MARITIME PILOTS

We understand the complex requirements for maritime pilot helmets…

Gecko Head Gear maritime pilot helmet
Gecko Head Gear maritime pilot helmet

Our PAS 028 accredited maritime pilot helmets have been purpose designed for the marine environment with 316 grade stainless steel studs and a buoyant inflatable liner. The most popular helmet choice for maritime pilots is the open face helmet, which has been extensively tested for helicopter rescues where the rescuer jumps into water from a height of ten or more meters; the chamfered helmet edge and inflatable liner work together to prevent much water from entering the helmet and the grooves in the liner allow displacement of any water that does. The retention system has enough elasticity in it to allow for some movement of the helmet as it hits the water without allowing the helmet to come off the head or injure the chin. 

Gecko marine safety helmets provide the maximum impact protection of any BSI helmet safety standard with 100 Joules of on crown impact energy absorption. The inflatable liners ensure that our helmets are warm and comfortable to wear all day as well as creating a 100% custom fit every time.

Gecko provides maritime pilot helmets to individuals and organisations all over the world, below are some examples of Gecko clients.

Fluorescent yellow Open Face with silver retroreflective strips and Red pilot text

Fluorescent yellow Cut Away with silver retroreflective strips and silver pilot text

Gecko Head Gear maritime pilot helmet
Gecko Head Gear maritime pilot helmet

Red Open Face with short clear visor

Fluorescent yellow Open Face with silver retroreflective strips and Red pilot text

“the pilot fell 9 metres into the water when the ladder gave way. The pilot was boarding approximately 10 miles offshore in the middle of the night. He was wearing a marine helmet (brand Gecko) at the time, and it is believed that this helmet assisted to both reduce head trauma as well as assist in his rescue due to it’s colour and reflective markings”

(Harwich Haven Authority 2008; Phillips 2008).

What helmets are most popular with Maritime pilots?…

  • The pros of the open face for maritime pilots are its surrounding level of protection. This helmet has been extensively tested for falls/impacts from heights so makes it a great choice for pilots who are up and down tall ladders. For low level noise environments the open face is the obvious choice, but this leads us to our con. The open face is not compatible for ear defenders, however that is where the design of the cut away comes in…

  • the Cut Away is a great option for those who want a lightweight non-restrictive yet high level of protection. The great advantage of a Cut Away helmet is the ability to add ear defenders to a higher level of aural protection for those in high-noise environments.