ISO/DIS 9650-1

Small craft -- Inflatable liferafts

Petits navires -- Radeaux de survie gonflables

Standards Content (sample)

DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
ISO/DIS 9650-1
ISO/TC 188 Secretariat: SIS
Voting begins on: Voting terminates on:
2021-03-08 2021-05-31
Small craft — Inflatable liferafts —
Part 1:
Type I and II
ICS: 47.080
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENT AND APPROVAL. IT IS
THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY
NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD UNTIL PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
Reference number
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. ISO 2021
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ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)
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© ISO 2021

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ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
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ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)
Contents Page

Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................iv

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v

1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1

2 Normative references ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

3 Terms and definitions ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

4 General provisions.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 2

4.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 2

4.2 Types of liferaft ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

5 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

5.1 General requirements ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3

5.2 Detailed requirements ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4

5.2.1 Deployment .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4

5.2.2 Inflation ................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

5.2.3 Buoyancy ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5

5.2.4 Stability and performance at sea ....................................................................................................................... 6

5.2.5 Solidity, watertightness, materials ................................................................................................................... 8

5.2.6 Habitability ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8

5.2.7 Visibility to rescuers ..................................................................................................................................................... 9

5.2.8 Fittings and equipment ...........................................................................................................................................10

5.2.9 Instructions and marking ......................................................................................................................................13

5.2.10 Packaging.............................................................................................................................................................................15

6 Testing ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................15

6.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................15

6.2 Launching (drop) test ....................................................................................................................................................................16

6.3 Inflation tests under temperature .......................................................................................................................................16

6.3.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................16

6.3.2 Ambient-temperature test ....................................................................................................................................16

6.3.3 High-temperature test ........................................................................................................................................... ...17

6.3.4 Low-temperature test ...............................................................................................................................................17

6.4 Testing of stabilization means ................................................................................................................................................17

6.5 Righting test ...........................................................................................................................................................................................18

6.6 Boarding test ..........................................................................................................................................................................................18

6.7 Towing test with sea anchor deployed ............................................................................................................................18

6.8 Pressure test ...........................................................................................................................................................................................19

6.8.1 Buoyancy chambers and canopy support ...............................................................................................19

6.8.2 Inflatable floor (if fitted) ........................................................................................................................................19

6.9 Canopy watertightness test .......................................................................................................................................................19

6.10 Visual inspection of the protective outer container .............................................................................................20

6.11 Visual inspection of the liferaft ..............................................................................................................................................20

6.12 Equipment ................................................................................................................................................................................................20

6.13 Pressure relief valve test ..............................................................................................................................................................20

6.14 Lights and Batteries test ..............................................................................................................................................................20

6.15 Mooring Out Test ................................................................................................................................................................................20

7 Servicing .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................20

Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................22

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ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)
Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards

bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out

through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical

committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International

organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.

ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of

electrotechnical standardization.

The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are

described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the

different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the

editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of

patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of

any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or

on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).

Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not

constitute an endorsement.

For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and

expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the

World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/

iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 188, Small craft.
This edition cancels and replaces ISO/AWI 9650-1 and −2.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— Combined ISO 9650-1 and ISO 9650-2;
— Modified Scope to align with meteorological conditions;
— Rationalization of Types and Groups of liferafts;
— Inclusion of Testing schedule for prototypes, manufacturing and servicing;
— Updated reference standard for sea anchors;
— Included reference standard for gas inflation systems;
— Increased requirements for marking products;
— Reviewed terminology of painter/towing line;
— Modified requirements for canopy;
— Modified requirements for boarding system;
— Modified testing requirements,

Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A

complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
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ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)
Introduction

This document is intended for inflatable liferafts for small craft used for leisure activities. It does not

apply to liferafts required for ships under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Safety Of Life

At Sea (SOLAS) Convention.

A liferaft manufactured and maintained in accordance with this document should provide:

— a reasonably safe refuge for a shipwrecked person awaiting rescue;

— a reasonable service lifetime, provided a user meets a manufacturer’s clearly specified

recommendations on stowage and maintenance.

Compliance with this document does not imply that a liferaft will be suitable in all circumstances.

A liferaft which complies with this document must be constructed in such a manner that maintenance

is as easy and straightforward as possible.

