Regulatory changes require new firefighting suit standards
Shipowners and operators of EU-flagged vessels must ensure that all new firefighting suits meet enhanced protection standards by June 2025, according to VIKING Life-Saving Equipment.
The updated Marine Equipment Directive (MED) regulations (EU) 2024/1975 mandate that new firefighting suits comply with ‘Level 2’ standards, which provide enhanced protection against heat, water penetration, and breathability.
These requirements build on rules introduced in August 2024, which already require suits to be tested to EN469:2020 standards.
Existing ‘Level 1’ firefighting suits may remain in use until they are no longer fit for service.
However, once replaced, they must meet the Level 2 standard.
Enhanced protection requirements for firefighting suits
The Level 2 classification introduces additional safety measures designed for high-risk firefighting scenarios.
These include improved resistance to radiant and convective heat (X2), enhanced water penetration protection (Y2), and increased breathability (Z2).
The Y2 classification has been introduced to address rising concerns over electrical fires and high-volume water use in enclosed spaces.
Firefighting suits with Y2 protection include an extra moisture barrier to guard against steam burns and chemical exposure.
“There has been widespread acknowledgement that seafarers need more protection, including from electric vehicle and battery fires, and in enclosed spaces,” said Charlotte Nielsen, Product Manager PPE at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment.
Compliance checks advised for shipowners
To avoid potential issues with Port State Control inspections, shipowners should confirm that all new firefighting suits meet the Level 2 requirements at the time of purchase.
VIKING recommends fleet managers conduct risk assessments on their firefighting gear and update each vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS) to reflect the new standards.
“We recommend customers conduct risk assessments on the condition and certification of suits and update each vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS),” Nielsen added.
International impact of EU firefighting regulations
VIKING has been supplying Level 2 marine firefighting suits since 2016, with its existing models already meeting X2 and Z2 requirements.
With the new MED regulations coming into force, the company expects more non-EU countries to adopt similar standards.
The UK has already updated its legislation to reflect Y2 requirements.
VIKING has reported increased demand for its YouSafe Torch firefighting suit, which meets the Level 2 EN469:2020 standard.
“As a one-stop shop for marine life-saving equipment, we respond well ahead of the regulators, with a strong lead provided by the products we develop for land-based firefighting professionals,” Nielsen said.
EU shipowners must upgrade firefighting suits to Level 2 by June 2025: Summary
Shipowners operating EU-flagged vessels must ensure that all new firefighting suits meet Level 2 protection standards by June 2025, as required by MED regulations (EU) 2024/1975.
The updated rules introduce enhanced safety measures, including improved heat resistance (X2), water penetration protection (Y2), and breathability (Z2).
Existing Level 1 suits may remain in service but must be replaced with Level 2 models when no longer fit for use.
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment advises fleet managers to conduct risk assessments and update their vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure compliance.
The company expects more non-EU countries to follow the EU’s regulatory changes, with the UK already incorporating Y2 requirements into its legislation.