Draft

Merchant Shipping Notice XX of 2022

File No: 25-17011/62/2020-NT - DGS Dated: xx.xx.2022

Subject; - Clarification regarding carriage requirements for immersion suits - reg.

Immersion suit is defined under regulation III/3.7 of the SOLAS Convention and rule

2 (k) of the Merchant Shipping (Lifesaving Appliances) Rules, 1991, as amended. As per the

definition, Immersion suit is a protective suit which reduces the body heat loss of a person

wearing it in cold water.

2. The carriage requirements of the immersion suits on board is specified under SOLAS

regulation III/7.3, III/22.4, III/32.3 and under other IMO Codes such as MODU Code, SPS

Code, HSC Code, etc as applicable. Rule 7 (6), 29 and 36(10) of the MS (LSA) Rules, 1991

also specify the carriage requirements of immersion suits on board Indian vessels.

3. The aforesaid regulations also states that if the vessel is constantly engaged in warm

climates where, in opinion of the Administration thermal protection is unnecessary, this

protective clothing need not be carried. Accordingly, this Directorate had provided exemption

to all cargo ships, other than bulk carriers as defined in SOLAS Reg. IX/1 from requirements

of carriage of immersion suits as stipulated in SOLAS Reg. III/32.3.2, when the vessel was

constantly plying on or around Indian coast including areas specified under DGS Circular

LSA/NT/LSA/01/10 dated 03.08.2010.

4. This Directorate had received queries with regard to the applicability of the said

exemption to passenger vessels including HSC, MODU and SPS vessels. It is clarified that the

said immersion suit exemption is applicable to the vessels specifically mentioned in the said
circular under regulation III/32.3.2 of the SOLAS only and not applicable for other types of

the vessels including passenger ships, HSC, MODU and SPS vessels.

5. This is issued with approval of the Nautical Advisor to the Government of India (i/c).

(Capt. PC Meena)
Nautical Surveyor cum DDG(Tech.)