A user must be responsible for selecting a liferaft appropriate to the intended circumstances of use.

Manufacturers and vendors must inform potential purchasers of the properties of the product, including

possible choices (e.g. different equipment packs), limits on normal usage, and recommendations on

stowage and maintenance.

The tests in this document have been designed to simulate reality as closely as possible. Compliance

with a test does not guarantee similar performance in service. For example, compliance with the re-

righting tests does not guarantee that a liferaft can be righted at sea by an exhausted person in all

circumstances.
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DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)
Small craft — Inflatable liferafts —
Part 1:
Type I and II
1 Scope

This document specifies the minimum requirements for design, performance and marking

characteristics, and gives the test methods for inflatable liferafts:
— having a carrying capacity of 4 persons to 16 persons;
— applicable on small craft of hull length up to 24 m;
— intended for launching overboard from a height not exceeding 6 m;
— of type 1 and type 2.
NOTE Type 1 and Type 2 liferafts are defined within Clause 4.2.
2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content

constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For

undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO 12402-3:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 3: Lifejackets, performance level 150 — Safety

requirements

ISO 15738:2019, Ships and marine technology — Maritime safety — Gas inflation systems for inflatable

life-saving appliances

ISO 17339:2018, Ships and marine technology — Life saving and fire protection — Sea anchors for survival

craft and rescue boats
IMO SOLAS 83, Chapter III, Resolution A.658 (16), Annex 2
SOLAS International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
operating pressure

pressure determined by the designed reseat pressure of the relief valves, except that, if the actual reseat

pressure of the relief valves, determined by testing, exceeds the designed reseat pressure by more than

15 %, the higher figure is used
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ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)
3.2
full load

load of the number of people corresponding to the maximum capacity (see 5.2.3.2) of the liferaft, each

weighing 82,5 kg, seated at their normal place, or, unless otherwise specified, load of the number of

uniformly distributed equivalent masses weighing 82,5 kg (e.g., bags of sand)
3.3
buoyancy chamber
buoyancy compartment
inflatable compartment contributing to the buoyancy of the liferaft
3.4
small craft

recreational boat, and other watercraft using similar equipment, of up to 24 m length of hull (LH)

3.5
inflatable compartment
compartment which inflate to provide insulation, buoyancy or structure
3.6
calm water
water conditions at or below meteorological condition Beaufort Force 3
3.7
carrying capacity
the number of persons which a liferaft shall be permitted to accommodate
4 General provisions
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 An inflatable liferaft is comprised of:
— a structure;
— an inflation system;
— fittings;
— equipment;
— instructions;
— protective outer container.
4.1.2 The structure of a liferaft is comprised of:
— at least two independent buoyancy chambers;
— a floor;
— a canopy and a canopy support;
— stabilization means.
4.1.3 The inflation system is comprised of:
— an initial inflation system;
— a manual back-up inflation system.
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ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)
4.1.4 The fittings shall include:
— external lighting;
— painter /mooring line
— painter/towing attachment point;
— external and internal lifelines;
— righting system;
— means of boarding;
— sea anchor;
— rescue quoit and line;
— safety knife.
Further fittings may be included, provided the tests of Clause 6 are completed.
4.2 Types of liferaft
This document defines two types of liferaft.
Type 1:

— designed for extended voyages, where high wind and significant wave heights may be experienced,

but excluding abnormal conditions such as hurricanes;

— prepared to meet serious emergencies without expectation of outside assistance;

— not for voyaging in extreme zones.
Type 2:

— designed for conditions, up to significant wave height of 2 m and up to and including a wind speed

of Beaufort 6;
— designed for conditions with an ambient air temperature of above 10 °C.
5 Requirements
5.1 General requirements

Inflatable liferafts serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, shall provide adequate

protection against the risks incurred and shall satisfy the requirements described in this document.

