The Beginning of the Synthetic Era: Rubber and Plastic
According to sea-news.az citing Seanews.az, the development of the chemical industry in the mid-20th century revolutionized life-saving equipment. Dependence on natural materials began to decline, and this transformation also influenced the production of lifebuoys and life jackets.
During World War II, a new type of inflatable life jacket known as the “Mae West” became widely used among pilots and seafarers. Unlike earlier models, it was not filled with solid material but inflated with air. Interestingly, sailors gave it this name after the famous actress Mae West, due to the jacket’s distinctive shape.
The 1941-pattern “Mae West” life-saving vest was inflated using a carbon dioxide cylinder and became a standard safety device during the Second World War.
By the 1960s, the invention of synthetic foam materials made life jackets lighter, thinner, and more durable. A key advantage of this material was that it did not absorb water and retained its buoyancy even if damaged.
Modern Technologies: “Smart” Life Jackets
Modern life jackets are no longer simple flotation devices—they have become high-tech safety systems.
Automatic activation: Many modern jackets are equipped with hydrostatic mechanisms that trigger a CO₂ cylinder when submerged, inflating the vest within seconds upon contact with water.
GPS and beacons: Some offshore life jackets include AIS (Automatic Identification System) transmitters, allowing rescue teams to locate a person in distress with high precision.
Self-righting mechanism: Modern designs ensure that even an unconscious person in water is automatically turned face-up, preventing airway obstruction.
Lifebuoys
The history of lifebuoys is equally fascinating. Early rescue tools were attached with ropes and required significant skill to use effectively. Over time, it became clear that the most effective design was the ring shape.
Initially made from cork, lifebuoys were easy to throw and retrieve, lightweight, and naturally buoyant. By the mid-19th century, they became widely used in maritime operations. In English-speaking countries, they were known as “Kisby rings,” named after British naval officer Thomas Kisbee (1792–1877), who contributed to their development.
Patent offices of the time were filled with various designs of lifebuoys, but the ring-shaped model proved the most effective and became standard equipment on ships and at ports.
In some countries, damaging lifebuoys placed along coastlines is considered a serious offense and may result in heavy fines or imprisonment.
As seen, the evolution of both lifebuoys and life jackets reflects not only advancements in materials and technology, but also the growing value placed on human life at sea. From cork blocks to smart rescue systems, this long journey has saved thousands of lives over the centuries.
Sevda Abdullayeva
Senior Specialist, Public Relations Department
ASCO
