Line Throwers Suppliers

On a seagoing vessel, line-throwing appliances are what crews reach for when they must get a line quickly to another ship, the quay, or a person in the water. A single shot can carry a light line across well over 200 meters, so that a towing rope, mooring line or rescue device can be pulled back in.

SOLAS requires every seagoing ship to carry at least one line-throwing appliance that complies with the LSA Code. Under section 7.1 of the Code, each appliance must provide at least four projectiles, each capable of sending a line at least 230 meters in calm weather, and each line must have a breaking strength of at least 2 kN. Line throwers suppliers bundle these requirements into approved systems, spare kits and replacement units that can be stocked and used on different ship types and routes.

For shipowners, managers and yards, this page is about choosing equipment that crews can handle with confidence and that surveyors immediately recognize as compliant.

Line-Throwing Appliances in Marine Safety

Modern line thrower manufacturers usually offer two main technology groups, both built around the same regulatory targets for range and line strength:

• Pyrotechnic rocket systems - compact, single-use units that fire a rocket with a light line to a defined distance, typically around 230-250 meters in calm conditions. They are widely stocked, simple to understand and familiar to most crews, but rockets have expiry dates and must be stored and disposed of as pyrotechnics.
• Pneumatic line throwers -reusable launchers powered by compressed air. They use interchangeable projectiles with packed line and are supplied with cylinders that can be refilled and periodically tested. These systems cost more initially but avoid rocket expiry and are often chosen for tankers and offshore units where a non-pyrotechnic device is preferred.
• Compliance and approvals - whether rocket or pneumatic, buyers look for clear references to SOLAS and the LSA Code, range and breaking-strength figures in line with the rules, and recognized approvals.
• Handling, training and upkeep - grip design, clear instructions and access to simple training material help crews use the devices effectively. For long-term use, availability of replacement rockets, projectiles and service kits is just as important as the launcher itself.

Comparing Line Throwers Suppliers, Approvals and Stock Availability on Records Marine

One company may represent a single manufacturer with deep product knowledge, while another holds multiple lines in stock and can ship rockets, projectiles and spares together with other life saving equipment.

What most technical and purchasing teams are really looking for is a supplier with a wide range of approved options, fair pricing, good stock levels, and who can say with confidence where and how quickly they can deliver replacements.

On Records Marine you can see these options presented in one place. The platform lets you browse a dedicated group of line throwers distributors, narrow the list to those that match your approvals and technology preferences, and contact companies directly.