SOLAS Proteus Immersion Suit - MED & SOLAS Approved & Certified to LSA Code & IMO MSC 81

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What is an immersion suit used for?

An immersion suit is designed to protect the wearer from the effects of accidental immersion in water, helping reduce heat loss and delay hypothermia. Also known as an abandonment suit, it supports survival and recovery following an emergency at sea. 

I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd supplies immersion suits for commercial marine applications, including insulated SOLAS-approved models and non-insulated options.

Do immersion suits need to be SOLAS approved?

Where SOLAS requirements apply, immersion suits must meet the relevant approval requirements for their intended use. The specific equipment required depends on the vessel, its operation and applicable flag-state regulations.

I.C. Brindle supplies SOLAS and MED-approved immersion suits, including the Proteus, Mullion MAS III and Neptune models, alongside non-insulated alternatives such as the MK8 Intrepid Suit.

What other approvals do immersion suits carry?

Immersion suit approvals vary by model and intended application. In addition to SOLAS and MED approval, certain marine safety equipment may carry UK Marine Equipment Regulations (MER) approval and the Red Ensign mark, where applicable.

I.C. Brindle supplies immersion suits with different approval specifications. Check the individual product listing and certification documentation to confirm the approvals held by each model.

What is the difference between insulated and non-insulated immersion suits?

Insulated immersion suits, such as the Mullion MAS III immersion suit, provide thermal protection to help reduce heat loss during cold-water immersion. They are designed for situations where crew may be exposed to cold water and require greater thermal protection.

Non-insulated suits provide protection against immersion but less thermal protection than insulated suits. Their lightweight design may make them easier to put on, depending on the model. They may be suitable where the vessel's requirements and expected water temperatures allow for a non-insulated design.

For example, the IMO's International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code specifies that non-insulated immersion suits must limit the wearer's core body temperature drop to 2°C after one hour in water at 5°C, whilst insulated suits must meet this requirement after six hours in water at 0°C to 2°C (Chapter II, sections 2.3.2.1–2.3.2.2).

The correct choice depends on the vessel's requirements, expected water temperatures and applicable regulations. Check each suit's specifications and approval documentation before ordering.

How long does an immersion suit provide protection in water?

Protection time depends on the suit's design, insulation, approval standard and the conditions of immersion.

As previously stated above, the IMO's International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code specifies thermal performance tests* for non-insulated immersion suits over one hour in water at 5°C and for insulated suits over six hours in water at 0°C to 2°C (Chapter II, sections 2.3).

*Important Note: These are test conditions, not guaranteed survival times. Actual protection depends on environmental conditions, the wearer and the suit's performance. Always check the individual product specifications and approval documentation.

Is there a difference between an immersion suit and a survival suit?

Immersion suits and survival suits are both designed to help protect people in emergencies at sea. However, the name of a product alone does not tell you whether a suit is insulated, what approvals it carries or what level of protection it provides.

When choosing a suit, check its specifications, approvals and intended use to ensure it meets your vessel's requirements.

Are immersion suits suitable for offshore installations and workboats?

The type of immersion suit required depends on the vessel or installation, how it is used and the safety regulations that apply. Approval and thermal protection requirements vary depending on the application.

I.C. Brindle supplies immersion suits for commercial marine use, including SOLAS-approved and non-insulated options. Check the individual product specification and relevant requirements before selecting a suit.

How do I choose the correct immersion suit?

Choose an immersion suit that meets your vessel’s safety requirements and the conditions it will be used in. Check its approvals, thermal protection, size, glove type and compatibility with other safety equipment. Always check the product specifications and relevant regulations before ordering.

Our immersion suit range includes the Proteus, Mullion MAS III, Neptune (neoprene gloves and rubber gloves) and Intrepid Mk8. Compare the specifications and certification for each model before ordering.

How do I choose the right immersion suit size?

Choose a size based on the manufacturer's sizing chart, which typically uses the wearer's height and weight. The suit should fit correctly to provide the intended protection and allow you to put it on quickly in an emergency. Always check the sizing information for the specific model before ordering.

I.C. Brindle supplies immersion suits in a range of sizes, including universal and extra-large options on selected models. The suit should fit correctly allowing sufficient room for clothing intended to be worn underneath.

Do immersion suits need to be worn with a lifejacket?

Some immersion suits are designed to be worn with a compatible, approved lifejacket, while others may have integrated buoyancy features. The correct arrangement depends on the suit's design and approval*.

