About ISSETA

ISSETA was originally formed in 1973 as the trade association for the UK manufacturers of inflatable survival equipment, but has since developed its membership to include manufacturers from around the world. Its primary role has always been to use its combined technical expertise to seek and provide better life-saving appliances for seafarers.

Being committed to the continual development and improvement of inflatable life-saving apparatus, the Association and its members have sought close ties with regulatory authorities and have worked closely with national authorities from Germany, Norway, Sweden, UK, France and Denmark in this regard. Association members have also contributed to ISO technical work programmes of TC8 and TC188 and by way of national delegations have made contributions to SOLAS.

ISSETA directly, and its members individually, has been involved in training surveyors from a number of national authorities including UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA-UK), Scandinavian authorities and the United States Coast Guard in aspects relating to inflatable life-saving equipment.

ISSETA is also one of the consultees registered by the MCA-UK on issues relating to inflatable LSA. The Association has carried out research for the MCA-UK, most recently in a joint research project with the MCA and Seafish (Sea Fish Industry Authority of the UK) examining the feasibility of stowing liferafts on the bows of fishing boats.