For anyone venturing onto the water, safety should always be the top priority. While life jackets are essential, they only address staying afloat. In the event of an unexpected fall into cold water, survival suits become your lifeline, significantly increasing your chances of survival. This article delves into the crucial world of survival suits for boaters, exploring suit types, materials, costs, approvals, and highlighting some of the best options in each category.
Types of Survival Suits
- Immersion Suits: These are the most common type, designed for short-term protection in cold water. They are typically made of neoprene, providing insulation and buoyancy.
- Offshore Suits: Built for harsher conditions and longer durations in the water, these suits offer increased thermal protection and features like double zippers and integrated hoods.
- Arctic Suits: For extreme cold environments, these suits boast thicker insulation and additional features like built-in hand and foot coverings.
Survival suits may come as one-piece suits covering the entire body or as two-piece suits with separate jackets and trousers. The choice depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the wearer.
Some survival suits are designed to be compact and easily stowable, making them suitable for limited storage spaces on vessels. These suits can be quickly donned during emergencies.
There are also Children’s Immersion Suits that specially designed for children provide the same level of protection in a size suitable for younger wearers.
Materials Matter
Neoprene is the most widely used material, offering good insulation and flexibility.
Neoprene, often hailed as a modern miracle material, stands unparalleled with its versatile qualities. This exceptional fabric boasts a unique combination of characteristics, making it a go-to choice for various applications. Not only does neoprene stretch and offer waterproof properties, but it can also be stitched or glued. With a vibrant array of colors, it serves as more than just a functional material – it’s a versatile and aesthetically pleasing option. Additionally, neoprene provides insulation in wet environments, exhibits abrasion resistance, and remains relatively cost-effective.
Often colloquially referred to as ‘rubber,’ neoprene is, in fact, a form of plastic. It originates as a powder known as polychloroprene, to which various ingredients are added to impart elasticity, foaming agents, color, adhesion, and other crucial properties. This concoction transforms into a pliable dough, undergoing a heat press to yield sheets of approximately 90″ x 53″.
For neoprene to excel, it must strike a delicate balance – snug enough for comfortable breathing yet tight enough to impede water flow. By entrapping water within the suit, the body warms it up. Neoprene’s secret lies in its composition of numerous small bubbles, with the trapped air serving as the insulating factor.
However, it can be prone to wear and tear. Other options include polyurethane, which is more durable but less flexible, and hybrid materials combining the strengths of both.
Cost Considerations
Survival suits range in price depending on quality, features, and certification. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 for a basic immersion suit to $2,000 or more for a high-end offshore suit. Remember, purchasing a quality suit is an investment in your safety, so don’t compromise on affordability.
Certifications and Approvals
Look for suits that meet international standards like SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) or USCG (United States Coast Guard) approval. These certifications ensure the suit meets specific safety and performance criteria.
Reputable Brands
Mustang Survival
Mustang Survival is recognized for its innovative and reliable marine safety products, including a range of immersion suits designed for different applications.
Survitec
Survitec is a global leader in survival and safety solutions, offering a variety of survival suits suitable for different maritime environments.
Hansen Protection
Hansen Protection specializes in manufacturing advanced survival suits for maritime, offshore, and aviation industries, known for their quality and durability.
Stearns
Stearns is a reputable brand offering a variety of water safety and survival products, including immersion suits designed for different water conditions.
Viking Life-Saving Equipment
Viking is a leading manufacturer of safety and survival equipment, providing a range of immersion suits for various marine and offshore applications.
Ocean Safety
Ocean Safety is known for its comprehensive range of marine safety equipment, including immersion suits designed to meet international safety standards.
Kent Safety Products
Kent Safety Products manufactures a variety of marine safety equipment, including survival suits that comply with industry standards for cold-water protection.
Crewsaver
Crewsaver is a well-known brand offering a diverse range of safety and survival equipment, including immersion suits suitable for professional and recreational use.
Hansen Maritime
Hansen Maritime is a trusted name in the maritime industry, producing high-quality survival suits designed for different environments and weather conditions.
Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen, known for its outdoor and maritime apparel, also manufactures survival suits designed for protection in cold water and extreme conditions.
Lalizas
LALIZAS manufactures safety marine equipment with a commercial presence in 130 countries around the world. The company holds a leading position in the European Marine market with decades of experience and expertise in lifesaving equipment.
Immersion Research
Immersion Research is a designer and manufacturer of paddling gear including dry suits, dry tops, paddle jackets, paddle pants, spray skirts, paddling specific layering, shorts, and accessories.
Top Contenders
Now, let’s dive into some of the best survival suits in each category:
Immersion Suits:
Mustang Survival Neoprene Cold Water Immersion Suit With Harness – Adult Universal
Designed for use in commercial operations, the new Immersion Suit from Mustang Survival is the ideal ship abandonment suit for workboats, transport vessels, drilling rigs, supply ships, steamships and commercial fishermen. Also suitable for the sailing community.
- Approval: USCG – UL1197 – Immersion Suits 160.171 – USCG/MED SOLAS 2010
- Polar Code Approved
- Easy to don in stormy conditions
- Five-fingered insulated gloves for warmth and dexterity
- Water-tight face seal
- Includes buddy line
- Includes retrieval harness rated to 1000lbs (454kg) dead-weight for minimum 10 min
- Ankle adjustments for a better fit
- 5mm fire retardant neoprene provides flotation and hypothermia protection
- Triple-sealed seam construction
- Non-slip, durable soles
Kent Uscg/Solas/Med Immersion Suit
- Hi-Vis yellow inflatable head pillow, face mask, mitts, and ankle adjustments for increased visibility in the water
- Head pillow provides additional buoyancy and stability; and is removable for easy servicing
- Neoprene pocket for PLB and attachment point that fits all personal locator lights
- Gloves are positioned so sleeves turn at the elbows for easy donning
- Three fingered glove for added warmth
- 5mm flame retardant neoprene
- SOLAS grade reflective material for increased visibility
- USCG approved/SOLAS compliant whistle attached
- Stainless steel lifting harness
Imperial Immersion Suit – Uscg Approved
USCG Approved for use on Commercial Fishing and Passenger Vessels, and recommended for all vessels operating in cold water. In production since 1969, the Imperial Survival Suit is meticulously crafted and pressure-tested upon completion, and was in fact the very first survival suit available for the maritime market. This version is available in four different sizes, and satisfies all USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel carriage requirements.
- Made of inherently buoyant 5mm neoprene
- 1-piece, sealed construction with snug-fitting face seal
- True to size with wide legs for quick donning
- Three-fingered mitt to increase dexterity
- Inflatable high-rider ring for additional freeboard
- Equipped with USCG whistle • Dual-zipper pull tabs
- SOLAS reflective tape for extra visibility
Offshore Suits:
Helly Hansen Men’s Ægir Ocean Dry Suit
The ÆGIR Ocean dry suit is developed with some of the worlds top Ocean sailors trough several Ocean race campaigns. The design have been tested in the harshest conditions sailing trough the South Ocean and is the best gear you can wear when sailing when the waves are sending ice cold water over deck. Utilizing the 5ply laminated HELLY TECH® Professional it withstands the harshest conditions and prolonged use suitable for crossings or oceans or circumnavigating the world.
STEARNS Cold-Water Immersion Suit
This immersion suit is highly buoyant and completely waterproof providing extended hypothermia protection in severe weather conditions. Made of 100% closed-cell, stretchable and flame-retardant neoprene material, Stearns’ Cold Water Immersion Suit ensures maximum protection and comfort in rough water. The face shield allows 120° of unrestricted visibility while protecting you from cold ocean spray. A waterproof zipper permits easy donning, yet seals out water while the attached, full-finger gloves protect your hands while you work.
SOLAS-grade reflective material increases visibility in hazardous conditions while the inflatable head support helps keep your head above water. Non-slip soles are durable and keep you from falling in slippery conditions. Stearns’ Cold Water Immersion Suit includes a safety whistle, light pocket and a storage bag with donning instructions.
