BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada
Module 07 - Emergency Preparedness
Cold Water/Weather Survival Gear
If you plan to operate in the early spring, late fall or in other cold environments, you and your passengers should always make use of cold weather and cold water protection gear. You can protect yourself by wearing a lifejacket or PFD and multiple layers of dry, light clothing and a water or wind proof outer layer. Gear specifically designed for cold environments offers better protection from the elements and can delay the effects of hypothermia. Examples include:
- Wet suits: Wet suits trap and heat water against the body and should be used with a flotation device
- Dry suits: Dry suits remain dry on the inside and should be used with a flotation device and thermal liner
- Survival suits: Survival suits help retain body heat and work as full body flotation devices
- Immersion suits: Immersion suits are to be used in extreme conditions when abandoning a vessel
- Exposure coveralls: Exposure coveralls are a PFD with thermal protection
Be sure to choose cold weather protection gear that is appropriate to the temperature and your planned operating environment. Knowing how your equipment works in the water is also important. Test your equipment in a warm swimming pool or in calm water before you need it in an emergency.
