Thermal Protective Aid
A Thermal Protective Aid (TPA) is an aluminized polyethylene suit with heat sealed seams that protects from the elements and prevents hypothermia.
It is defined by the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code[1] as follows:
A thermal protective aid shall be made of a waterproof material having a thermal conductance of not more than 7,800 W/(m2K) and shall be so constructed that, when used to enclose a person, it shall reduce both the convective and evaporative heat loss from the wearer's body.
The thermal protective aid shall:
1. cover the whole body of persons of all sizes wearing a lifejacket with the exception of the face. Hands shall also be covered unless permanently attached gloves are provided; 2. be capable of being unpacked and easily donned without assistance in a survival craft or rescue boat; and 3. permit the wearer to remove it in the water in not more than 2 min, if it impairs ability to swim.
The thermal protective aid shall function properly throughout an air temperature range -30°C to +20°C.
— International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
Every survival craft should have 2 thermal protective aid suits or 10% of its total carrying capacity whichever is greater.[2] For the purpose of high visibility in all weather conditions the suit is coloured in international orange.[3]
Some manufacturers currently construct suits with discrete size bands (XS–XXL) and others of a single ‘universal’ size.[4] Due to its usage conditions it should be suitable to be worn over bulky clothing and lifejacket.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) (1974-11-01). "International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code". Department Of Foreign Affairs And Trade Canberra. Retrieved 2017-05-11.
- ^ Thermal Protective Aid – Requirements as per SOLAS
- ^ Thermal Protective Aid (TPA) and Immersion suits
- ^ MarED Doc-ID 15-541r10 Q LSA 073 200217
- ^ SOLAS approved Thermal Protective Aid (TPA)