Approved for use by NATO and rescue and emergency services around the world, the device can be used to reach those in trouble in water or across ice or mud.

It is standard issue in the Royal Navy, which allocated NATO stock numbers (NSNS) to all three models after successful trials, and is bought for use on ships and boats of all kinds, including P&O Ferries, Halmatic and Delta RIBs and liferafts.

Premier Marinas has also bought 300 BELLS to fit in their emergency kits.

The BELL is instantly ready for use, they say. A rescuer simply pulls off and holds the blue sealing cap attached in a loop to one end of the throwline and hurls the whole capsule over and past the victim. The line pays out through the stock as it travels through the air and both line and capsule float on the water for the victim to grab.

There are three models, the BELL PRO sealed unit, weighing just 6ozs (170gms), the repackable BELL RP and the BELL Q for use in liferafts.

A FLICKSTIK is included with twin packs - slipped into the stock of the capsule, it allows the device to be hurled very accurately and to a greater distance than with an overarm throw.

The manufacture of the BELLS is audited annually by Bureau Veritas so that the devices can retain their MCA Type Approval Certificates.

Balcan Engineering T: 01507 528 500. F: 01507 528528 E: balcan@balcan.co.uk W: balcan.co.uk