An immersion suit is used in emergency situations at sea when a person has to remain in the water for an extended period of time or during evacuation from a ship to the sea, especially in extreme weather conditions. The immersion suit is designed to help prevent hypothermia by maintaining body temperature in maritime emergencies, particularly in cold waters. This suit is made of insulating material that retains body heat and is designed to be waterproof so that cold seawater does not come into direct contact with the skin.
Here is how an immersion suit helps prevent hypothermia:
- Body Heat Insulation: The immersion suit has layers that can retain body heat, preventing the body from losing heat too quickly while in the water.
- Water Resistance: Since it is designed to be waterproof, seawater does not enter the suit or come into direct contact with the skin, preventing the body from losing heat through direct exposure to cold water.
- Additional Heat-Retaining Accessories: Some immersion suits are equipped with head covers and gloves, helping to protect the head, hands, and feet, which are more vulnerable to heat loss.
An immersion suit is used in emergency situations at sea, especially when a person has to remain in the water for a long period of time or during evacuation from a ship to the sea, for example in situations such as:
- Sinking or Flooding Ship: If a ship begins to sink or suffers damage that allows water to enter, an immersion suit is worn to protect the body from hypothermia in cold water.
- Evacuation in Open Sea: When conditions require abandoning the ship in open waters, especially in cold seas, the immersion suit helps maintain body temperature and reduces the risk of extreme cold exposure.
- Extreme Weather Conditions: If there is a risk of falling into the sea during extreme weather, such as storms or strong winds, the immersion suit provides additional protection against wind and water.
- Sea Rescue Operations: In rescue operations, both for rescuers and survivors, the immersion suit helps extend survival time in the water.
- Ship Safety Drills: It is also often used in drills or emergency simulations on board to familiarize the crew and passengers.
LSA can carry out inspection, servicing, and testing of immersion suits to ensure that these products remain in optimal condition and ready for use in emergency situations:
- Physical and Visual Inspection
- Waterproof Testing
- Cleaning and Drying
- Replacement of Damaged Components
- Inspection of Gloves and Insulation Parts
- Inspection of Additional Accessories
- Testing and Certification: After inspection and repairs, a final test is carried out to ensure the suit meets international safety standards (such as SOLAS), and certification is issued to guarantee its suitability.
Although an immersion suit helps prevent hypothermia and extend survival time in cold water, there is no 100% guarantee that hypothermia can be completely prevented over a very long period. However, this suit is highly effective in slowing down the effects of hypothermia and providing more time for rescue.
