New immersion suit supports US Coast Guard compliance while enhancing crew safety
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, a leading provider of maritime safety solutions, has launched the VIKING YouSafe ™ Crest immersion suit as a standardised offering designed to deliver up to six hours of thermal protection in cold-water conditions for fleets operating under US Coast Guard jurisdiction.
Made out of durable and naturally buoyant neoprene, the new suit comes in three updated sizes to ensure watertight protection for the full range of body types involved in modern seafaring. Notable safety features include reinforced soles, inflatable buoyancy for better freedom of movement, high-vis reflective trim, and a yellow hood to attract attention in daylight or dark waters.
For users onboard ships flagged to the US or calling in US-administered ports, though, the most impactful gains will result from features VIKING has designed-in to the VIKING YouSafe ™ Crest suit to accelerate donning speeds.
“Donning when every second counts has been a key driver in developing the YouSafe™ Crest immersion suit,” said Camilla Schultz Georgsen, Product Manager PPE Marine, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment. “The US Coastguard has approved use of the Aquaseal plastic zipper, which offers fast and dependable closure, and needs less maintenance than a conventional metal zipper. The Crest also comes with detachable gloves, with hands free to put it on quickly, close the zipper, and make adjustments without losing critical time by struggling with bulky gloves.”
Being able to take off gloves also made tasks such as attaching lines or handling whistles easier, she said.
The VIKING YouSafe™ Crest (PS2016) immersion suit also offers other safety gains, with an integrated inflatable head support assisting flotation and holding the user in position to maintain clear airways. The buoyancy effects of the suit’s neoprene material and the inflated head support mean that the user has no need for any additional flotation device, including a life jacket.
When considering safety needs, owners and operators sometimes think about big ticket items first, but donning speed is critical for the immersion suit user in an emergency, said Schultz Georgsen.
“That makes the VIKING YouSafe ™ Crest suit special when it’s needed in an emergency, but it’s also important for customers to know that it is supplied in standardised specifications and on a scalable production basis to meet US Coastguard expectations when buyers need it.” A launch discount would also apply to VIKING YouSafe™ Crest suits until October 2026, she said.
Use is backed by VIKING’s authorised service network, which offers maintenance, documentation and compliance without unnecessary complexity, plus periodic formal services and pressure testing of material quality and ageing, adhesive joints and seams to ensure watertight integrity.
