Navigation and Seamanship

5.2.5.1. Immersion Suit

Immersion Suit

            Immersion suit covers the whole body except the face and can be worn in very shot time duration of 2 min. Non insulating immersion suits which are worn over warm clothing do not allow the body temperature to fall more than 2°C when a man is in water of 5°C for one hour. Immersion suits made of insulating material do not allow the body temperature to fail more than 2°C when a man is in water of 0°C to 2°C for 6 hours. Some immersion suits act as a lifejacket also but it is generally necessary to wear a lifejacket over the immersion suit. It is possible to jump, swim short distances, climb ladders and perform normal duties while wearing an immersion suit.

The immersion suit shall

a) be made of non flammable waterproof materials

b) not be sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 seconds

c) be suitable to cover the whole body except the face.

d) have the provision to minimize free air in the legs of the suit

e) be brightly coloured (red/yellow/orange)

f) be marked with instructions that it must be worn in conjunction with warm clothing