Using an immersion suit, also known as a survival suit, involves a specific and rapid donning process designed to maximize your chances of survival in cold water by providing thermal insulation and buoyancy. The primary goal is to put it on correctly and swiftly to prepare for extreme conditions.
Essential Steps for Donning an Immersion Suit
Effectively using an immersion suit involves a clear, sequential process focusing on quick and secure deployment. Follow these steps to ensure proper fit and functionality:
1. Preparation and Initial Positioning
Before attempting to don the suit, ensure you have enough space and the suit is ready for use.
- Roll the suit out on deck and sit on it. This initial position allows for easier entry and keeps the suit organized.
2. Donning the Lower Body
Getting your legs into the suit is the first critical step for a smooth entry.
- Insert your legs into the suit.
- Utilize plastic bags over your feet or lower legs to make the process significantly easier by reducing friction against the suit's material. This practical tip can save valuable time in an emergency.
3. Donning the Upper Body – Strategic Arm Placement
The order of arm insertion is crucial for maintaining control and ease of movement during the final stages of donning.
- Place your non-dominant arm into the suit first. For right-handed individuals, this means the left arm goes in first; for left-handed individuals, the right arm goes in first.
- Place your dominant arm in last. This allows you to use your dominant hand to assist with the initial entry of the non-dominant arm and to make final adjustments with greater dexterity.
4. Final Adjustments and Security
Once the suit is on, securing all components is paramount for safety and effectiveness.
- Make sure that all straps and hoses are secure to avoid being snagged or injured. Properly secured straps ensure the suit fits snugly, preventing water ingress and maximizing thermal retention. Hoses, if present (e.g., for inflation or communications), must also be secured to prevent damage or interference.
Donning Procedure Summary
The table below summarizes the key steps for quickly and correctly putting on an immersion suit:
| Step | Action | Key Tip/Reason for Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Suit Prep | Roll out suit, sit on it. | Prepares suit for easy access; provides stable base. |
| 2. Leg Entry | Insert legs into suit. | Use plastic bags over feet/legs to reduce friction for faster entry. |
| 3. Non-Dominant Arm | Place non-dominant arm into suit first. | Allows dominant hand to assist and maintain control. |
| 4. Dominant Arm | Place dominant arm last. | Completes arm insertion, enables final adjustments with precision. |
| 5. Securement | Secure all straps and hoses. | Prevents snagging, injury, and ensures suit's thermal and buoyancy integrity. |
Practical Insights for Optimal Use
Beyond the basic steps, remember that practice is key to donning an immersion suit quickly. These suits are often bulky, and familiarity with their design can significantly cut down deployment time in a real emergency. Ensure you understand the location of all zippers, toggles, and any integrated components like lights or whistles.
An immersion suit is a vital piece of personal protective equipment for anyone working or traveling in cold-water environments. Knowing how to put it on efficiently can be the difference in a survival situation.
