Immersion Suits, what one is the best?

[madrock]

Is type approval/certification all that is available/required these days to be the answer?

Max, unfortunately the answer is yes. Contract awards in Canadian offshore suit contracts are awarded on a) best value (invariably lowest purchase price, as maintenance is included), and b) meet Canadian “dual approval” standards (Aviation and Marine).

I think there’s only 3 suits meeting both right now, so your choice is very limited. Problem is twofold – 1) relying on outdated standards for contract spec., and Certification cost in relation to total market size in Canada.

The standards are drafted by CGSB (depending who you work for, you may have a rep. on their committee/s) and sent to TC for approval. The Helicopter Passenger standard I think dates back nearly 10 years and CGSB has let’s say, been perambulatory in making forward progress. So because min. spec. is 10 years old and lowest price gets it, you probably won’t see many new groundbreaking designs on the table.

Cold weather operations technical requirements (testing methods, CLO values etc..etc..) aren’t always the same (Canada/Norway etc..), so good in one place may not be accepted in another.

With Design/Certification costs running say C$350k and up and a total market of say 1800 units, no other market willing to pay the price and standards don’t change (so the current contract holder can re-bid next contract using the original product), not a lot to get commercially excited about on 3 year contracts. Manufacturers have to expect a fair return for an improved product.

Best suits around would have to get thermal upgrades, but outside of the one's you already know about, try US Navy Special Ops. & USCG if you want to see some really good ideas (one of the benefits of Mil. Spec. suits what you want is what you get, not encumbered by civvy. Standards etc..).

Suit Standards for pilots vs.PAX are different in Canada.

Actually you may have more clout than you think, you just have to say the Offshore has “Special (Increased) Requirements”, push much much harder for the very latest technology (CGSB will invariably be quite a ways behind you), make lots and lots of “noise”, and I’m sure TC will “accommodate” your desire to utilize the safest product available.

Bottom line, always increase the spec., and be willing to pay for it !