In 1957, the Pamir sank in the middle of the Atlantic. Of 86 sailors, only 6 survived. This tragedy left its mark on Jost Bernhardt, a German whose company manufactured diving suits. He became fascinated by survival at sea and began to design life jackets that would be more effective than the cloth-wrapped foam blocks used by the Pamir's castaways.
Josh began to carry out basin studies on the behavior of castaways, particularly when they lost consciousness. This research was published (1958/59) in 2 volumes: "Problems of the Life Jacket" and "Man in the Aquatic Environment", which have long been standard references.
What emerged from these studies was the first vest to keep the airways out of the water for a castaway. The teardrop-shaped vest with buoyancy behind the head and foam volume in front of the body.
Since then, the company has specialized in the manufacture of lifejackets. Having devised the first truly effective lifejacket, SECUMAR products have always been pioneers. These included the first lifejackets with integrated harnesses, fleece collars and removable collars, a lifejacket with a larger 220 N capacity, and a viewing window to easily check the status of the firing pin... All these ideas, which have now been adopted by the entire competition, originated at SECUMAR.
Between 100 and 120 people currently work at SECUMAR, an ISO-certified company. Around 30,000 jackets are produced each year, generating sales of around 14 million euros. In 2004, the company moved to new premises to reorganize production. The company serves 3 markets: pleasure boating, industry and the military (the entire German navy uses SECUMAR jackets).
The company manufactures all the parts for its vests. Unlike our competitors, who use external firing pins, SECUMAR manufactures its own firing pin, mouthpiece, salt tablet and seatbelt-type fastening system. Of course, the entire vest production process, from design to stitching and lung welding, is carried out in-house.
For complete transparency, by indicating the date of manufacture on the vests âeuros date which influences the next revision âeuros SECUMAR is obliged to work on a just-in-time basis, without stock. In fact, there's no question of putting on the market vests that have already been manufactured for a year, and whose revision is due the following year!
A passion for safety runs in the family genes. So much so, in fact, that SECUMAR has dedicated a room to the creation of a museum, inaugurated to mark the company's 50th anniversary. This museum brings together all the items collected over the life of the company. SECUMAR products are on display, as well as competing brands. From a model of the vest used on the Pamir to the latest vest used on combat aircraft. A true pilgrimage through the history of the lifejacket, which can be visited on request.
So if you're passing through the suburbs of Hamburg, don't hesitate to make a stop. It's well worth the detour...
Click here to see our visit to the SECUMAR lifejacket factory.
