QuestionsQuestions (MARINA FLAG STATE ADMINISTRATION ADVISORY NO. 2011-06)
It advises shipowners/operators of Philippine registered cargo ships engaged in international voyages on the carriage requirements for immersion suits, consistent with PD 474, E.O. 125/125-A, and SOLAS 1974 (as amended), including inspection and maintenance rules.
To all shipowners/operators with Philippine registered cargo ships engaged in international trade, including ships documented for domestic trade but temporarily deployed in international trade.
An immersion suit of appropriate size and compliant with the International Life Saving Appliance (LSA) Code (as amended) must be provided for every person on board the ship, including supernumerary.
Two (2) additional immersion suits must be provided at the navigating bridge.
Two (2) additional immersion suits must be provided at the machinery space.
A minimum of two (2) lifejackets and two (2) immersion suits must be provided in areas where remotely located survival craft are stowed (for liferafts loaded at the aft/forward end and more than 100m from the closest survival craft), as referenced to SOLAS Regulation 111/31.1.4 and treated as remotely located under SOLAS Regulation 111/7.2.
Immersion suits must be placed so they are readily accessible and their position must be plainly indicated.
The crew must be familiar with the location of immersion suits and the methods of donning them.
Immersion suits are in addition to the life jackets required on board.
The manufacturer’s guide on inspection and maintenance must be followed to keep the immersion suits in good condition and ready for use.
They must be subjected to monthly shipboard inspection by the crew, following the Guidelines for monthly shipboard inspection under MSC Circular 1047.
If the suit is less than ten (10) years old, inspection is every three (3) years; otherwise, the interval is two (2) years, following MSC Circular 1114 guidelines for periodic testing of suit seams and closures.
Yes. The Advisory states that the inspection may be delegated to Recognized Organizations.
For ships other than bulk carriers that are constantly engaged on voyages in warm climate, the immersion suit requirements do not apply.
A 'voyage in warm climate' means voyages within the zone between latitudes of 30 degrees N and 30 degrees S.
No Exemption Certificate is required for this provision.
They must carry immersion suits regardless of the duration of the voyage.
PD 474, E.O. 125/125-A, and SOLAS 1974 (as amended), specifically consistent with the International Life Saving Appliance (LSA) Code and related SOLAS provisions on survival craft and immersion suits.
MSC Circular 1047 for monthly shipboard inspection guidelines and MSC Circular 1114 for guidelines on periodic testing of immersion/anti-exposure suit seams and closures.