Watersports helmet Open Face

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Overview
Designed from the water up, the Open Face helmet is built specifically for marine operations and rescue. First developed for the RNLI in 1995 to provide a lightweight, high-performance marine safety helmet, it is used by organisations including the Royal Air Force, Police, and Ministry of Defence.

Standards & History
The Open Face was the world’s first marine safety helmet and meets the BSI marine safety standard PAS 028:2002. The design has been refined in collaboration with the RNLI and serves as an established benchmark in marine head protection.

Compatibility & Notes
The helmet accepts a range of accessories such as visors, goggles, and communications headsets. It has two side inserts for mounting equipment like cameras or flashlights. This Open Face model is not compatible with ear defenders; choose the Cut Away model for ear-defender compatibility.

Specification Sheet
Specification document available on request.

Lead Time
Lead time for helmet orders is subject to production schedules and may vary. Typical delivery aim is approximately 2–4 weeks, but times can fluctuate.

Design Features

• The patented inflatable liner is integrated into the helmet; via an oral valve the liner can be inflated or deflated to adjust fit.
• The inflatable liner provides inherent buoyancy and helps position the wearer to rise with the helmet if going overboard.
• Grooves along the shell increase the strength-to-weight ratio of the ABS shell and channel water off the rear to maintain clear vision.
• The neck is cut high to permit full head motion, including upward gaze useful in helicopter rescue operations.
• The high cut neck allows lifejackets and buoyancy aids to be used without forcing the helmet upward and obscuring vision.
• The open-face aperture provides wide peripheral vision while protecting the sides and back of the head.

Customisation & Accessories
Each helmet is custom made to order. Options include colours, visors, liners, and logos/livery. Compatible accessories include visors, camera mounts, radio communication headsets, and marine flashlights.

Technical specifications

• Model: Open Face
• Sizes: Small – 52–55 cm; Regular – 56–63 cm; Large – 63–65 cm
• Weight: 670 g
• Shell: ABS with strength-increasing grooves
• Inflatable liner with oral valve for adjustable fit and added buoyancy
• Two side inserts for mounting equipment (cameras, flashlights, etc.)
• Open-face design with wide aperture for full peripheral vision
• High cut neck to allow full head movement and compatibility with lifejackets/buoyancy aids
• Not compatible with ear defenders (see Cut Away model for ear-defender compatibility)
• Certifications: Marine Safety Helmet PAS 028:2002; Mountaineering Helmet EN 12492