Equipment Weekly / On-board safety: 3 items of equipment that could make all the difference in the event of a problem

Putting out a fire and alerting the emergency services - these are the things you need to think about as soon as you set sail. Here are 3 pieces of equipment designed to meet these needs. Good ideas for boat safety.

Standard Horizon HX320E, a waterproof and buoyant portable VHF

When you're at sea, VHF is the key to safety. The Standard Horizon HX320E VHF is a waterproof, buoyant model meeting IPX7 standards, i.e. 1 m of water for 30 minutes. In addition, a strobe light is activated on contact with water. The HX320 delivers 6 watts of power, also adjustable to 2.5 W or 1 W. With its integrated 2100 mA h battery, it offers up to 17 hours of autonomy. Recharging is via a simple USB plug. To top it all off, this model also includes an FM receiver for listening to the radio! Dimensions: 60 x 133 x 42 mm. Weight 290 g. Available from distributor Navicom at ?229.

Stixx Pro self-contained extinguishers

Navyclic distributes Stixx Pro self-contained fire extinguishers. This Swedish product can be installed in all engine compartments, outboard and inboard, and in electrical panels, simply stuck on with double-sided adhesive. It lasts for 5 years, maintenance-free. This extinguisher automatically activates when exposed to temperatures in excess of 180°. Composed of a potassium mixture, the agent stops combustion instantly. Unlike powder extinguishers, the agent produces no damage and leaves no residue. Maus Stixx Pro are designed for closed compartments, not open spaces. From ?99, to protect a volume of 0.1 m3.

Element Fire, advanced fire protection

It looks like a distress rocket. But its function is to replace an on-board fire extinguisher. Weighing just 200 g, this fire inhibitor lasts for one minute, 60 seconds once triggered. By comparison, an approved 2 kg fire extinguisher lasts less than 10 seconds... What's more, the Element Fire can be used on all types of fire, and its gas, a potassium derivative, is non-toxic and leaves no residue. Once triggered, it is simply directed at the flames, which stop immediately. This product does not replace a fire extinguisher, as it is not approved as such, but it amply completes the fire-fighting equipment on a boat. It is valid for 10 years without maintenance. The Element Fire is available in 200 g at ?89 and 300 g at ?119.

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