Magnetic plasters and Kevlar balloons: the maritime emergency kit
Is there a hole in your ship’s hull? That’s what the maritime emergency kit is for. It can save you valuable time. But what exactly is in it? Prevention is better than cure. But as with any emergency, training, preparation and vigilance can make all the difference. Quinten Perneel,Incident Management Officer “When you buy a ...
Every second counts in maritime emergencies, and that's why the maritime emergency kit is essential. Designed to prevent ships from sinking, the kit offers several ways to seal breaches in the hull. Two of the most common tools are inflatable Salvage Bags and magnetic plasters.
The Salvage Bags are essentially balloons made from Kevlar, an incredibly strong material. When a leak is detected, the emergency services push the balloon into the breach and inflate it. This seals the hole from the inside, preventing further water from entering the ship. In early 2026, this method proved its worth when an inland vessel was at risk of sinking.
Alternatively, magnetic plasters can be used to seal holes from the outside. The largest plaster measures over two metres by two metres, making it quite heavy. Emergency responders bring the plasters to the ship and, with the help of a diving team, attach them to the hull like giant plasters. These plasters not only seal the hole but also prevent liquids from leaking into the water.
Prevention is always better than cure, and training, preparation, and vigilance are crucial in maritime emergencies. However, having a maritime emergency kit on board can make all the difference when every second truly counts.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
