Emergency Floatation System (EFS)
Innovative, retrofit safety for sailing vessels
- Diameter50 cm
- Length3.0 m
- Buoyancy≈ 1,180 kg(2 × ~590 kg)
- DeploymentSeconds
Overview
The Emergency Floatation System (EFS) increases a sailing vessel’s reserve buoyancy in emergencies (collision, flooding, structural failure). By rapidly adding external flotation, it helps prevent total sinking and buys time for damage control or safe evacuation.
How it works
Discreet, inflatable tubes (approx. Ø50 cm × 3 m) are stowed compactly in a PU-coated fabric sleeve along the lifelines. Activation can be manual or automatic (water/impact sensor). On trigger, compressed air or CO₂ inflates the tubes in seconds, providing roughly ~590 kg buoyancy per side (~1,180 kg total).
Buoyancy math (quick check)
Per tube (cylinder): V = π·r²·L = π·(0.25 m)²·3.0 m ≈ 0.589 m³ ≈ 589 L → ~589 kg of displaced water. Two tubes ≈ 1,178 kg (rounded here to 1,180 kg).
Advantages
- Retrofit without hull modifications
- Compact, discreet installation
- Rapid deployment under stress
- Suitable for offshore passages and racing
- Compatible with most sailboats
Project status
Concept phase in progress. Prototyping is planned using Divexpro’s RIB manufacturing materials and techniques. Further details will be released after testing and validation.
