ISO 15027-2:2012

Overview - ISO 15027-2:2012 (Immersion suits - Abandonment suits)

ISO 15027-2:2012 specifies performance and safety requirements for abandonment immersion suits used in emergency situations to protect users from the effects of cold water immersion (cold shock and hypothermia). It applies to both dry and wet abandonment suits (but not constant-wear suits, which are covered in ISO 15027-1). Test methods are provided in ISO 15027-3. The standard is intended as a minimum performance benchmark for manufacturers, purchasers, regulators and users of marine and water‑sport personal protective equipment.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & purpose: Protection against cold shock and delayed onset of hypothermia; enables self‑extrication and aids rescue.
• Suit coverage: Abandonment suits must cover the whole body except the face; hoods must fit tightly around the face to limit water ingress. Hand and feet protection (integral or permanently attached) is required.
• Suit system definition: Manufacturer must declare the suit system, including recommended underclothing and any additional items.
• Thermal protection: Minimum insulation levels and guidance on thermal protection times relative to water temperature and wave state are specified to help estimate survivability.
• Performance and durability: Requirements include resistance to leakage, temperature cycling, foam flotation materials, and flammability considerations.
• Visibility & rescue aids: Conspicuity (high-visibility and retro‑reflective materials) and provisions for buddy lines to assist location and recovery.
• Accessories & compatibility: Additional items (e.g., items compliant with ISO 12402-8) are permitted if they do not impair suit performance.
• Marking & information: Requirements for product marking, manufacturer-supplied information, and consumer labeling at point of sale.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Manufacturers designing and certifying abandonment suits for commercial, offshore and leisure markets.
• Purchasers and procurement teams for vessels, offshore installations, SAR units and recreational craft seeking compliant PPE.
• Regulators and inspectors assessing conformity with recognized safety performance.
• Employers and safety managers responsible for crew and passenger survival equipment and training.
• Rescue services and designers of marine survival systems integrating suits with lifejackets and other life‑saving appliances.

Related standards and references

• ISO 15027-1 - Constant wear suits (requirements)
• ISO 15027-3 - Test methods for immersion suits
• ISO 12402 series - Personal flotation devices (lifejackets, materials, accessories)
• IMO Resolution A.658(16) - Retro‑reflective material use on life‑saving appliances

Keywords: ISO 15027-2, immersion suits, abandonment suits, cold water immersion, hypothermia protection, cold shock, marine safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), thermal protection time.