LR Type Approval for Zelim Swift Man Overboard Recovery

Zelim’s SWIFT man overboard recovery device has received full type approval from Lloyd’s Register, a classification society. This approval paves the way for widespread use of the sea survival safety system in the maritime industry. The Certificate of Type Approval was presented to Zelim after successful completion of extensive in-water performance tests at Fleetwood Testing Laboratory and Heavy Weather Sea Trials (Sea State 4). The SWIFT Rapid Man Overboard Recovery system, which can rescue conscious and unconscious individuals from the sea in less than one minute, was demonstrated in May 2023 at a windfarm offshore Ramsgate in the Southern Bight of the North Sea.

During the three-day trials, the Zelim SWIFT recovered a test dummy two nautical miles offshore in high sea states, more than twenty times faster than conventional man overboard equipment. Zelim CEO, founder, and innovator Sam Mayall stated, “Type approval certification assures the global maritime and offshore industries that SWIFT is compliant with SOLAS and can be adopted as a primary means of man overboard recovery for ships and offshore installations.” Developed by operational SAR personnel, SWIFT is a treadmill-like conveyor belt system of various sizes hinged to a rescue craft’s stern or side. Once the rescue vessel nears the casualty, SWIFT is lowered into the water and the conveyor belt activated, pulling casualties free of the water quickly and easily.

It is estimated that only 17% to 25% of passengers who fall from cruise ships survive, highlighting the importance of effective man overboard recovery systems. Of the 308 man overboard incidents reported to the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Board between 2015 and 2023, 40% resulted in fatalities. The SWIFT system offers a solution to improve survival rates in such situations. The successful completion of in-water tests and type approval from Lloyd’s Register demonstrate the system’s effectiveness and compliance with safety regulations, making it a valuable asset for the maritime and offshore industries.

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