Table 1 summarizes the subclause(s) to consider for each main characteristic.
Table 1 — General Requirements
Characteristics Requirements in Tests methods in
Launching 5.2.1.1 6.2
Inflation 5.2.2 6.3
Buoyancy 5.2.3 6.15
Stability and performance at sea 5.2.4 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.15
Solidity, watertightness, materials 5.2.5 6.8, 6.9, 6.15
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ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)
Table 1 (continued)
Characteristics Requirements in Tests methods in
Habitability 5.2.6
Visibility to rescuers 5.2.7 6.14
Fittings and equipment 5.2.8 6.12, 6.13, 6.14
Instructions and marking 5.2.9 6.10
Protective outer container 5.2.10 6.10
5.2 Detailed requirements
5.2.1 Deployment
5.2.1.1 Launching

The liferaft shall be capable of being dropped into the water from a minimum height of 6 m above the

water level or the liferaft storage position, whichever is the greater, without damage, in accordance

with 6.2.
5.2.1.2 Properties of the painter

The painter /towing attachment point shall be accessible from the entrance to the liferaft.

The length of the painter shall be 9 m.

A contrasting coloured indication shall be visible at 1 m from the firing point ± 0,1 m. The painter shall

be easy to handle and to pull.
The breaking load of the painter-, shall not be less than:
— 7,5 kN for capacities of 4 – 12 persons;
— 10 kN for capacities of 13 – 16 persons.

The breaking load of the painter’s attachment/towing system to the liferaft, shall be greater than the

painter by 0.5 kn.

The painter attachment/towing system shall be constructed so as to not damage the liferaft on failure

of the attachment system during the liferafts’ serviceable life.

The painter shall withstand weathering, so as not to detrimentally effect its intended use for the service

interval of the liferaft.
5.2.2 Inflation

Type 1 liferafts shall be designed to inflate correctly in an air temperature between - 15 °C and + 65 °C

during the course of the launching and temperature inflation tests conducted in accordance with 6.2

and 6.3.

Type 2 liferafts shall be designed to inflate correctly in an air temperature between 0 °C and + 65 °C during

the course of the launching and temperature inflation tests conducted in accordance with 6.2 and 6.3

5.2.2.1 Initial inflation system - General

The initial inflation system shall be actuated by a pull on the painter, thereby allowing the release of

pressurized gas. All subsequent force exerted on the painter shall act directly on the painter/towing

attachment point, or any other point offering strength characteristics equivalent to the values required

for the painter (see 5.2.1.2).
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ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)

This inflation system may be supplemented by an automatic inflation system, i.e. inflation without

pulling on the painter (e.g. hydrostatic pressure-sensitive automatic actuation).

The gas inflation system including valves should meet the requirements as set out in ISO 15738:2019.

5.2.2.2 Quantity of gas

The quantity of gas shall be sufficient for the liferaft to inflate and achieve working pressure under low

temperatures, as required by 6.3.4.

The quantity of gas in the cylinder shall be such that the internal pressure of the cylinder, at the

temperature of + 65 °C, does not exceed the hydraulic test pressure of the cylinder.

5.2.2.3 Relief Valves

The number and location of relief valves shall be such that the pressure is limited in all the inflatable

compartments.

Relief valves shall be able to be sealed off according to the manufacturer's instructions. The relevant

outlet should not discharge inside the liferaft.

The relief valves shall be positioned so that they can be sealed off from the interior of the raft, the

canopy opening or the lookout position, in such a way that this can be achieved without leaving the

interior of the raft.
5.2.2.4 Non-Return Valves
Sufficient non-return shall be provided at gas inlets to comply with 5.2.3.1.
5.2.2.5 Topping-up inflation valves

All inflatable compartments, including canopy supports, but excluding, where fitted, boarding ramps,

shall be provided with a topping-up non-return valve allowing the compartments to be inflated by a

bellows or a pump.
5.2.3 Buoyancy
5.2.3.1 Number of compartments

Buoyancy shall be provided by not less than two separate compartments, each inflated through a non-

return inflation valve on each compartment.

