The next generation of offshore crew PPE
An innovative new lifejacket has been designed with the day-to-day tasks and challenges facing offshore workers firmly in mind.
The Viking YouSafe Vanguard inflatable lifejacket has been developed after the leading supplier asked designers to return to first principles and deliver a versatile, high-quality product to meet new standards of comfort and safety in order to ensure compliance. Developed to meet (275N) offshore industry standards, the new lifejacket is SOLAS/MED-approved and CE/ISO-accredited.
“Based on customer feedback, our designers continuously refine our safety products on the reality that if they are not worn correctly, they won’t work correctly,” says Global Product Manager Bettina Kjaergaard, Viking Life-Saving Equipment. “Compliance is a given for the offshore industries and the Viking YouSafe Vanguard features fully tested and proven solutions in that respect, but lifejackets are also workwear: comfort and versatility help crews and engineers stay safe as they work day-in, day-out.”
Forming the jacket to redistribute weight away from the neck and shoulder area and provide more space for mobility provided a special design focus, where user movements are often affected by needing to wear a helmet and communications gear. The lifejacket also includes high-visibility colours to attract user attention immediately to specific features in emergency situations, a new webbing system designed for easy and intuitive donning and a snug, comfortable fit.
“Staying at the forefront of lifejacket design depends on responding to specific market demands: The Viking YouSafe Vanguard demonstrates our awareness of the tasks offshore crews face over extended periods at sea,” says Bettina Kjaergaard. “Body-fit, freedom of movement, efficiency in securing straps and even aesthetics impact their willingness to wear a lifejacket properly and remain compliant in pressure situations.”
Given that the offshore workforce can be deployed over a wide area, the new lifejacket is also designed for multiple jurisdictions. In addition to SOLAS compliance, the lifejacket also includes front and back inspection windows featuring single point indicators on inflator readiness to comply with the EU’s latest Directive on PPE.
Headquartered in Esbjerg, Denmark, VIKING products are manufactured in Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Greece, China and Thailand.
Connect with Viking Life Saving Equipment at Seawork Connect from 5th -7th October
