Viking launches the Viking YouSafe™ Vanguard lifejacket

Viking Life-Saving Equipment has developed a new lifejacket, designed to overcome longstanding safety challenges facing offshore crews and maintenance personnel in the oil and gas and wind energy markets.

The Viking YouSafe™ Vanguard inflatable lifejacket meets 275N offshore industry standards and is SOLAS/MED-approved and CE/ISO-accredited.

“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,” says Bettina Kjaergaard, global product manager at Viking.

“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.”

Viking says the jacket is designed to redistribute weight away from the neck and shoulder area and provide more space for mobility, where user movements are often affected by needing to wear a helmet and communications gear. The lifejacket also includes high-visibility colours, a new webbing system designed 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 YouSafe Vanguard demonstrates our awareness of the tasks offshore crews face over extended periods at sea,” continues 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.”

The new lifejacket is designed for multiple jurisdictions and includes front and back inspection windows featuring single point indicators on inflator readiness to comply with the EU’s latest directive on PPE. Every lifejacket is supplied with its own digital identifier, which Viking says enables it to offer full track and trace capability and maintain up to date records for servicing and replacement.