SEBASTIAN — A Sebastian marine safety company has outfitted a floating soccer pitch and fan zone in Seattle with equipment designed to handle man-overboard emergencies during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Marine Rescue Technologies consulted on U.S. Coast Guard requirements and delivered the gear that helped the barge-based venue on Elliott Bay pass inspection. The setup, built atop a maritime vessel, gives fans and players a first-of-its-kind waterfront soccer experience powered by Lenovo.
The safety package included Markus MOB scramble nets, Reach and Rescue ultralight telescopic poles, WeatherDock easyONE maritime survivor locating devices and Datrex life rings approved by the Coast Guard. Those tools let response teams reach and recover people quickly if they end up in the water.
“It’s the type of equipment you hope never to use, but you need to have it,” said Michael Ritchie, president of Marine Rescue Technologies Inc. “We’re proud to be a small part in making this exciting fan zone possible. We love soccer and are especially glad the floating fan zone will be available to kids for free play. All my kids grew up playing soccer in Sebastian and it means a lot to know that the RAVE Foundation is committed to providing access for underserved kids. What a wonderful initiative.”
Seattle Reign FC and Seattle Sounders FC, along with the RAVE Foundation, made the floating field possible. It serves as the symbolic 52nd mini soccer field in the foundation’s statewide building program. Kids under 14 can use it for free during designated play days.
Founded in 2003, Marine Rescue Technologies focuses on marine safety and man-overboard recovery systems. The company got its start with personal locator beacons and now serves clients around the world from its base on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
