583-01 Ref 1.2.1 Immersion suit pressure test NVIC 01-08.pdf

This document is Enclosure (2) of the Navigation and Inspection Circular 01-08, containing guidelines for periodic testing of immersion suit seams and closures.

The guidelines establish a standardized procedure for conducting air pressure tests on immersion suits to identify leaks at seams and closure points. The testing process requires inserting a suitable head piece with air injection capability into the suit's face orifice and sealing it to minimize leakage around the face seal. For suits with detachable gloves and boots, the wrists and cuffs must be sealed using plastic pipe and wire ties or hose clamps. The suit should be fully zipped with any face flap closed, then inflated to a pressure of 0.7 to 1.4 kPa (0.1 to 0.2 psi), or to 0.7 kPa (0.1 psi) if auxiliary inflatable means are present. All seams, closures, oral tubes, attachment points, joints, and valves must be covered with soapy water solution to detect leaks through bubble propagation. If leakage is detected at a foot valve preventing pressure maintenance, those valves should be sealed for testing purposes.

Leaking areas identified during testing must be marked, cleaned, and dried before repair in accordance with the suit manufacturer's recommendations at an authorized repair station. The guidelines strongly recommend that air pressure testing be performed at shore-based facilities equipped for necessary repairs and staffed with trained personnel having access to original manufacturer instructions, parts, and adhesives. Testing may be conducted aboard ship only if suitable equipment is available. A "suitable repair station" is defined as one authorized by the suit manufacturer or acceptable to the OCMI as qualified to perform immersion suit repairs according to manufacturer specifications.