- Stretchable flame retardant neoprene for ultimate protection
- Face shield for spray protection
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ SOLAS-grade reflective material with adhesive backing for increased visibility
- Pocket to store gear
- Five fingered integrated gloves to protect your hands from hypothermia
- Waterproof zipper to seal out water
- Durable, non-slip soles for better footing
- Inflatable head support to keep you afloat
- Air relief valves
- Generous fit for easy donning
Ursuit RDS WE
A special model of the popular RDS Rapid Donning Suit especially made to meet the demands of the offshore industry. Collar structure is open, which eases donning and enables ventilation in warm weather. Material is Gore-Tex® fabric based upon the ePTFE membrane, allowing vapour to get through but remaining completely watertight.
Seam construction double seams so that the seam will not open even when worn. Inside the seams are heat seal taped and reinforced to be 100 % watertight. The suit is equipped with several reflective tapes in right places, which assures visibility in all conditions. The soft and durable reflective tapes are developed by 3M in accordance with the directive on marine equipment. Socks made of same fabric as the suit itself enables use of any professional footwear. Knee and back reinforcements made of Cordura material. Attached hood, which protects against wind and rain. Separate 3 mm neoprene hood, which protects against cold water. Gloves are integrated 3mm 5-finger neoprene gloves in sleeve pockets.
Arctic Suits:
White Glacier Arctic 10+
Complies as an Immersion suit under the requirements of SOLAS, LSA y MSC 81(70) IMO and THE POLAR CODE.
Laboratory tested to 12+ hours in -30°C with wind (Arctic conditions).
Quick Don – easily donned in 1 minute.
Excellent flotation. Can be vertical in the water to call for help. Be seen, float above the waves.
Ability to remove the arms to eat, hydrate, perform first aid, operate radio, hygienic necessities,etc.
Protective cabin for protection from waves, rain, and wind.
Automatically regain core temperature even if donned wet.
Jump to the water from more than 10 meters without any harm to the suit.6.3 kilograms, folded 27″ x 14″ by 9″ (can be compressed).
Built-in rescue harness.
No need to inflate.
Low maintenance and much more durable than neoprene suits.
SOLAS approved reflective tape, whistle, buddy line, and locator light.Proven in Arctic and Antarctic waters.Made in the USA.
Survitec Arctic Immersion Suit
Designed for passengers in transit to extreme cold climates
The Arctic Suit was developed for the safe transportation of offshore personnel flying over water in extremely cold climates. It is manufactured from a durable Gore pacific tri-laminate, MVP material and features a fully integrated emergency breathing system (EBS). The thermal layering construction offers best in class protection and comfort. Premium technical textiles have been employed to optimise passive thermal insulation and thermal comfort to ensure maximum survivability in the event of an emergency ditching into freezing cold waters.
- Transport Canada Type approved
- Optimised for extreme cold water temperatures
- 4 layer thermal management solution
- 3D knit spacer protects against hydrostatic compression and maintains an insulating air gap
- Single chamber inflatable buoyancy with innovative integral inflatable hood and spray shield
- Ankles and shoulders release valves to vent residual to aid in an inverted helicopter escape scenario
- Fully enclosed EBS stowage designed to minimise potential snagging hazard and protect EBS and associated hoses
- Stowage enables
Remember:
Purchasing a survival suit is a crucial decision. Consider your boating habits, the waters you navigate, and your budget. Choose a suit that meets the necessary approvals and provides the right level of protection for your specific needs. Most importantly, ensure proper fit and practice donning the suit regularly for a swift and efficient response in an emergency.
Additional Tips:
- Inquire about rental options if boating infrequently.
- Regularly service and inspect your survival suit for any damage.
- Invest in additional safety gear like flares and signaling devices.
- Always check weather conditions and plan your voyage accordingly.
By prioritizing safety and equipping yourself with the right survival suit, you can navigate the waters with confidence, knowing you have an added layer of protection in case of unforeseen circumstances. Happy and safe boating!