A key feature is that the three cartridges are easily accessible and joined together by an elastic lanyard so the cartridges cannot be dropped or lost.

The Compact Distress Signal is small enough to carry, strap or tie to an accessible place, and comes with a handy lanyard hole. To operate, users simply slide the cartridge onto the penjector. The pull back and release firing mechanism makes it simple to operate with one hand.

The larger Personal Distress Signal contains nine red aerial flares in a tough handypack. This oblong container holds the penjector inside the lid and is also designed to enable the cartridges to be slotted easily on the firing mechanism, and fired using one hand. The red flares contained in both the Compact Distress Signal and Personal Distress Signal rise to 46m (150 foot) and burn for approximately 5.5 seconds at 10,000 candela.

The flares are visible for around five miles in daylight, and up to 10 miles at night, depending on weather conditions.

The Pains Wessex Personal Distress Signal (retail price £49.35) and Compact Distress Signal (retail price £34.07) are being launched for use in the aviation sector and retailers looking to carry stock should contact product manager Keith Bradford at:

Chemring Marine Ltd
T: 01489 884130. E: keithbradford@chemringmarine.com