OUR history
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Since 1957, we've been challenging what a lifejacket can be.
From the first designs that gave sailors greater freedom of movement to pioneering inflatable technology trusted by rescue crews and professional mariners, our story has always been about more than staying afloat.
It's about making protection people want to wear. Equipment that moves with them, performs when it matters and gives them the confidence to focus on what they came to do.
1957
A different approach to lifejackets.
Crewsaver is founded on the south coast of England with a simple ambition: make lifejackets designed around the people who wear them.
Our home is Gosport. Our inspiration is the water. And our belief is that protection should never get in the way of the people relying on it.
1959
Protection shouldn’t hold you back.
The Crewsaver Lifevest introduces a design focused on comfort, adjustability and freedom of movement.
An early innovation with a lasting influence: effective protection starts with understanding the wearer.
1970s
When protection becomes part of the job.
The Seafire lifejacket brings advances in dual-chamber inflation and fire-resistant design to demanding offshore workplaces.
Crewsaver expands its expertise beyond recreational sailing, developing flotation equipment for professionals who depend on it every day.
1984
Crewfit changes the rules.
Crewsaver launches Crewfit, the world’s first gas-operated, air-only lifejacket.
Its innovative design transforms the way inflatable lifejackets are worn, combining protection with greater freedom of movement.
A breakthrough that helps establish a new benchmark for personal flotation.
1997
A partnership built on trust.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) chooses Crewsaver to develop its first bespoke crew lifejacket.
Working alongside those who face the sea’s most unpredictable conditions gives our engineers invaluable real-world insight.
The result is more than equipment. It’s a long-standing collaboration that continues to shape how we design for professional and recreational users alike.
2008
Designed with sailors. Proven at sea.
Working with offshore racing sailor Alex Thomson, Crewsaver advances lifejacket ergonomics with the Crewfit 190N Advanced.
Its innovative asymmetric bladder design improves in-water performance, bringing lessons from competitive offshore racing into everyday personal flotation technology.
2011
Specialist expertise. Greater possibilities.
Crewsaver becomes part of Survitec, bringing its flotation expertise into a global survival technology group.
Our heritage of innovation continues, supported by broader engineering capabilities and an international network.
2012
ErgoFit raises the standard for comfort.
The ErgoFit range introduces Fusion 3D technology, using body contoured design to deliver greater comfort, fit and freedom of movement.
Innovations such as the HALO protective hood further advance in-water protection.
Because the best lifejacket is one you can trust when you need it - and feel comfortable wearing long before that moment arrives.
2014
Advanced design. Everyday confidence.
Crewsaver introduces the redesigned Crewfit 165N Sport and 190N Pro ranges, incorporating Fusion 3D technology.
Innovations developed for demanding environments become accessible to a wider community of sailors and watersports enthusiasts.
2015
Developed for the world’s toughest racing.
Crewsaver collaborates with Artemis Racing in the America’s Cup, developing specialist buoyancy aids designed for elite athletes.
Features including integrated body armour and spare air attachment points demonstrate how working closely with users can push flotation design forward.
2026
The flotation experts.
Crewsaver continues its journey as the dedicated flotation brand within Hansen Protection, part of Survitec.
Our expertise now connects an even wider world of water safety - from recreational sailing and family adventures to commercial maritime, defence and search and rescue.
Our name remains Crewsaver. Our specialist knowledge, commitment to innovation and focus on the people who wear our equipment remain unchanged.
With nearly seven decades of experience behind us, we’re ready for everything ahead.
Every new design builds on the lessons of the last.
Every collaboration with a rescue crew, professional mariner or sailor helps us understand how protection can work harder, fit better and perform when it matters.
Whether you're crossing an ocean, working offshore, responding to an emergency or enjoying a day on the water, our commitment remains the same.
Discover Crewsaver's lifejackets, buoyancy aids and professional flotation solutions.
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