Ian Brindle of IC Brindle said: “This is a unique and refreshing new product on the market – a clever product that is almost entirely reusable with easily replaceable CO2 cartridges. It fills a real niche in the market.”

The Line Launcher’s main USP is that it’s the only product of its kind to use a 16g CO2 which is cost effective and easy to replace. Whereas its counterparts that use pyrotechnics to propel the line can be expensive, difficult to replace and some applications are single use.

Line Launcher can also be used in rescue situations where combustible equipment is banned for use in hazardous environments. Designed for ease of operation in the most extreme of weather conditions and where making a line connection between two parties is required, including ship to ship transfer, ship to shore, man overboard and ocean lifesaving. Line Launcher has multiple land-based operations including crossing gaps, rivers, floods and construction.

It is manufactured by one of New Zealand's leading line makers and is made from 2.5mm polypropylene, which floats. It has a high breaking strain of 80kg, but when necessary, it can also be used as a pilot to attach to a stronger line when more strength is required or replaced with a stronger line.

Ian Brindle said, “The Line Launcher was the brainchild of an operator of the rescue hovercraft at Auckland airport that has a flight path directly over water and mud.”

He continued to explain “Regular line launchers, used pyrotechnics to propeller which could be unsafe in situations where non-combustible equipment is required.”

Following proof of concept trials project development was continued by a new company Kiwi Rescue Ltd headed by New Zealander Gerald Davies. He and his business partner and composite moulding expert Bruce Holt continued development to bring the Launcher to market.

Gerald Davies said, “We are delighted that I C Brindle Ltd will be distributing the Launcher in the UK and beyond.”