AUSSIES UNITED – rescue product among finalists for prestigious design awards.

The Little Ripper in action at Bondi Beach

The Little Ripper in action at Bondi Beach

The Little Ripper Life Saver Rescue Pod was developed by Australian rescue specialists and has been short-listed for this year`s 26th Design Award METS (DAME) which is held in conjunction with the METSTRADE show in November. METSTRADE show is the  largest marine trade show in the world.

The shortlist of 67 new marine products has been selected from 117 entries from 26 countries. The Little Ripper Life Saver has been short-listed in the lifesaving and safety equipment category.

This is the fifth safety product in 6 years that has been accepted from SOS Marine to be accepted for the final judging.

The Little Ripper system of rescue is a world`s first and could change the face of search and rescue (SAR) worldwide and therefore a worthy candidate for the 2016 Dame Design award.

It is a complete package from supply of tried and tested drones, approved pilot and observer training plus the supply of reusable rescue packages which include auto inflation platforms and a Shark Shield.

The Little Ripper provides a safer environment for surfers, distressed swimmers and sailors that are lost at sea by providing observation and delivery of rescue packages called Rescue Pods (ULBs) via drones.

The Rescue Pods called (ULB`s) designed by SOS Marine-ULB stood for `you little beauty’ something would say when they see the rescue pods.  They are ready-to-go for rapid deployment.

These Rescue Pods upon immersion provide enough flotation to support 3-4 persons.  It has an automatic SOLAS light for night rescue, SOLAS grade high visibility retro-reflective tape, large sea anchor and can include a Shark Shield. The lightweight Rescue Pods are reusable.

Providing that extra little bit of help until someone comes along to rescue you including a GPS position provided by the drone.

The design mission of the Little Ripper was to create a globally-leading search & rescue (SAR) service utilising unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to speed up the process of saving human lives.

The Little Ripper Life Saver Rescue Pod will be on display at the DAME Design Award Presentation in the Innovation LAB in Hall 6 at METSTRADE from 15-17th November, as well as at Australian Pavilion on SOS Marine`s stand 12.719.

SOS Marine develops safety and rescue equipment for 13 National Defence Forces worldwide.

For further information contact Helen Mansour  SOS Marine +61 2 97000233 or email helen@sosmarine.com.au