Wescom Group receives Red Ensign approval for its marine pyrotechnics, meeting new 2023 MCA standard

DERBY, U.K. - Feb. 22, 2023 - PRLog -- Wescom Group today announced that its commercial marine pyrotechnics have received MCA approvals to carry the Red Ensign logo.  A Red Ensign UK Conformity Mark is now required for new marine safety equipment on board British-flagged vessels under updated MCA Requirements (performance and testing standards.)

The regulations under Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) MSN 1874 amendment 6 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1087513/MSN_1874_Amendment_6.pdf) apply to marine equipment on commercial SOLAS vessels, including lifesaving appliances, manufactured from 2023 onwards.

The aim is to ensure the conformity of marine equipment, with a focus on improving safety at sea. The updated regulations apply to UK merchant ships, fishing vessels, small commercial vessels and large leisure craft.

Sean McCrystal, Marketing Director of world-leading marine pyrotechnic manufacturer Wescom Group, says, "Wescom have always been committed to the highest regularity and performance standards and are delighted to offer compliant pyrotechnics. UK fleet managers should review labelling on any new pyrotechnics brought onboard, to ensure their distress signals for the bridge, lifeboats and life rafts meet the new MCA regulations. Pains Wessex and Comet SOLAS distress signals, which carry the Red Ensign logo, are fully approved and available now."

MED-approved equipment on board a UK-flagged vessel before 1 January 2023, can remain until the end of its operational life and products manufactured in 2022 can still be supplied without the Red Ensign.

Manufacturers must seek approval from MCA accredited (approved bodies) before their products can carry the Red Ensign mark. Certification lasts for up to five years.

About Wescom Group

Wescom Group has a global reputation for the manufacture of innovative survival solutions in the marine and defence sectors. It has specialist manufacturing facilities in the UK, Germany, Spain and Australia for SOLAS, MED, MER and USCG-approved pyrotechnic marine distress signals.

Its Pains Wessex, Comet, Oroquieta and Aurora brands which have a heritage dating back 400 years, provide pyrotechnic distress signals trusted by the world's navies, lifeboat and rescue services and merchant fleets, while the MRT brand is a global leader in personal location beacons in the off shore energy sector.

For further information about Wescom Group, please visit www.wescom-group.com.