Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a marker-buoy deployment system having a launching module that becomes armed by inserting a marker buoy, then laterally launches a loaded marker buoy in response to a user command. In an illustrative embodiment, launching module may be spring operated. In some embodiments, the release device may be foot operated. In an exemplary embodiment, a safety device may prevent an accidental launch, for example, from a trailered boat. In some embodiments, a visual indicator may indicate whether the safety is on, or the buoy has been loaded or launched. In some embodiments, a deployed-buoy location system may record the location coordinates of one or more deployed marker buoys. In an exemplary embodiment, marker buoys may be loaded automatically from a magazine each time a marker buoy is deployed. In some embodiments, marker-buoys may advantageously be deployed by a boater whose hands are otherwise occupied.

Abstract: An air deployable drifter buoy assembly is provided. The air deployable drifter buoy assembly includes an air deployment tube in compliance with NATO A-Size packaging specifications and a foldable drifter buoy. In a first mode of operation the foldable drifter buoy is accommodated in the air deployment tube in a folded manner and in a second mode of operation the foldable drifter buoy is deployed in an unfolded manner with the foldable drifter buoy being in compliance with Davis CODE Drifter specifications.

Abstract: A shelter for a life ring buoy which includes a support for the life ring and a cover wherein the cover has weight secured thereto. The weight, in combination with easy release fasteners on the support secures the cover to the support. The fasteners include open slot fasteners which receive the body of the cable and two closed fasteners which receive the ends of the cable. When the life ring is needed, the cover is easily lifted from the support exposing the life ring.

Abstract: A device for storing and carrying an inflatable pontoon boat on a yacht features upwardly opening hooks that engage a pontoon so that the boat may rest against the stern of a yacht. The hooks are supported on a post swivably attached to a stern pulpit. The boat may be hoisted upwardly using a line attached to one pontoon and then into the hooks in which position the boat is fastened in place with line.

Abstract: A lifesaving apparatus for use on ships and other types of water sustained vessels which is characterized by the fact that it can be actuated by a person who has fallen overboard without the intervention of on-deck personnel. The lifesaving apparatus is mounted on a support secured to the vessel and includes among other components a life buoy; a man-overboard pole and flag; and a trailing line, which is constantly streamed astern of the vessel so that the life buoy and associated components are released from the support on the vessel when the trailing line is grasped by a man overboard.

Abstract: Rescue apparatus comprising a life belt, a housing support for said life belt, adapted to be mounted in a substantially erect manner, releasable retaining apparatus for retaining said life belt in juxtaposition to said housing support, and remote release apparatus whereby operation of the remote release apparatus releases the retaining apparatus to cause or allow the life belt to become detached from the housing support.

Abstract: A ring buoy or a life raft that unfurls in water upon being launched. There may be first, second and third ring buoy portions, each having an annular shape of substantially the same inner and outer circumference. The first portion may have a shell containing lightweight material enabling flotation and an extended tube of smoke-generating material, all disposed so that this first portion is weighted to float generally vertically with a smoke-issuing orifice at the top and out of water. The second portion may also have a shell containing lightweight material enabling flotation and may have a flashing light signal, a radar beacon signal, and batteries, all so located that the second portion is weighted to float vertically with the batteries at the bottom and the signals at the top. The third portion may be a normally flat but inflatable tube having an inlet connected to suitable inflating means.

Abstract: A support is disclosed for retaining a life ring and its associated line in a ready position for emergency use and includes a frame having vertically slidable portions adapted to be held in a spaced apart open position by the insertion of the life ring between outwardly extending members thereof and adapted to move towards each other when the life ring is removed therefrom so as to reduce the overall height of the frame member and thus enable a retaining line coiled thereabouts in a relatively taut storage attitude to be loosely suspended from the top portion thereof in a relatively closed or emergency use position.

Abstract: A rescue device particularly adapted for use with small boats. The device includes a plurality of bodies each formed with an aperture large enough to facilitate either manual grasping of the body or for receiving a foot of an individual to be rescued, the several bodies being interconnected in a given sequence by connecting units which form with the bodies a chain-like structure by means of which an individual can with his hands and feet climb upwardly along the structure back to a vessel.

Abstract: A quick-release device for storing a ring buoy and lifebuoy markers. The ring buoy rests against the end wall of a frame and is normally held there by a swingable pivoted ramp with its center of gravity well beyond the pivot. When stowed, the ramp snugly holds the ring buoy. The ramp also carries open-top, closed-bottom holders for lifebuoy markers. The markers may include a light signal and a smoke signal, both having actuators connected to a painter line, which is likewise stowed. A simple upward pull on a latch releases the ramp to seek its natural center of gravity, swinging out around its pivot providing a ramp pathway projecting the ring buoy out and away from a vertical drop and causing it to describe a trajectory that frees it from the ship. At the same time, the device both ejects and actuates the lifebuoy markers.