Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment

[1] The suit also provides protection against hypothermia and (since the Mk 10 version) has replaced the Steinke hood rescue device.

The suit allows survivors to escape a disabled submarine at depths down to 600 feet (183 m), with an ascent speed of 2–3 meters/second, at a rate of eight or more sailors per hour.

A typical assembly comprises a submarine escape and immersion suit, an inner thermal liner, and a gas-inflated single-seat life raft, all contained in a protective stowage compartment.

The intention of the suit is to keep the escapee dry and protected from cold shock during ascent, and to provide buoyancy, freeboard, and thermal insulation at the surface.

[3] The Steinke hood was designed for the same purpose as the SEIE, but did not include thermal insulation or a life raft.