teams.”
In 1912, following the sinking of the Titanic, Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) regulations made it a requirement for pyrotechnics and other life-saving devices to be carried onboard all commercial ships.
Wescom Group products are trusted by the world’s navies, lifeboat and rescue services, merchant fleets and airlines, as well as by fishing vessels and leisure craft.
