VIKING unveils latest lifejacket

Offshore staff

ESBJERG, Denmark – VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has introduced the VIKING YouSafe Vanguard inflatable lifejacket.

Developed to meet (275N) offshore industry standards, the new lifejacket is SOLAS/MED-approved and CE/ISO-accredited.

Bettina Kjaergaard, global product manager at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, said: “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.

“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 colors 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. 

Kjaergaard added: “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, it also includes front and back inspection windows featuring single point indicators on inflator readiness to comply with the EU’s latest Directive on PPE.

Also, every lifejacket is supplied with its own digital identifier, enabling VIKING to offer full track and trace capability and to maintain up to date records for servicing and replacement.

08/11/2021