The next generation Boarding Vest is a state of the art safety and survival system designed to meet the protection needs of those on the front line of defence in navies, coastguard and police services. The Boarding Vest encompasses the latest in garment technology, ballistic protection, flotation devices (swimming and negotiating water obstacles), rehydration system and a modular pocket design system.  The design enables easy configuration (in a field) to either land or sea requirements. The Boarding Vest enables full customisation of pockets for individual preferences. It also features a covert swim bladder, used as a swimming aid, emergency rescue/extraction loops for winching, 3D knitted spacer mesh pads offer moisture, heat management and airflow, and is fully functional in temperatures ranging from – 20o C to + 50o C.