Development of New RAN Personal Lifesaving Equipment

摘要

The Evacuation and Lifesaving unit of the RAN Navy Engineering Division has conducted a literature review of personal lifesaving equipment. The findings have influenced further research and experimental trials to update the requirements for personal lifesaving equipment for both Navy and Army. Trials have indicated the current RAN abandon ship lifejacket (essentially a 1950s design) and the current abandon ship suit (a 1980s design), had never had their integration assessed. Further to this, testing showed discrepancies against contemporary requirements. This has led to the development of a new Personal Abandonment Lifejacket & Suit (PALS) concept. The revised requirements consider aspects, including airway clearance, body thermal protection and a waist belt pouch to protect the PALS when worn at Action stations. Modern packaging will allow servicing intervals to be increased to 5 years, thus reducing onboard maintenance. Existing commercial standards are modified where necessary to include the additional military requirements. In addition to PALS, there are currently several lifejackets that both Navy and Army use for very similar operations. The Multi Purpose Lifejacket (MPL) will rationalise these. The operational requirements for both Navy and Army have been considered. Buoyancy trials have shown the need to focus on improved lifejacket fit and additional buoyancy for heavily encumbered personnel. Further research with a marine manikin in a wave tank will address the issue of maintaining an airway when encumbered with equipment.