Testing standards for immersion suits: UK21/L017
Adopted EU recommendation LSA-064. UK approved recommendation on the correct testing standards for immersion suits.
Question
The IMO Resolution MSC. 81(70) paragraph 3.2.11 states: “…Following a 6h period of immersion, with hands gloved, in circulating calm water…”.
Some Approved Bodies conduct extrapolations out of 6 hours, where subjects were not able to stay in the water for entire 6 hours, to determine if the suits would comply with the requirements.
Should the concept of extrapolation when issuing approvals for immersion suits be accepted?
Recommendation
No. Unless there is a provision in the test (MSC.81(70)) to extrapolate result from partial test, the extrapolation practice should not be accepted. extrapolation when issuing approvals for immersion suits be accepted?
Recommendation
No. Unless there is a provision in the test (MSC.81(70)) to extrapolate result from partial test, the extrapolation practice should not be accepted.
References
• MSC.81 (70)
• MSN 1874 as amended
• The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
Items affected
• UK/1.5, Immersion suits and anti-exposure suits designed to be worn in conjunction WITH a lifejacket
• UK/1.6, Immersion suits and anti-exposure suits designed to be worn WITHOUT a life jacket
More information
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000
Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/mca