Gecko Head Gear
Jeff Sacree has been a regular at marine shows and exhibitions for his company's marine safety helmets. Continual development has kept Gecko in the forefront of lightweight, hand built safety helmets, individually made to customer requirements. An innovative inflatable liner system for comfort, and compatible with visor and goggles was just one of the models on display.

New models worthy of mention which were also on exhibit were units with 'bluetooth' waterproof communications and another model incorporating a compact waterproof camera and media recording equipment.

Check out the full model range at: www.geckoheadgear.com

Icom Marine Radios
Icom have always been at the leading edge of marine communications so it was no surprise to see them represented on the Ocean Safety stand.

It was no surprise to learn from Jon Brooks, the Icom UK marine and avionics manager, that some 150 units were sold within the first 30 mins of the exhibition opening. With an extensive range of hand held and fixed radios Icom offer a remarkable number of communication solutions for the mariner. See their website for full product info: www.icomuk.co.uk

MST- Marine Specialised Technology
Recently formed over the past three years MST has established itself as a bespoke commercial rigid inflatable boat and high speed workboat supplier.

With the capability to supply up to 14m in length their range of craft encompasses fast interceptors, rigid inflatables and Aluwork workboats. The Aluwork range can also be supplied in kit form for local assembly if required.

Ocean Dynamics
Ocean Dynamics, Shaun White, pioneered the design and development of aluminium hulled RIBs over 30 years ago and has gained an unrivalled reputation within the workboat world. The Ribworker models are renown for straightforward ruggedness, longevity, ease of repair, flexibility of design and low maintenance. The range covers all types of inshore and ocean-going RIBs from 6m-20m with both off-the-shelf and bespoke designs. Bear Grylls used one of Shaun White's RIBs on his Arctic Challenge Expedition in 2002.

Paul Mahy demonstrated an 8m typical model, inboard diesel with a Hamilton jet drive. The manoeuverability, responsiveness and toughness of build is very impressive. With no transom and a self draining deck Paul was determined to get me close to the elements. His demonstration of quite literally stopping the Ribworker on its nose in less than the boat's length ensured that the deck flooded. Not only a fantastic 'party trick' which demonstrated the capability of the craft but one good way to get the guest wet!

Thanks Paul, best keep one eye open the next time we are out together!