TPA or Thermal Protective aid
A TPA is a bag or suit made of waterproof material with low thermal conductance (thermal conductance of not more than 7,800 K⋅m2/W). Every survival craft should have 2 thermal protective aid suits or 10% of its total carrying capacity whichever is greater. The material used to make TPA is usually aluminized polyethylene suit with sealing to reduce both convective and evaporative heat loss from wearer’s body.
Additional Requirements for Thermal Protective Aid
A TPA shall
- be made of a waterproof material having a thermal conductance of not more than 7,800 K⋅m2/W 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.
- 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;
- Be capable of being unpacked and easily donned without assistance in a survival craft or rescue boat;
- Permit the wearer to remove it in the water in not more than 2 min, if it impairs the ability to swim.
The thermal protective aid shall function properly throughout an air temperature range -30°C to +20°C.
The aid is not recommended to be used in water, however, if the wearer enters the water, it can be removed quickly.
Dear Sir,
Please clarify Is any validation for Thermal Protective aids? If the condition is good can retain the same in liferafts?
Regards,
Hello Sir, Please note all TPA during production have test standards as per LSA code 2017 ref.: Testing and Evaluation of Life-Saving Appliances -> Part 1 -> Prototype Tests for LSA -> 3.3 (Thermal Protective aid for survival crafts pg. 106).
However, Repair of thermal protective aids is not generally economically viable. It should be replaced by new equipment whenever necessary.
To answer your question, Yes if the condition is good, same can be retained in liferafts as long as it is in good condition.
Thanks for this informative article. If I may add, those are additional requirements for TPAs:
All passenger ships shall carry for each lifeboat on the ship a thermal protective aid for every person to be accommodated in the lifeboat and not provided with an immersion suit. These thermal protective aids need not be carried :
.1 for persons to be accommodated in totally or partially enclosed lifeboats; or
.2 if the ship is constantly engaged on voyages in warm climates where, in the opinion of the Administration, they are unnecessary.
Hi
My question is some of the tpa mentioned prodection date.what is life time.if any validity on that