Search & Rescue
Wescom Group: Providing Integrated Survival Solutions for Defence and Maritime
Wescom Group, a global leader with over 150 years of expertise, has established itself as a global force in survival solutions. Operating across Germany, Spain, Australia, and the UK, including key locations in Derby, Hull, Nottingham and Basildon, with a dedicated workforce exceeding 350 employees worldwide, the company is renowned for its commitment to safety, quality, and reliability.
Defence Sector Excellence
Pyrotechnics and Detection Technologies
In the defence sector, Wescom Group serves as a trusted manufacturer and supplier to the UK MoD, German BMVg, and NATO allies and organisations worldwide. The company’s capabilities include pyrotechnics for signalling, illumination, screening, minefield breaching and battlefield training and simulation within its Defence division. Wescom Group further contributes high-quality chemical detection technologies, staying ahead of evolving challenges in the defence sector.
Maritime Sector Dominance
Distress Signalling and Emergency Systems
Wescom Group is the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of SOLAS, MED, and USCG approved pyrotechnic marine distress signals. Additionally, Wescom Group integrates emergency beacons, eflare systems, emergency food and water rations, and Marine First Aid Kits. This holistic approach to marine survival solutions establishes Wescom Group as a single, reliable source for mandated marine products.
Wescom Group provides a comprehensive suite of survival solutions backed by a legacy of expertise and a commitment to excellence, offering unparalleled reliability and peace of mind in the face of maritime and defence challenges. 11 BRANDS
450 EMPLOYEES
6 MANUFACTURING SITES 500 PRODUCTS
COUNTRIES
Safeguarding Maritime Effectiveness
Submarine Smoke Signals & Flares
Search & Rescue
Submarine Escape Beacons
Distress Signals
Sound Signals
Diver Recall Signals
Search & Rescue
Triton MkIII Series
Submarine Smoke Signals & Flares
The Triton submarine launched markers have been qualified to the latest military standards and is an advanced marker in terms of safety and performance.
Our submarine launched markers have been in production since 2010 and benefit from the latest in design, engineering and manufacturing technology. The MK III variant passes the safety requirements within the Swedish fusing safety boards (STANAG 4187), providing enhanced safety for the submarine crew personnel. Additionally, the marker passed the deep launch depth system test > 250 meters (Performed 2014).
Triton MkIII are easy to set and make ready for use. A hydrostatic device alleviates the stress an operator may experience when having to calculate under difficult conditions, as every smoke signal/flare is designed to initiate at the sea surface regardless of launch dept.
Triton MkIII is built to be deployed from the ejection tube of a submarine to indicate the vessel’s position. There are different versions of Triton MkIII designed for operational use as well as for emergency situations.
All markers have the same external configuration and ignition system. The different signaling effects are obtained by separated pyrotechnic design.
Performance reliability is built in by means of two parallel fusing systems, maintenance-free userface and no use of electronics or critical software in the design. The red flare conforms to SOLAS 74/88 as amended. The red flare is also equipped with a dye marker and a message carrier for communication with rescue personnel.
sMRT Crewsafe V200
Submarine Escape Beacon
Designed specifically for submarines, the Crewsafe V200 transmits GPS coordinates via AIS, VHF DSC and VHF voice message to pinpoint the location (±10m) of casualties following subsurface escape or abandonment.
The Crewsafe V200 is a compact, easy to use submarine escape beacon that enables every crew member who reaches the surface to be located and tracked by rescue forces.
This innovative device does not interfere with the submarine escape process and successfully overcomes the challenges of size, functionality and performance required to meet submarine escape and rescue needs of naval forces worldwide. It integrates with NATO Escape equipment and is waterproof to over 300m, activating immediately upon reaching the surface.
Marine Sound Signal
The D296 Marine Sound Signal is a hydrostatically operated, explosive device for improving communications from surface to submarine in difficult conditions.
The D296 Marine Sound Signal produces an audible underwater signal at up to 1800 metres in still water. It can be deployed from ships or helicopters from heights of up to 150 metres above sea-level at indicated wind speeds up to 130 knots. The device explodes under hydrostatic pressure emitting a distinct signal clearly discernible by a submarine at depth. Operation is simple and several safety features are incorporated which reduce danger to personnel and craft. The signal is of robust, metal construction.
Signal Distress Day & Night
The Signal Distress Day & Night is designed as a compact personal distress signal for naval divers and aircrew.
Distress signalling for day and night use when compact and easy to use signal is required. It should be carried in any situation where a robust and waterproof personal distress signal may be required. The Signal Distress Day & Night is particularly suitable as a signal for divers who may accidentally surface away from their support craft.
Waterproof down to 30 metres, it has a corrosion resistant case with ‘O’ ring sealing. This dual-purpose signal consists of an orange smoke signal at one end for use by day and a red flare at the other end for use at night. Protected by interchangeable end caps, the signal has tactile ribs at the flare end to aid identification by night.
The smoke and flare are operated independently and use of one does not affect the functioning of the other at a later time. The signal is visible from at least 5km by day and 8km by night in good conditions.
Diver Recall Signal
The S294 Diver Recall Signal produces an audible underwater signal with a range of up to 200m in still water.
