USCG issued Safety Alert 003/26 for the immersion suit inspections & maintenance. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) inspectors frequently find immersion suit defects caused by adhesive failures between the main zipper and the suit body. These failures, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, compromise watertight integrity and pose serious survival risks from water ingress. Contributing factors to the defects include improper maintenance (e.g., the use of non-approved petroleumbased lubricants or scented powders), improper storage, and neglecting to conduct periodic pressure testing. Seam and closure deterioration may not always be detectable during routine visual inspections. Adhering to USCG regulations, manufacturer instructions, International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and guidance, and performing regular inspections and testing are essential to ensuring immersion suit reliability.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter III Regulations 20.3 and 20.7 establish mandatory requirements for maintenance and monthly inspections of lifesaving appliances. IMO MSC/Circ.1047 and IMO MSC/Circ.1114 provide guidelines on how to meet the requirements of SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 20.7 and Regulation 36, which outline instructions for on board maintenance. For domestic vessels, Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Sections 199.180 and 199.190 provide requirements for inspection and maintenance of USCG-approved immersion suits.