The Minuteman can be inflated from its source of compressed air in just 60 seconds and requires no assembly, thanks to its specialised intercommunicating valve system and Duratene TM PU highpressure inflatable deck.

Propelled by either paddles or an outboard motor (up to 30hp), the 67kg Minuteman enables the first responder rescuer to get to victims in double quick time, greatly increasing the chances of a successful rescue.

Tim Fleming, Business Unit Director of Zodiac International, flew in to Seawork from Paris to be greeted by the news that Zodiac had won the ‘Spirit of Innovation’ Trophy. “I’m delighted with Zodiac’s achievement and it is particularly rewarding because it was one of our young female design engineers who came up with the concept,” said Tim, on accepting the Trophy at the Gala Dinner.

Winners of the other 5 catagories were: Marine Equipment and Materials – Alocit Group Ltd for their ‘Delta T’thermal insulation coating, joint winners with H4 Marine for their ‘Recoverit’ advanced recovery material. Marine Civil Engineering and Construction – Marine Designs Ltd for their ‘Dockmaster’ concrete pontoon system. Marine Electronics – Echopilot Ltd for their FLS Platinum forward scanning sonar for workboats. Safety and Training – RNLI/McMurdo for their MOB Guardian Satellite warning system. Diving and Underwater Technology – Echoscan Ltd for their crawler ROV.