The device is a plastic cylindrical assembly containing a hydrostatically operated firing mechanism which will function at a water depth of 7m and initiate a pyrotechnic composition. The firing mechanism is locked in the safe position by a screwed cap located on the end of the signal.
It has no radio hazard risk as it is not electrically initiated. The S294 Diver Recall Signal is designed as an emergency signal to divers to either surface or return to the support vessel.
Thunderflash
Friction Diver Recall
The Thunder Flash Friction Diver Recall is a pyrotechnic signal for communication with divers to surface or return to the support vessel. It can be utilised as a training aid where the simulation of a small explosive charge is required, as well as used as a Diver Recall signal. The igniter will cause the safety fuse to burn. A pyrotechnic composition is ignited resulting in a bright flash and a loud report. It has no harmful fragmentation and can be used on water. The S161DR has a striker attached and the minimum safety distance is 10 meters on land.
Man Overboard
Light & Smoke
The Manoverboard MK9 compact Lifebuoy marker produces dense orange smoke for 15 minutes and features two self-contained, inversion switched, 15 hours flashing LED lights which far exceeds SOLAS requirements. Ships are required to carry 2 markers, one mounted on each bridge wing with the brackets supplied and attached by line to a 4kg Lifebuoy. The signal is used to mark the position of a man overboard by day or night. It can be automatically deployed by releasing the attached lifebuoy, or manually activated. SOLAS, MED, Red Ensign and USCG approved.
Linethrower
A self-contained line-throwing appliance consisting of a weatherproof plastic casing with end cap, twist-grip trigger assembly, rocket and line. To comply with SOLAS requirements, four complete rocket and line assemblies should be carried on board. The device has a throwing range of between 230m and 250m. A solid propellant is used which guarantees a highly accurate flight path even in strong sidewinds. SOLAS, MED, Red Ensign and USCG approved.
Para Red Rocket
The Para Red MK8A Rocket conforms to SOLAS 74/88 as amended. Designed to indicate distress or difficulty and to pinpoint position, it can withstand exceptional environmental exposure and perform reliably even after immersion in water. The pull wire ignitor and improved grip provides easy handling. Ejecting a red flare on a parachute at 300m (1000ft), burning for 40 seconds at 30,000 candela
A day or night long-range distress signal. 12 may be carried on ships bridge and there is a requirement for 4 in ships lifeboats and liferafts. Also suitable for use in other commercial and recreational boats. Parachute rocket flares have been known to be visible in favourable weather conditions over considerable distances e.g. as far as 28 miles.
SOLAS, MED, Red Ensign and USCG approved.
Smoke Signal Orange
The 3 Minute Smoke Signal Orange is a compact, flat top, daytime distress signal designed to be easy and safe to handle. It provides effective position marking during rescue operations and can be used to indicate wind direction, producing dense orange smoke for a minimum of 3 minutes. Orange smoke is particularly useful for indicating distress to aircraft.
SOLAS, MED, Red Ensign and USCG approved.
Red Handflare
A Red hand-held, short range distress signal. Used to pinpoint location by day or night when in sight of another vessel, a rescue helicopter or land. It burns for 60 seconds at 15,000 candela. It features a unique telescopic handle making it very compact and space saving when stowed in a liferaft. It easily extends and is pull wire operated.
SOLAS, MED, Red Ensign and USCG approved.
Core Competence & Capabilities
Wescom Defence is a versatile and specialist manufacturer of energetic materials, pyrotechnics and Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) detection solutions. Our Engineering and Technology Centres boast a highly skilled & experienced team from technician level through to engineering graduates and energetic materials scientists. The team specialises in engineering, chemistry, physics, computer modelling, data acquisition and analysis. Our service involves working with and compliance with various United States Military Standards (MIL-STDs), UK Defence Standards (Def Stans) and The NATO Standardisation Agreements (STANAG) where applicable.
Chemical Detection Technologies
In Chemical Detection Technologies, Wescom Defence is a foremost producer of highquality Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) detection solutions, excelling in rapid defence technologies. Our portfolio includes detection kits for explosives and pioneering nerve agent detectors capable of identifying all agents, even future variants.
Pyrotechnics
Our seasoned team specialises in mixing and pressing pyrotechnic materials like flash & flare. Environmental control during storage and processing is crucial for safe handling, ensuring a top-quality end product. Remaining at the forefront of manufacture, we evolve to meet bespoke demands while delivering value to customers and partners.
Smoke Compositions
At the forefront of smoke composition development and manufacturing for years, we offer low-toxic and RP smoke products tailored to specific applications. Our solutions, adaptable and robust, cater to varying needs, from vivid signalling colours to rapid dense screening smoke deployment.
Explosives
Our high explosive (HE) material expertise spans various applications, from e arly storage and pressing to present-day import, storage, and manufacturing for diverse uses.
Environmental Tests & Qualification
Our environmental test facility and engineering team offer a range of options for projects of any scale, including UN ‘Orange Book’ Series testing, bonfire testing, vibration tables, and climatic chambers. We provide end-to-end project management for product and material qualifications, leveraging our UKAS accredited partners for support as needed.