The buoyancy compartment shall be so arranged that, in the event of any one of the compartments

being damaged or failing to inflate, the intact compartments shall be able to support, with positive

freeboard over the liferaft's entire periphery, the number of persons which the liferaft is permitted to

accommodate, each having a mass of 82,5 kg and seated in their normal positions.
5.2.3.2 Carrying capacity – Type 1 liferaft

The number of persons which a liferaft shall be permitted to accommodate shall be equal to the lesser of:

a) the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 0,096 the volume, measured in cubic metres,

of the main buoyancy tubes (which for this purpose shall not include the arches or the thwarts, if

fitted) when inflated; or

b) the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 0,372 the inner horizontal cross-sectional area

of the liferaft, in square metres, measured to the innermost edge of the buoyancy tubes; or

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ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)

c) the number of persons having an average mass of 82,5 kg, all wearing Personal Flotation Devices

(PFD) certified to a minimum of ISO 12402-3, that can be seated with sufficient comfort and

headroom.
NOTE If the PFD in c) is inflatable, it must be inflated during the test.
5.2.3.3 Carrying capacity – Type 2 liferaft

The number of persons which a liferaft shall be permitted to accommodate shall be equal to the lesser of:

a) the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 0,082 the volume, measured in cubic metres,

of the main buoyancy tubes (which for this purpose shall not include the arches or the thwarts, if

fitted) when inflated; or

b) the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 0,250 the inner horizontal cross-sectional area

of the liferaft, in square metres, measured to the innermost edge of the buoyancy tubes; or

c) the number of persons having an average mass of 82,5 kg, all wearing Personal Flotation Devices

(PFD) certified to a minimum of ISO 12402-3, that can be seated with sufficient comfort and

headroom.
NOTE If the PFD in c) is inflatable, it must be inflated during the test.
5.2.3.4 Freeboard

The freeboard, measured at various peripheral points of the liferaft, inflated to its design operating

pressure, under calm water conditions, with its full load, shall be
Table 2 — Liferaft freeboard
Liferaft type Liferaft capacity (per- Freeboard height
sons)
2 4 200 mm
2 > 4 250 mm
1 4 250 mm
1 > 4 300 mm
5.2.3.5 Flooding resistance

The liferaft, inflated to its design operating pressure, under calm water conditions, with its full load,

shall be able to be filled with water up to the top of the upper buoyancy chamber and shall keep its

shape without deterioration or deformation that would impair operation.
5.2.4 Stability and performance at sea
5.2.4.1 Stability — General

The liferaft shall be so constructed that, when fully inflated and floating upright it is stable in a seaway.

The stability of the liferaft, when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment, shall be

such that it can be towed at speeds of up to 3 kn in calm water.

If the stability is achieved by means of water pocket(s), it/they shall comply with the following

requirements:
a) the pocket(s) shall be of a highly visible colour;
b) the pocket(s) shall be designed to comply with 6.4;
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ISO/DIS 9650-1:2021(E)

c) the pocket(s) shall have an aggregate capacity of at least 220 L for liferafts with a capacity of up to

10 persons;

d) the pocket(s) for liferafts certified to carry more than 10 persons up to and including 16 persons shall

have an aggregate capacity of not less than (20 x N) L, where N = number of persons carried; and

e) the pocket(s) shall be positioned symmetrically round the circumference of the liferaft. Means shall

be provided to enable air to readily escape from underneath the liferaft.
5.2.4.2 Stability under dissymmetrical loading

The liferaft, inflated to its operating pressure, under calm water conditions, shall neither turn over nor be

flooded when all the passengers, each wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), certified to a minimum

of ISO 12402-3, are grouped together first at any point on the liferaft, then at its opposite point.

5.2.4.3 Boarding stability

Two persons onboard, each wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) certified to a minimum of

ISO 12402-3 shall be able to take on board, under calm water conditions, a third person wearing a

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) certified to a minimum of ISO 12402-3 and floating on his/her back,

completely immobile, without the liferaft capsizing or being flooded.
5.2.4.5 Towing performance

The painter/towing attachment point shall be suitable for a towing line of a diameter up to 18 mm (or as

an alternative, tubular tape of up to 16 mm width).

The liferaft, inflated to its design operating pressure, under calm water conditions, with its full load,

shall not be damaged and shall not capsize or be swamped when towed by the towing line at a speed of

3 kn, for a distance of at least 1km, the sea anchor not being streamed.
5.2.4.6 Righting

Each capsized liferaft shall be able to be righted by a single person. This requirement is considered to

be fulfilled if the righting test described in 6.5 is performed with success.
5.2.4.7 Boarding

The liferaft shall be designed so that as the persons will be able to board the liferaft alone from the water.

Four adults of differing physiques and with at least one of each gender, each wearing a shirt, trou

...