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It isn't CG approved because IDI has not paid the CG to test it and approve it. Maybe they will sometime in the future, but the way people jump ship when another product appears on the market I wouldn't blame them if they don't.
Yep...takes some work by manufactuer for submission of package to USCG for approval. The USCG does NOT charge anything for issuance of approval certificate though but testing costs etc are born by the applicant. One would think with the purported AA safety features etc. it would exceed all requirements & smoothly fly right through the testing procedures required for USCG certification. Be interesting to know what the average costs are in connection with this process.. Equipment Approval InformationCOAST GUARD TYPE APPROVALType Approval is the primary process for equipment and materials to receive Coast Guard approval. For equipment or materials to receive Type Approval, they must be demonstrated to comply with the relevant requirements in the regulations, successfully complete the specified tests, and be enrolled in a quality control or follow up program as required. The quality control or follow up program monitors product uniformity to ensure that it does not deviate from the approved design. Depending on the type of equipment, the follow up program is generally arranged with the same laboratory that conducted the initial testing or in some cases is carried out by Coast Guard marine inspectors. Since the Coast Guard does not have its own certification laboratory, it relies on Accepted Independent Testing Laboratories to test materials for compliance with the applicable criteria. Such acceptance is given for each approval category and test apparatus individually. Acceptance of a testing laboratory is not retroactive, i.e. testing previously conducted by the laboratory is not automatically accepted.There is presently no charge by the U. S. Coast Guard for issuing a certificate of approval. However, all costs at the testing laboratory for testing and for any factory follow-up inspections are the responsibility of the applicant. Where the Coast Guard supervises tests and inspections outside the United States, the applicant must agree to reimburse the Coast Guard for the travel and subsistence expenses of the inspector. See NVIC 02-06 for additional guidance covering follow-up programs for fire safety type approval products.After the successful completion of the required testing, and after all necessary drawings, specifications, and proof of a follow-up program have been received, reviewed and approved by the Coast Guard, a Certificate of Approval will be issued to the applicant manufacturer. The certificate is valid for five years, and the approval will be listed on the internet at http://cgmix.uscg.mil.Certificates of Approval may be renewed upon request provided that the equipment or material and the relevant requirements have not changed, and the item has been under a continuous follow-up program where required. If the material is covered under the Accepted Independent Testing Laboratory's follow-up inspection program and the test standard has not been changed, a new certificate with another five year expiration date may be issued. In all other cases the material must be retested to the standard in effect at the time of the request for renewal before a new certificate can be issued.For information on specific Lifesaving and Fire Safety equipment Type Approval requirements, see the equipment approval guidance links located on the CG-5214 home page.
I have the Red/black AA suit, and while I think it is a good suit, and I like the way it protects me, I am not happy with the stitching and IDI's customer service. I explained that the butt ripped out of my Bibs and the customer service guy just sent me a copy of their warranty, and said its past 30 days, and that they wont fix my suit, no cool in my books, not cool at all for a suit that cost me 450 bucks here in canada before tax, If its supposed to be worth almost 500 bucks, stand behind your product. I wont buy IDI again