For example, the SOLAS Proteus immersion suit is specified for use with a compatible SOLAS/MED-approved lifejacket. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and check compatibility before use.

*Important Note: An immersion suit does not automatically replace a required lifejacket, even if it provides buoyancy. Check the suit's approval, the manufacturer's instructions and the requirements applicable to your vessel.

How quickly should an immersion suit be put on?

The time required to don an immersion suit depends on its design, the wearer and the conditions. Crew members should practice putting the suit on so they understand the correct procedure and can don it efficiently in an emergency.

The MCA’s Fishermen’s Safety Guide advises* that wearers should be able to put on an immersion suit unaided within two minutes and recommends practicing putting it on (MCA, Fishermen’s Safety Guide, 2020, p. 37).  

*Important Note: This guidance applies to fishing vessels and should not be interpreted as a universal requirement for all vessel types. Always check the regulations and requirements applicable to the specific vessel and immersion suit.

Are immersion suits available with different glove types?

Yes. I.C. Brindle supplies Neptune immersion suit options with different glove configurations, for example, the Neptune suit has both neoprene gloves and rubber gloves variations.

The main difference is the glove material. Check the individual product specifications to confirm the required configuration for your intended application.

How long does an immersion suit last?

Service life depends on the suit's condition and maintenance history, so always follow the manufacturer's guidance on inspection, servicing and replacement.

Immersion suits need regular inspection and maintenance to remain in good condition. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable regulations for inspection, testing and servicing. Any damaged or unsatisfactory suits should be assessed and repaired, serviced or replaced.

How often should an immersion suit be inspected?

Under SOLAS, immersion suits must be inspected monthly. Suits stored using conventional methods require a physical inspection (not in airtight packaging), in line with MCA guidance on immersion suits (MCA, MGN 529, sections 1.1 and 1.3).

The MCA's guidance on periodic surveys of life-saving appliances also advises crew to inspect suits before every voyage or at least every three months, and states that suits should be carefully examined at each survey (MCA, MSIS 14, Chapter 3, section 3.16).

Checks should look for visible damage, deterioration, faulty seals or zips, and problems with accessories. Follow the inspection requirements for your vessel and suit, and keep records in line with your vessel's procedures.

How often should immersion suits be serviced?

Servicing intervals depend on the suit's manufacturer, model, approval and applicable requirements. The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidance on immersion suits includes recommendations for air-pressure testing, servicing. These recommendations may not apply to every immersion suit, so always check the manufacturer's guidance and the requirements for your specific suit (MCA, MGN 529, section 2.2).

Do immersion suits need to be tested after purchase?

Not necessarily immediately after purchase. Immersion suits should be inspected, maintained and tested in accordance with the requirements applicable to the suit and vessel, and the manufacturer's instructions.

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidance on immersion suits discusses periodic air-pressure testing to help assess the integrity of suit seams and closures (MCA, MGN 529, section 1.2). The applicable testing requirements depend on the specific suit and its maintenance instructions.

Check the manufacturer's documentation and the suit's maintenance history to establish when testing is due. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use an appropriate service provider where required. 

*Important Note: The immersion suits in our range are not supplied in airtight packaging. The specific servicing recommendations in MCA MGN 529, section 2.2, relating to suits stored in airtight packaging may therefore not apply. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the requirements applicable to your suit.

Can immersion suits be repaired if they are damaged?

How should immersion suits be stored?

Immersion suits should be stored in their designated bags or containers, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Storage arrangements should protect them from damage, contamination and conditions that could cause deterioration.

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidance for surveyors on life-saving appliances states that storage conditions must not adversely affect the suit. Suits should be kept in readily accessible locations so they can be collected quickly and easily when needed (MCA, MSIS 14, Chapter 20, section 20.1.8).

Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions and check suits regularly for signs of damage or deterioration.

What documentation is supplied with an immersion suit?

Documentation varies by model but may include technical datasheets, approval certificates and other manufacturer information. These documents help confirm the suit's specification, intended use and applicable approvals.

I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd provides supporting documentation for selected products on its product pages, such as datasheets and certifications where applicable. Check the relevant listing or contact us if you require specific certificates for procurement or vessel compliance records.

Do you supply immersion suits for commercial vessels?

Yes. I.C. Brindle supplies a range of immersion suits for commercial marine applications, including insulated SOLAS-approved suits and non-insulated models. Options include the Proteus, Mullion MAS III, Neptune and Intrepid Mk8.

Compare each model's specification, sizing and approval documentation to identify the appropriate suit for your vessel. If you need help selecting a model, contact I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd.