The lifejacket has been designed with the day-to-day tasks and challenges of offshore workers in mind, targeting the oil & gas and wind energy markets. The product meets 275N offshore industry standards, and is SOLAS/MED-approved and CE/ISO-accredited
Consultations between VIKING Life-Saving Equipment and its expanding portfolio of offshore clients has bought the new lifejacket to the offshore market, with new features overcoming longstanding safety challenges faced by offshore crews and maintenance personnel.
The VIKING YouSafe Vanguard inflatable lifejacket is a high-quality product meeting the standards of comfort and safety expected from the company.
“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,” said global product manager Bettina Kjaergaard.
“Compliance is a given for the offshore industries and the VIKING YouSafeTM 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.”
Weight is redistributed away from the neck and shoulder area, in order to provide more space for mobility. The jacket also includes high-visibility colours to attract user attention to specific emergency features. A new webbing system has been adopted for easy and intuitive donning and a comfortable fit.
“Staying at the forefront of lifejacket design depends on responding to specific market demands: The VIKING YouSafeTM Vanguard demonstrates our awareness of the tasks offshore crews face over extended periods at sea,” continued 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.”
Along with SOLAS compliance, the jacket includes front and back inspection windows with single point indicators on inflator readiness, conforming to the EU's latest directive on PPE.
Every lifejacket is supplied with its own digital identifier, allowing VIKING to offer full track and trace capability and to maintain up-to-date records for servicing and replacement.
