The importance of waterproof clothing in maritime environments

Working conditions at sea require adequate protection against the elements. Foul weather gear for sailors is not just a barrier against rain or splashes: it is a key component to ensure safety, visibility, and thermal comfort during long working hours on board fishing vessels, merchant ships, or cruise liners.

On deck, crew members are exposed to wind, constant humidity, heavy rain, waves, and low temperatures. These conditions not only affect physical performance but also increase the risk of workplace accidents, especially from falls, slips, or impacts during delicate maneuvers. Waterproof clothing without proper certifications can become saturated with water, reduce visibility in low-light conditions, and compromise worker safety.

That is why shipowners, safety managers, and fleet operators must ensure their crew has technical clothing that complies with current regulations, is resistant, durable and ergonomic, and adapted both to deck maneuvers and work in damp interior areas.

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European regulations applicable to high-visibility and protective clothing

The choice of foul weather gear for sailors cannot depend solely on comfort or aesthetics. Garments must be certified in accordance with specific European regulations, ensuring their effectiveness under extreme conditions of humidity, reduced visibility, and low temperatures.

The most relevant standards for this type of clothing are:

  • EN ISO 13688:2013: Establishes the general requirements for protective clothing, including ergonomics, harmlessness, sizing, strength, and labeling. It serves as the reference framework for any work garment.

  • EN ISO 20471:2013 + A1:2016: Regulates high-visibility clothing used to improve the wearer’s visibility in hazardous environments, both day and night. To comply, garments must incorporate fluorescent material and retroreflective bands visible at 360°, covering a specified minimum surface area.

  • EN 343:2003 + A1:2007: Specific to protection against rain. It classifies garments according to their waterproofness (water column) and their water vapor resistance (breathability), establishing different levels that indicate the garment’s ability to keep the wearer dry and comfortable under heavy rain or constant splashing.

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These certifications are mandatory for garments intended for work at sea or on deck. In sectors such as industrial fishing, ship maintenance, or cruise operations, compliance is a basic requirement for occupational risk prevention and crew safety.

What risks does waterproof clothing protect against in the maritime environment?

The maritime environment is one of the most demanding and hostile work settings. Continuous exposure to humidity, cold, wind, rain, and saltwater splashes, combined with the constant movement of the ship and physically demanding tasks, makes it essential to have appropriate technical clothing to safeguard the crew’s health and physical integrity.

Among the main risks faced by sailors are:

  • Hypothermia and respiratory illnesses: Prolonged contact with wet clothing or cold, damp environments can cause severe chilling, especially during night shifts or in harsh weather conditions.

  • Slips and falls: A wet deck is one of the main causes of onboard accidents. Wearing garments with non-slip properties and high visibility helps prevent falls and improves the detection of personnel in hazardous areas.
  • Low visibility and collisions: During port operations, night tasks, or rescue missions, certified high-visibility clothing (EN ISO 20471) allows workers in motion to be quickly located, both from shore and from the ship’s bridge.
  • Exposure to rain or saltwater splashes: Clothing certified under EN 343 protects against water penetration, keeping the body dry and preventing damage from prolonged moisture or friction.

Therefore, certified professional foul weather gear not only provides comfort during long shifts but also acts as a preventive barrier against the main occupational accidents on fishing vessels, merchant ships, tugboats, or cruise liners.

Examples of foul weather gear for sailors: maximum protection and visibility

At T2S Ibérica, we offer technical garments that meet the most demanding requirements for onboard work in extreme conditions of humidity, cold, and reduced visibility. Below, we highlight some models especially suitable for maritime crews, on both fishing vessels and cruise or large ships.

Nepal Pants

These high-visibility technical pants are certified according to the following standards:

  • EN ISO 13688: General requirements for protective clothing.

  • EN ISO 20471 (Class 2): High visibility for hazardous environments.

  • EN 343 (Class 3/1): Protection against rain and waterproofing.

Designed to provide comfort during long shifts on deck, it combines visibility, water protection, and wear resistance.

