Marine evacuation system

A marine evacuation system (MES) is a lifesaving device found on many modern passenger ships or oil rigs consisting of an inflatable slide or escape chute where a passenger can evacuate straight into waiting life rafts.

Developed in 1979 by RFD, a New Zealand–based company that distributes safety equipment; MES is replacing traditional davit-launched life rafts used on ships.

The main manufacturers of MES are Survitec Group (RFD Beaufort and Brude Safety) Zodiac, Viking, ALBE Engineering & Consulting GmbH in Germany and Liferaft Systems Australia.

[2] MES has gained popularity over the past few decades due to its mass evacuation ability.

[4] It is a well-tested technology gaining vast popularity in the industry due to its ship safety enhancing capabilities in emergency situations.