The Vietnamese and Swiss Government have notified of carriage of immersion suits for that flagged ships as follows.

1. The Vietnamese Flag

(1) A ship other than a bulk carrier, as defined in SOLAS Chapter IX Reg.1, as amended, which is constantly engaged on voyages in warm climates of the sector of the globe, between latitude 25 degrees North and 25 degrees South, may be exempted from SOLAS Chapter III Reg.32.3, provided that the exemption is subject to official approval of Vietnam Register Head Office for each specific case.
(2) A Workstation is any place of the ship where the crew is occupied performing its normal duties except watch keeping duties. Remotely located workstations are those located more than 100 m, measured horizontally, from the place where the immersion suits are stowed. If a ship has such remotely located workstations, additional immersion suits to be provided at these locations for the number of persons normally working at those locations (one immersion suit for each person).
(3) A Watch station is any place of the ship where the crew performs its normal watch keeping duties (wheel house, engine control room, etc.). Remotely located watch stations are those located more than 50 m, measured horizontally, from the place where the immersion suits are stowed. If a ship has such remotely located watch stations, additional immersion suits to be provided at these locations for the number of persons normally working at those locations (one immersion suit for each person).
(4) According to SOLAS Chapter III Reg.7.3, an immersion suits to be provided for every person assigned to crew the rescue boat. The immersion suits provided as per Reg.32.3 are also considered to be complied with Reg.7.3.
(5) A ship shall continue to carry the number of lifejackets required by SOLAS Chapter III Reg.7.2, even if the immersion suits onboard are classified as lifejackets.
(6) Technical Information 021KT/05TB.E must be placed on board ships flying Vietnamese flag.
(To be continued)