Immersion suit tips

[corrirod]

These tips were given to me by Ken Lawrensen, USCG FV Safety, at the last TA meeting. By the way Ken, I think we need to change your moniker to "Coast Guard Ken" so you don't sound so formal! :grin:

--Always leave the zipper up about 3-4 inches. This way if you're clothes get caught as you're getting in, you still have extra room to move it down. There's also no fear of it coming off the track.

--Leave some plastic bags inside your suit so that when it comes time to use the suit, you can place a plastic bag over each foot. This allows your shoes to slip in easily without catching on the neoprene.

--When putting on the suit, always put your feet in first(using the above tip), then your weak arm next, then use your good arm to pull your hood over your head, then put your good arm in last. Putting both arms in makes trying to put your hood on almost impossible.

--Always practice putting on the suit while you are in a sitting position. Because most of us will be on small vessels, it is likely that the boat will be rocking severely and you will not be able to stand while putting your suit on. Thus the reason why you should practice while sitting on the ground.

--When you are not using your suit, be sure to take it out of the storage bag and hang it in a cool, dry place. This helps maintain the insulation properties of the suit. Places on the suit that are crimped, mainly due to folding, may lose their insulation value and also destroy that area over time. An Immersion Suit with holes in it is called a "Submersion" or perhaps a "Sub-arctic" suit, and that's not what we're going for! :grin:

--Make sure to attach reflectors, whistles, and even lights to the suit to make finding you even easier.

I would highly recommend bringing your equipment for Ken to check-out at any meeting he attends. He is a wealth of helpful information. Not just any information either, but information that will help keep you alive.

Sorry Ken, you probably won't have anytime to socialize at the TA meetings now! :tongue: But if you do get the chance to socialize I'll make sure at least one of your drinks is paid for!

[skein]

Good advice! I was standing there when he showed you those things, and in about two minutes I had picked up a couple of tips that could make all the difference: plastic bags over your shoes so they would slide in easily, and pulling the hood up before putting your second arm in the suit.

Good stuff coming from a guy who knows. Thanks, Ken, for helping us out.

Skein

Tip #1 Never give your suit away :depressed:

[Miss B Haven]

A little Tuna greese and you'll slide right in, no plastic bags required! :grin:

[edsr]

Rod, I don't have a suit but those are really good, practical tips. I arrived late so didn't hear that conversation. Good info.

edsr

[Hamachi]

Excellent post, Corrirod.

Thanks for the info.