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RFD Beaufort Firsts

1920

In 1920 Reginald Foster Dagnall formed RFD Ltd to manufacture liferafts and soon became famous for pneumatic dinghies and barrage balloons.

1932

RFD Ltd was the first company to launch the first automatic inflatable liferaft system, a single seater liferaft which was subsequently adopted by the Air Ministry (Royal Air Force) in the 1930s.

1954

RFD liferafts were awarded first liferaft approvals, which were put into force in 1954 by the International Maritime Organisation.

1965

SOLAS Approvals for RFD liferaft range. Following a comprehensive testing period, RFD liferafts were the first liferafts to gain SOLAS approval for use on commercial vessels.

1976

The first welded liferaft was launched, which was significantly stronger than the competition due to an extremely rugged construction.

1979

In 1979 RFD recognised a change in the ship passenger market, and developed a Marine Evacuation system, which was a keystone in the development of the Marin Ark Marine Evacuation System we know today

1997

RFD launched Marin Ark, the first dry shod Marine Evacuation System designed for Cruise ships, Ro-Ros and Passenger vessels

1999

In 1999 RFD received the prestigious Millennium award for Innovation, for recognition of the development of the Marin Ark, Marine Evacuation System.

2003

In 2003 RFD merged with Beaufort Air and Sea Systems to form RFD Beaufort Ltd, galvanising their position as a major player in the marine safety market.

2008

The Marin Ark technical team commenced work on the new generation Marin Ark, designed to tackle the design changes in the latest cruise and ferry vessels.

2009

The new generation Marin Ark 632 attained MED approval, making it the World’s Largest fully enclosed Marin Evacuation System in the world