Watch: The Crucial Role Of Certified Safety Equipment In Sea Rescues
On the night of 29th June 2024, a routine tuna fishing trip turned into a fight for survival for a local fisherman, his brother and crew. At 2:30 am, their fishing vessel was hit by disaster, triggering the water alarm. Within moments, the brothers faced a torrent of water flooding their boat. Yet, thanks to Camilleri Marine and the quality safety equipment they supplied, a near-tragedy was averted.
The events of that night highlight the importance of having reliable safety equipment on board. As the water alarm blared, the brothers swiftly moved into action, deploying their life raft within seven minutes. Equipped with an EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon), they sent out a distress signal, pinpointing their exact location to Armed Forces Malta. Within minutes, the rescue team knew precisely where to find them, saving precious time in what could have been a fatal situation.
“The EPIRB is one of the most important things one can have on a boat, fishing boat, or ship,” explained Joseph Cioffi, Safety Equipment Consultant from Camilleri Marine.. The ability of the EPIRB to communicate the vessel’s exact location was critical in the rescue operation, allowing the brothers to be reached quickly and safely.
When it comes to safety at sea, buying equipment from trusted, licensed providers is not just a recommendation—it’s a lifeline. The interviewee emphasised the importance of Camilleri Marine’s role in the events of that night.
“Everyone recommended Camilleri Marine when I bought the fishing boat,” he shared. “Last June, when I needed their service, everything worked well and opened up instantly.”
Camilleri Marine’s commitment to servicing and certifying the safety equipment they sell played a pivotal role in the outcome. The life raft, provided by the company, held up to 16 people and came equipped with flares, rockets, smoke signals, and a first aid kit—everything needed to ensure a safe evacuation.
Why Certification Matters
The safety equipment consultant stressed the critical need for purchasing safety gear from licensed companies. Certified equipment comes with the assurance that it meets Transport Malta standards, which is essential for both safety and insurance coverage.
“It’s crucial that the company you purchase this safety equipment from is licensed and that the equipment is serviced by companies that can provide a legitimate certificate from Transport Malta and the company supplying the equipment,” he explained. “Otherwise, if something happens and these documents are not available, the insurance won’t cover you.”
Regular servicing is just as important. The interviewee highlighted his routine of taking the life raft to Camilleri Marine for regular checks, which ensured everything was in perfect working order.
“They’ve always given me a certificate and a list of items that were changed,” he said. “Everything was the way it should be.”
Safety Equipment: An Investment Worth Making
The story is a reminder of just how unpredictable the sea can be and why quality safety equipment is non-negotiable. “It’s very important to invest in safety equipment because accidents at sea happen more often than you think,” the interviewee concluded. “If it weren’t for these items, you’d think that they’re useless—but they’re everything.”
Choosing the right safety equipment and a reliable provider like Camilleri Marine can make all the difference when the unexpected happens. The story of the rescue is a testament to the importance of certified, high-quality equipment—and the lifesaving role it plays on the open sea.
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