Immersion suits are your best protection against exposure and cold in the water. Crew members have died because they didn't know how to put on a suit, or know where it was stored. You must carry an immersion suit for each crew member. Emergency procedure drills - including putting on an immersion suit - must be done at the start of the fishing season. If there is a change of crew, each new member must go through an emergency drill.

• Store suits in an area where they are easily accessible in an emergency.
• Take your suit out of storage regularly and try it on. Become comfortable with the suit and know how it works - don't wait for an emergency.
• Keep your suit in good condition.
• Regularly inspect your suit - for example, check the whistle, the light, the toggle, reflective tape, etc.
• Check the zipper's condition and lubricate it with a non-petroleum product such as beeswax.
• Do not dry your suit in direct sunlight; this can damage the fabric.
• Store your immersion suit according to the manufacturer's instructions.