What are the requirements of Immersion Suit as per SOLAS?

Definition:

Immersion suit is a protective suit which reduces the body   heat loss of a person wearing it in cold water.

Type:

1.  With Lifejacket 
2.  Without Lifejacket
3.  Insulated
4.  Non- insulated

MADE:

Non Flammable and water proof material such that it shall not sustain burning or continues melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 sec.

COLOUR:

Internationally RED in colour, highly visible.

The immersion suit shall be so constructed such that:

General requirements:

• it can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min, taking into account any associated clothing, and a lifejacket if the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket;
• it will cover the whole body with the exception of the face. Hands shall also be covered unless permanently attached gloves are provided;
• it is provided with arrangements to minimize or reduce free air in the legs of the suit;
• It allows to climb up and down a vertical ladder at least 5 m in length;
• It allows to perform normal duties associated with abandonment;
• It allows to jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water without damaging or dislodging the immersion suit, or being injured;
• It allows to swim a short distance through the water and board a survival craft.

An immersion suit made of material which has no inherent insulation shall be (in addition to the general requirements) :

• marked with instructions that it must be worn in conjunction with warm clothing;
• so constructed that, when worn in conjunction with warm clothing, it gives thermal protection such that, the wearer’s body core temperature does not fall more than 2°C for a period of 1h in calm circulating water at a temperature of 5°C.

An immersion suit made of material with inherent insulation Shall (in addition to the general requirements):

• ensure that the wearer’s body core temperature does not fall more than 2°C after a period of 6h immersion in calm circulating water at a temperature of between 0°C and 2°C.

Note:

An immersion suit which also complies with the requirements of life-jackets may be classified as a life-jacket. It shall be fitted with a light and the whistle complying with the requirements for life-jackets.

 If the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, the lifejacket shall be worn over the immersion suit. A person wearing such an immersion suit shall be able to don a lifejacket without assistance.