Safety Bulletin 31 –Northern Diver 275N lifejacket and Northern Diver Transit Suit (Immersion Suit)
Published 31 January 2023
© Crown copyright 2023
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-bulletin-31-northern-diver-275n-lifejacket-and-northern-diver-transit-suit-immersion-suit/safety-bulletin-31-northern-diver-275n-lifejacket-and-northern-diver-transit-suit-immersion-suit
30 January 2023
Notification of deficient equipment and associated processes to follow
Summary of Issue regarding Northern Diver 275N lifejacket
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), as the UK Market Surveillance Authority for marine equipment, has investigated the Northern Diver 275N twin chamber lifejacket, which is sold as being EU Marine Equipment Directive (“MED”) certificated and carrying the EU’s ‘Wheelmark’ mark of conformity.
The MCA’s investigation has found this equipment to be deficient. Northern Diver do not hold MED conformity assessment certification for this product.
The MCA has found that the lifejacket in question has been sold with expired component parts, namely the lifejacket light, and inflation valve. This is considered a risk to safety, as the lifejacket may not operate correctly in an emergency situation.
Northern Diver has been instructed to recall this product, and have been prohibited from placing it on the market.
Actions to take
Ship operators with Northern Diver 275N lifejackets are urged to cease use of this product immediately, and to contact Northern Diver.
Summary of Issue regarding Northern Diver Transit Suit
Following an investigation, the MCA has found this equipment to be deficient. The conformity assessment certification for this product expired on 30 August 2020, meaning that there has not been a valid basis for applying the EU’s ‘Wheelmark’ to this product since that date.
Actions to take
Ship operators with Northern Diver Transit suits placed on board, or purchased, after 30 August 2020, should contact Northern Diver.
Further information and questions
The MCA can be contacted at MEQA@mcga.gov.uk with any concerns or questions regarding these products.
Further information can be found in MSN 1874 amendment 6, regarding what can be placed on board a UK ship after 1 January 2023.