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Soviet Sailor's Waterproof Deck Suit |
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Soviet Sailor's Waterproof Deck Suit |
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Under the suit he wears his standard naval uniform. Deck shoes or boots complete the uniform.
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More about the uniform... The waterproof deck suit has been in use since at least the Patriotic War where it can be seen being worn by sailors on torpedo boats in high seas. Despite this, it is not exclusive to torpedo boat crew members, it is most likely a general purpose cover all worn by any sailor who find themselves working on deck during times of rough weather. It is a simple design made of a waterproof outer layer and a blue felt liner inside for warmth. Three pieces make up the uniform: a pair of coverall style trousers with suspenders, a large coat with a hood, and the unique protective headgear. The trousers have very wide legs so that one can don the suit without taking off one's shoes or boots. The jacket is fastened by four large buttons. Two protective flaps behind the buttons ensure that a minimum of water makes it through to the wearer. The hood on the back of the jacket is folded down in these images so as to highlight the headgear, but it can be worn if needed. The head piece is composed of fake leather with a felt lining. A face mask fastened by four buttons can be worn to further protect the wearer from sea spray or rain. A large mantle is sewn onto the head piece, protecting the wearer's shoulders and back.
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Service Chronology(3)
This style of uniform has been seen in post-Revolutionary era photographs as far back as 1926 establishing a beginning of sorts for the item (1). Colonel General Ivan Rogov of the Coastal Defense Forces wore a similar leather coat, albeit with rank strips along the cuffs during the Patriotic War (2). It was also seen in 1985 era photographs in use by a Soviet submarine crew who had run aground in Swedish territorial waters, indicating that it was used to at least the mid-eighties. Interestingly, there are also many photographs of Chinese sailors wearing a similar uniform during and after the Cold War. Other than these photographs, little information has been published about this unusual uniform. It is unknown if the uniform continued to be used after the late 1980's or if it was replaced by a newer uniform.
| This Uniform Replaced... | Sailor's Waterproof Deck Suit | This Uniform was Replaced by... |
| Uncertain at Present | Uncertain at Present |
