In a recent case aboard a Republic of the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, the damage to the zipper closures on multiple immersion suits was apparently the direct result of the crew’s efforts to maintain them. Their application of petroleum jelly was intended to lubricate the zipper closures. Instead, it appears that the product caused the material to breakdown and resulted in the inability to use the zippers. It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining immersion suits, including use of the correct zipper lubricant.