Offshore and Maritime Industry
In the offshore and maritime industry, safety, functionality, and comfort are crucial. Proper workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) safeguard workers in demanding environments, from engine rooms to deck and dock operations. Here are our recommendations to ensure both safety and efficiency.
Workwear for Tough Maritime Work
What are the key factors to consider when choosing workwear for offshore/shipping?
Clothing with freedom of movement
Stretch materials and ergonomic design for work positions that require flexibility.
Breathable and waterproof fabrics
The combination of weather protection and the ability to keep the body dry during long shifts.
Adapted to climate and environment
Winter clothing for work in northern regions and lightweight, breathable garments for tropical oceans.
Material selection for saltwater and moisture
Workwear made from materials that withstand corrosive environments, including saltwater and oil.
Reinforcement in high-wear areas
Use of Cordura or other durable fabrics on elbows, knees, and shoulders.
Maintenance tips
Remember to rinse workwear and PPE regularly to remove salt and extend lifespan.
We supply workwear for industries with high safety requirements.
Wenaas has always been an innovator in the industry, with a strong focus on workers' safety, needs, and comfort. This approach to direct innovation, combined with specialized expertise, has brought many new solutions and products to the market—an ideology and way of working that continues to define us at Wenaas.
In demanding work environments where safety is crucial for life and health, a risk analysis is essential as a starting point for selecting the right equipment for employees. What hazards are different workers exposed to, and what must be considered? We cannot conduct the assessment for you, but we can provide some tips on aspects that should be included in the risk evaluation.
Risk assessment in shipping,common hazards in offshore and maritime environments
- Slippery surfaces: Risk of falls.
- High risk of cuts and crush injuries during loading/unloading.
- Exposure to hot surfaces in engine rooms and generally hot working environments. Feel free to read our article on heat stress/heat stroke.
- Handling of chemicals and fuels.
- Harsh weather and low temperatures on deck.
Feel free to read more about workplace risk assessments here.
Standards particularly relevant for offshore and maritime work
- EN ISO 20345: Requirements for safety footwear for slippery and oil-covered surfaces.
- EN 11612: Flame-resistant clothing, ideal for engine rooms and handling hot equipment.
- EN 343: Waterproof and breathable clothing for work in rain and sea spray.
Workwear for long shifts and demanding conditions in the offshore and maritime industry.
The right workwear and PPE are essential for handling the demanding conditions in the shipping industry. With long shifts, changing weather, and diverse tasks, it is crucial that clothing and equipment provide both protection and high comfort. Below are our recommendations.
- Waterproof overalls, jackets, and trousers
Designed to protect against rain, sea spray, and wind. Our garments with EN 343 certification ensure both waterproofing and breathability, making them ideal for extended use on deck in all weather conditions.
- Flame-resistant clothing for engine rooms
In hot and potentially fire-hazardous areas, flame-resistant clothing with EN 11612 certification is essential. It provides protection against hot surfaces and sparks while ensuring comfort during long shifts.
- Layered garments for weather protection and, just as importantly, protection against overheating.
The combination of a moisture-regulating base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a weather-protective outer layer ensures flexibility in changing climates—from warm, tropical waters to Arctic conditions.
Feel free to read our tips on the three-layer clothing principle or heat stress.
1. Moisture-wicking underwear
The innermost layer consists of garments that:
- Provide warmth even when damp.
- Wick moisture away from the body.
- Dry quickly on the skinAre durable and comfortable.
2. Insulating mid-layer garments
The middle layer consists of garments that:
- Provides good insulation at low or moderate work intensity.
- Transfers moisture from the innermost layer to the outermost layerMade of wool, a wool-synthetic blend, or purely synthetic fibers.
- In extremely hot work environments, cooling materials are a smart option to consider.
- Lightweight with low weight and volume.
3. Protective outer garments
The outermost layer consists of garments that:
- Are spacious and have insulating air layers
- Transport moisture and are breathable
- Ventilate excess heat
- Have good quality and durability
- Dry quickly
- Are technically well-designed garments adapted to the work environment, with pockets, hoods, etc.
Safety shoes we recommend for shipping
Slip-Resistant Safety Shoes
Safety shoes ideal for oily or wet surfaces on ship decks. The soles provide optimal grip, and the materials withstand exposure to saltwater and chemicals. Several models also include EVA midsoles for extra comfort during long shifts.
Antistatic and heat-resistant solesPerfect for engine room personnel who need both insulation against hot surfaces and antistatic properties for safety.
Life jackets and buoyancy products
Life jackets and buoyancy garments are essential safety equipment in the offshore and maritime industries, where working near water poses a constant risk.
These products are designed to keep the wearer afloat and provide necessary buoyancy in emergency situations. Many modern life jackets are equipped with lights, whistles, and reflective details to enhance visibility and communication during rescue operations. Buoyancy garments offer extra comfort and flexibility for workers who spend long hours in harsh weather conditions.It is crucial to choose the right equipment that is certified according to current standards, such as SOLAS (an international convention that sets specific safety requirements for ships) or ISO.
Regular inspection and maintenance of life jackets ensure they function optimally when it truly matters. For work in extreme conditions, specialized immersion suits may be a better choice, as they also provide protection against hypothermia.Safety training and procedures are just as important as the equipment itself, ensuring that everyone knows how to use it correctly in an emergency situation.
Personal protective equipment in the maritime environment
Personal protective equipment is absolutely essential in the maritime and offshore industries to safeguard workers from hazards in a demanding work environment. Gear such as helmets, hearing protection, safety goggles, respiratory protection, fall protection, and Toolguards are crucial in reducing the risk of head injuries, hearing damage, and eye injuries, as well as protecting against falling or slipping tools.Implementing these safety measures not only creates a safer workplace but also contributes to increased efficiency and quality in operations. By prioritizing the proper use of protective equipment, workers demonstrate responsibility for both their own safety and the well-being of their colleagues. Adhering to safety standards is a simple yet critical step in preventing serious accidents.
When safety matters!
Wenaas offers a wide range of gloves well-suited for offshore, shipping, and maritime work.As with all personal protective equipment, it is wise to conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards. Are you working indoors or outdoors? Are you at risk of crush injuries, cuts, etc.?
You should adjust your choice of gloves based on the specific offshore task to ensure optimal hand protection.
Coveralls
Coveralls for offshore, shipping and industry
ToolGuard
With ToolGuard, you can be sure that you won’t injure others with falling tools
Heatstress
Some professions are more prone to overheating
Customer Portal and E-Commerce
E-commerce solutions for our contract customers
Transport and Logistics
You can be sure that you will quickly get what you need—no matter where you are
