Hampshire equipment from Pains Wessex Safety Systems, has won the accolade of the coveted Marine Product of the Year at the British Nautical Awards.

The award, presented in the presence of the Princess Royal in London, was

for the company's SOS Precision 406 GPS Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.

The highly advanced technical product was chosen for its contribution to making life safer at sea.

Leading yacht racers at present using the product include Ellen MacArthur on Kingfisher now competing in a tough single-handed race around the globe.

The equipment provides world-wide coverage ensuring that, in an emergency, the rescue co-ordination services are notified within just three minutes and can pinpoint the vessel's location to within 30 metres.

Designed and manufactured by sister company, McMurdo at premises in Portsmouth, the Pains Wessex equipment was first launched last year and has already received other major marine safety awards.