Why CLO Matters: The Science Behind Survival in Polar Waters

When it comes to surviving in freezing waters, every second counts. But what determines how long you can endure before hypothermia sets in? The answer lies in a simple yet powerful metric: CLO value. In this post, we’ll break down what CLO means, why it’s critical for maritime safety, and how White Glacier’s Arctic survival gear sets a new benchmark for protection.

What is CLO?

CLO is a unit that measures thermal insulation in clothing. Originally developed for indoor comfort, it’s now a key metric in survival suits.

• 1 CLO = insulation needed to keep a resting person comfortable at 21°C (70°F).

• In survival suits, higher CLO means slower heat loss, which translates to longer survival time in freezing water.

Why CLO Matters in Polar Waters

Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air. At 2°C (35°F), unprotected individuals can lose consciousness in minutes.

• Typical immersion suits: Often deliver 0.4–1.2 CLO when immersed, even with thermal underlayers.

• High-performance suits: Rarely exceed 1.5 CLO in water.

• White Glacier Arctic 10+: Delivers 4.87 CLO, and the Arctic 25+ pushes beyond 5.36 CLO, offering 3–4 times more insulation than conventional suits.

The Science Behind Survival Time

Using the Hayes & Cohen (1987) method, survival time correlates directly with CLO:

• Standard immersion suit: ~6 hours in 2°C water

• Arctic 10+: 14+ hours baseline, extendable with light exercise and hand warmers

• Arctic 25+: Even greater endurance for extreme conditions

This makes White Glacier the best immersion suit alternative for fleets operating under Polar Code compliance 2026 requirements.

Beyond CLO: Comfort and Functionality

White Glacier suits aren’t just about insulation—they redefine comfort:

• Splash Tent survival feature: Creates a personal habitat shielding from wind, waves, and rain

• Hands-Free Design: Allows light exercise to maintain warmth

• Buoyancy: Feels like “a sleeping bag on a water bed,” keeping you afloat and comfortable

Why This Matters for Compliance

With Polar Code 2026 amendments on the horizon, CLO performance will be a deciding factor for fleet operators. Investing in high CLO survival suit technology now ensures compliance and saves lives.

Call to Action

Ready to upgrade your fleet’s safety? Contact White Glacier today to learn how Arctic 10+ and Arctic 25+ survival suits can protect your crew in the harshest environments.