Between 1970 and 1983, Zodiac inflatable boats were distributed in Canada by a series of dependant importers. In 1983, Zodiac decided to open a local distribution subsidiary of its own. The new unit, Zodiac Inflatable Technologies, (ZIT) was located near Toronto, Canada.

Around the same time, Zodiac became interested in purchasing two small Pacific Coast companies that designed, built and marketed rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), mainly for use by professionals and rescue organizations such as the Coast Guard and, later on, the Canadian and US Armies. One of these companies was, Zodiac Marine Ltd., the last remaining independent distributor of Zodiac inflatables in Canada. 

The other was Hurricane Rescue Craft Inc., a public corporation listed on the Vancouver stock exchange. The two companies were rivals on the blossoming RIB market in North America, especially for the first contract for 36 RIB P boats for the US Navy. In the end, the contract was won by Zodiac Marine Ltd. During this period, in 1987, Zodiac SA acquired a majority share in the capital of Zodiac Marine Ltd. In the immediate follow-up it purchased a majority stake in Hurricane Rescue Craft Inc. and the two companies merged to become Zodiac Hurricane Marine Inc. (ZHM). 

Today, the Zodiac Hurricane subsidiary is the world's largest manufacturer of professional RIBs. In 1991, Zodiac SA combined its Toronto-based distribution subsidiary (ZIT) with it's manufacturing company in Richmond (ZHM), to form Zodiac Hurricane Technologies Inc. (ZHT).

In the early 60's, the Royal National Lifeboat Institute in Great Britain  designed the first rigid hulled inflatable boat or RIB. This hybrid craft was developed for high speed, offshore sea and rescue operations and it was Zodiac Hurricane that, over the next few years, continued research and development of the new technology and developed the concept into today's very successful rigid hull inflatable boats.

Utilizing only high grade materials and modern design technologies, durable sea keeping qualities are computer designed to combine aluminum or fiberglass hulls with a versatile inflatable or foam collar. This produces a safer, faster, tougher and more efficient boat that is easier to launch, use and recover than conventional boats, while giving superior stability, buoyancy and protective characteristics. 

Through years of research on fibers, fabrics and other marine parts and materials, Zodiac Hurricane has become a highly recognized and respected manufacturer within the industry. The technological advancements made over the years have allowed these products to evolve into high quality, durable, safe boats for a variety of sea conditions. 

Today, Zodiac Hurricane Technologies Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer ofand hold several RIB based design patents. They produce RIBS for a wide variety of commercial/industrial applications. Zodiac Hurricanes have been chosen by the Navies, Coast Guards and Sea Rescue Organizations of over eighty nations, testimony to the superior materials, design and construction of Zodiac inflatable boats.