Pantalón de lluvia Nepal

Nepal Rain Jacket

The ideal complement to the pants, this rain jacket is certified with:

  • EN ISO 20471 (Class 3): Maximum level of visibility.

  • EN 343 (Class 3/1): Protection against extreme rain.

Lightweight, flexible, and retroreflective, this model is perfect for night tasks or adverse weather conditions, offering a waterproof barrier without compromising mobility.

Chubasquero Nepal

Cap Horn Pants

Manufactured according to the standard:

  • EN ISO 13688

  • EN 343 (Class 4/1): High level of waterproofing and breathability.

Although it does not include certified visibility, it is a durable and resistant option for less exposed areas or as an additional layer over reflective clothing.

pantalones impermeables reflectantes para trabajo

Chubasquero Cap Horn

Also compliant with EN 343 (Class 4/1), this rain jacket is ideal for protection against heavy rain and splashes. Thanks to its ergonomic design and mechanical resistance, it offers comfort and safety during non-critical operational tasks.

Chubasquero CAP HORN

If you need personalized advice on high-visibility waterproof clothing for maritime environments, contact our technical team. At T2S Ibérica, we will help you select the most suitable garments for your crew, ensuring regulatory compliance, comfort, and safety during every shift at sea.

Protection, standards, and trust for maritime environments

Crew safety at sea is an absolute priority. Whether on large fishing vessels, cruise ships, or industrial ships, the use of certified foul weather gear and high-visibility clothing can make the difference between a safe shift and a preventable incident. Constant exposure to adverse weather conditions, slippery surfaces, and low-visibility environments requires textile solutions that meet the highest European standards.

At T2S Ibérica, we offer a complete range of technical garments compatible with the demands of the maritime environment, combining waterproofing, high visibility, durability, and comfort. Our catalog, backed by EN ISO 13688, EN ISO 20471, and EN 343 certifications, equips maritime professionals with the confidence of being protected at all times.

Do you need to equip your crew with certified foul weather gear? Are you looking for technical advice to comply with onboard safety regulations?

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Contact our team and let us help you choose the right garments for your maritime activities. At T2S Ibérica, we are committed to professional safety on land, at sea, and on the road.

FAQs

Foul weather gear intended for maritime crews must primarily comply with three European standards: EN ISO 13688, which regulates the general requirements for protective clothing (ergonomics, durability, sizing, etc.); EN ISO 20471, which sets the required levels of high visibility in hazardous or low-light areas; and EN 343, which specifies the requirements for protection against rain and moisture. These standards ensure that garments withstand extreme conditions and provide safety both at sea and in port.

High visibility is essential in maritime environments due to adverse weather conditions, fog, changing light, and constant activity on board. A garment certified under EN ISO 20471 ensures that sailors are clearly seen by other crew members, machinery, or vessels, reducing the risk of accidents. It is especially useful during night operations, rescues, and work on deck in low-light conditions.

A waterproof pant for maritime use should be resistant to water, wind, and tearing, have taped seams, be easy to put on over other layers, and allow freedom of movement. Additionally, it should be made from durable, non-slip materials and preferably comply with standards such as EN 343 and EN ISO 13688. If it includes high-visibility elements, even better to ensure safety on board.

Yes. At T2S Ibérica, we offer waterproof and high-visibility workwear that meets the technical requirements of the maritime environment. For example, our NEPAL and CAP HORN ranges are certified under EN ISO 13688, EN ISO 20471, and EN 343, making them ideal for deck work, maintenance operations, disembarkations, or port tasks. These solutions are designed to withstand harsh weather and comply with professional safety regulations.

Among our featured garments are:

  • NEPAL Pants: waterproof, high-visibility, and certified for professional use.

  • NEPAL Rain Jacket: provides full protection against rain with highly durable fabrics.

  • CAP HORN Pants: very durable, ideal for long shifts in wet environments.

  • CAP HORN Rain Jacket: designed to withstand extreme weather conditions without sacrificing visibility.

These garments are designed for demanding professionals working in harsh maritime conditions who require reliable and certified gear.