The fast donning capability of a new immersion suit from VIKING Life-Saving Equipment is a key feature designed for emergency situations, meeting US-specific requirements.
The leading provider of safety solutions for commercial shipping has introduced the VIKING YouSafe™ Crest (PS2016) immersion suit. This suit is designed to provide six hours of thermal protection in cold water conditions for fleets operating under US Coastguard regulations.
Constructed from durable and buoyant neoprene, the suit comes in three updated sizes to ensure a snug fit for a wide variety of body types in the maritime field. Key safety features include reinforced soles, inflatable buoyancy to enhance movement, high-visibility reflective trim, and a bright yellow hood to increase visibility in both daylight and dark waters.
For users on ships registered in the US or docking at US ports, the most significant benefits come from the suit's design, which optimizes donning speed.
“Quick donning is essential in emergencies, and that’s been a major focus in developing the YouSafe™ Crest immersion suit,” explained Camilla Schultz Georgsen, Product Manager PPE Marine at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment. “The US Coastguard has approved the use of the Aquaseal plastic zipper, which offers a fast and reliable closure and requires less maintenance compared to traditional metal zippers. The suit also features detachable gloves, allowing users to put it on quickly, zip it up, and make adjustments without wasting time wrestling with bulky gloves.”
Being able to remove the gloves also simplifies tasks like tying lines or handling whistles, she added.
The VIKING YouSafe™ Crest immersion suit includes additional safety features, such as an integrated inflatable head support that aids flotation and helps keep the user in the right position to ensure clear airways. The buoyancy from the neoprene material and the head support means the user does not need an extra flotation device, like a lifejacket.
When addressing safety needs, owners and operators often prioritize larger investments, but donning speed is crucial for immersion suit users in emergencies, Schultz Georgsen noted.
“This is what makes the VIKING YouSafe™ Crest suit exceptional in an emergency. It’s also vital for customers to know that it is available in standardized specifications and on a scalable production basis to meet US Coastguard requirements. A launch discount for the VIKING YouSafe™ Crest suits will apply until October 2026,” she added.
Support for the suit comes from VIKING’s authorized service network, which provides maintenance, documentation, and compliance without unnecessary complications, along with periodic formal services and pressure testing of material quality, aging, and seam integrity to ensure watertight reliability.
For more information, please reach out to Camilla Schultz Georgsen, Product Manager PPE Marine at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, email: [email protected].