Thursday, 14 March 2024

Understanding the Vital Role of Immersion Suits in Marine Safety

An immersion suit is a suit that covers the body and is worn particularly for flotation and survival during emergencies on the seas. This suit is, therefore, also known as a rescue or survival suit worn during commercial operations. Modern immersion suits are indispensable aboard ships and oil rigs, offering crucial protection against cold water, rough sea conditions, and hazardous scenarios.

Hence, all sailors and crew members onboard cargo vessels and even commercial fishermen maintain their immersion suits, which provide them with better visibility and save them from drowning. It also supplies them with hypothermia protection and saves them from extreme conditions as it is made of waterproof material. Some suits carry harnesses and offer ankle adjustments for a better fit.

Immersion suits are made of a rubber kind of fabric known as neoprene that is waterproof and can fight against extreme temperatures of water and fire. The immersion suit fits the person's body without letting any part of the body into the water. It also contains a hood and protective gloves. 

Also, the Maintenance of immersion suits is very important. Regular inspections are mandatory, and suits must be checked thoroughly for any kind of holes, tears, etc. Regular inspections of the zipper, inflatable hoses, mitts straps, and face shields are essential to ensure their functionality and reliability. If the suit has been in salt water, it should be rinsed with fresh water and then dry, but not in direct sunlight.

A rescue suit is generally designed in only red and orange. Both the colors are bright (fluorescent) so that the suits can instantly attract the attention of medical assistants or rescue aids. There are three types of immersion suits. They are described as follows:

1.     The first type of immersion suit is worn by fishermen who hunt for fish in ice-cold temperatures. These fishermen wear these suits to ensure their bodies do not lose heat and are continually kept warm and insulated.

2.     The second type of immersion suit is the one that is available on all ships, boats, and oil rigs. It is a mandatory requirement that workers be allowed to work on ships or oil rigs.

3.     The third and final type of immersion suit, known as the Inflatable Immersion Suit, differs from the previous two by covering only the wearer's hands and legs. Despite not providing full-body coverage, this suit ensures the safety of individuals at sea during emergencies, allowing them to sail securely.

Western Fire Safety makes flexible immersion suits that are certified. Visit their website, https://www.westernfireandsafety.com/ and look at their different kinds of immersion suits.

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