EU vessel owners must ensure new fire-fighting suits meet stricter marine safety standards by June 2025, as updated marine equipment regulations take effect under MED (EU) 2024/1975.
Leading safety solutions provider Viking Life-Saving Equipment is urging fleet managers to conduct risk assessments to ensure compliance.
“There has been widespread acknowledgement that seafarers need more protection, including from electric vehicle and battery fires, and in enclosed spaces,” said Charlotte Nielsen, product manager PPE at Viking Life-Saving Equipment.
“Owners recognise these needs, but the most extensive fire suit rule changes for two decades are entering into force with unusual speed.”
Better protection
The new rules mandate that all fire-fighting suits on commercial marine vessels must meet ‘Level 2’ protection, enhancing heat resistance, water penetration protection and breathability.
Existing ‘Level 1’ suits remain compliant until worn out but must be replaced with Level 2 models thereafter. The UK has already incorporated ‘Y2’ moisture protection into legislation.
To avoid compliance issues with Port State Control, Viking advises shipowners to conduct risk assessments on the condition and certification of suits and update vessel Safety Management Systems.
Viking has sold Level 2 marine fire-suits since 2016 - all meeting X2 and Z2 protection levels.
As new MED regulations enter into force, the safety solutions provider expects a significant number of non-EU countries to follow.
