ISO 19912:2019 PDF

Overview

ISO 19912:2019 - Ships and marine technology - Servicing of immersion suits, anti-exposure suits and constant wear suits - specifies provisions for servicing stations that inspect, test, repair and record servicing of immersion suits, anti-exposure suits and constant-wear suits. Intended as a companion to IMO guidance and to ISO 18079-1, the standard standardizes servicing practices for life‑saving and personal protective suits used in maritime operations, supporting SOLAS requirements for routine and periodic inspection.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions - clear terms for immersion suit, anti-exposure suit, constant wear suit (including helicopter transit, passenger, rescue and flood response suits), dry/wet suits, inherent buoyant material and more.
• Servicing station provisions - requirements for authorized servicing and repair consistent with manufacturers’ manuals and ISO 18079-1.
• Inspection, testing and repair - systematic checks including:
  • visual inspection for rips, tears, punctures and moisture; removal and inspection of separable buoyancy/insulation materials
  • zipper and closure operation and lubrication per manufacturer instructions
  • inspection and leak testing of inflatable head support, buoyancy rings and inflation hoses
  • functional checks of valves, seals (neck, wrists, ankles), hoods, gloves, socks/boots, fastenings, straps, buckles and D‑rings
  • checks for retro‑reflective tape, whistle, life‑light (and battery expiry), buddy line, lifting straps/grab loops
  • repacking only when dry; packing/closure guidance per manufacturer
• Pressure testing - dry suits require a pressure test (Clause 6) to confirm integrity; repairs for leaks must follow manufacturer authorization.
• Records and documentation - servicing records, re‑inspection certificates, log cards, condemnation forms and exception/deficiency reports are mandated to maintain traceability and support compliance.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 19912:2019 is used by:

• Servicing stations and authorized repair facilities to establish standardized servicing processes for immersion and constant wear suits.
• Shipowners, ship operators and marine safety officers to ensure life‑saving suits aboard vessels meet inspection and maintenance expectations.
• Manufacturers and maritime administrations as a reference for repair authorization, training and acceptance criteria.
• Inspectors and classification bodies verifying compliance with SOLAS and national regulations.

Keywords: ISO 19912:2019, immersion suits servicing, anti-exposure suits, constant wear suits, servicing stations, pressure test, maritime safety, ISO 18079-1.

Related standards

• ISO 18079-1 - Servicing of inflatable life‑saving appliances - Part 1: General (referenced for servicing station requirements).
• ISO 18079-3 - Servicing of inflatable lifejackets (applicable when suits include integral inflatable lifejackets).
• IMO SOLAS guidance and recommendations (context for inspection periodicity and onboard checks).