Immersion Suits
2023-04-30
Inspection
- Is all crew able to demonstrate the immersion suit donning?
- Are the immersion suit on appropriate size to fit all shipboard personnel?
- Are the zippers open, so that the immersion suit to be ready for immediate use?
- Are the zippers waxed, free of cracks & in good condition?
- Are the retro reflective tapes in good condition?
- Are the donning instructions indicated on the immersion suit legible?
- Are the whistles firmly secured?
- Are the lights, where fitted, operational and within their expiry date?
- Are all immersion suits water-tighten?
- Are all immersion suits stowed in approved places as per Safety Plan?
- Are they marked with respective IMO symbols?
- Are type specific donning instructions posted on all decks including wheelhouse & ECR?.
- Does the number of immersion suits meet the requirements of the Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (Form E)?
Service / Certification
- Is there evidence of air pressure test by shore-based facility?
- Note 1:
Air pressure test shall not exceed the 3 years or more frequently for the suits of more than 10 years of age. In any case, Flag
Administration requirements shall be taken into account.
- Note 2: The air pressure test may be carried out
by ship's staff if an approved test kit is available. Flag Administration requirements shall be taken into account.
Common Poor Practices
- Few immersion suits were found with damaged and cracked zippers.
- Numerous immersion suits were stowed with opened zippers.
- Two crew members could not wear their immersion suits due to regular size.
References
IMO, Guidelines for periodic testing of Immersion suit and Anti-exposure suit seams and closures. MSC/Circ. 1114
IMO, International Convention of Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS)
IMO, Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code
OCIMF, SIRE 2.0
Rightship, Inspection Ship Questionnaire