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

� 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: [email protected]

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

Updates to this page

Published 18 July 2023