Immersion Suit Rises To Challenge For Faster Protection

Donning speed for emergency situations is a primary attraction of a new immersion suit from VIKING Life-Saving Equipment that is made to measure up to US-specific requirements. 

Commercial shipping’s leading safety solutions provider has launched the VIKING YouSafe™ Crest (PS2016) immersion suit as a standardized solution to offer six hours of thermal protection in cold water conditions for fleets the come under US Coastguard jurisdiction. 

Made out of durable and naturally buoyant neoprene, the new suit comes in three updated sizes to ensure watertight protection for the full range of body types involved in modern seafaring. Notable safety features include reinforced soles, inflatable buoyancy for better freedom of movement, high-vis reflective trim, and a yellow hood to attract attention in daylight or dark waters.

For users onboard ships flagged to the US or calling in US-administered ports, though, the most impactful gains will result from features VIKING has designed-in to the VIKING YouSafe™ Crest suit to accelerate donning speeds. 

“Donning when every second counts has been a key driver in developing the YouSafe™ Crest immersion suit,” said Camilla Schultz Georgsen, Product Manager PPE Marine, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment. “The US Coastguard has approved use of the Aquaseal plastic zipper, which offers fast and dependable closure, and needs less maintenance than a conventional metal zipper. The Crest also comes with detachable gloves, with hands free to put it on quickly, close the zipper, and make adjustments without losing critical time by struggling with bulky gloves.”  

Being able to take off gloves also made tasks such as attaching lines or handling whistles easier, she said. 

The VIKING YouSafe™ Crest immersion suit also offers other safety gains, with an integrated inflatable head support assisting flotation and holding the user in position to maintain clear airways. The buoyancy effects of the suit’s neoprene material and the inflated head support mean that the user has no need for any additional flotation device, including a lifejacket. 

When considering safety needs, owners and operators sometimes think about big ticket items first, but donning speed is critical for the immersion suit user in an emergency, said Schultz Georgsen. 

“That makes the VIKING YouSafe™ Crest suit special when it’s needed in an emergency,but it’s also important for customers to know that it is supplied in standardized specifications and on a scalable production basis to meet US Coastguard expectationswhen buyers need it.” A launch discount would also apply to VIKING YouSafe™ Crest suits until October 2026, she said.

Use is backed by VIKING’s authorized service network, which offers maintenance, documentation and compliance without unnecessary complexity, plus periodic formal services and pressure testing of material quality and ageing, adhesive joints and seams to ensure watertight integrity.

For further information, please contact Camilla Schultz Georgsen, Product Manager PPE Marine, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, email: [email protected].

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