SIST EN ISO 12217-3:2026

Small craft - Stability and buoyancy assessment and categorization - Part 3: Boats of hull length less than 6 m (ISO 12217-3:2022)

This document specifies methods for evaluating the stability and buoyancy of intact (i.e. undamaged) boats. The flotation characteristics of craft susceptible to swamping are also encompassed.
The evaluation of stability and buoyancy properties using this document will enable the boat to be assigned to a design category (C or D) appropriate to its design and maximum load.
This document is applicable to boats of hull length less than 6 m, whether propelled by human or mechanical power, except habitable sailing multihulls. Boats of hull length less than 6 m which are fitted with a full deck and quick-draining cockpit(s) complying with ISO 11812 can alternatively be assessed using ISO 12217‑1 or ISO 12217‑2 (for non-sailing and sailing boats, respectively), in which case higher design categories can be assigned.
In relation to habitable multihulls, this document includes assessment of susceptibility to inversion, definition of viable means of escape and requirements for inverted flotation.
This document excludes:
—    inflatable and rigid-inflatable boats covered by the ISO 6185 series, except for references made in the ISO 6185 series to specific clauses of the ISO 12217 series;
—    personal watercraft covered by ISO 13590 and other similar powered craft;
—    aquatic toys;
—    canoes and kayaks;
—    gondolas and pedalos;
—    sailing surfboards;
—    surfboards, including powered surfboards;
—    hydrofoils, foil stabilized boats and hovercraft when not operating in the displacement mode; and
—    submersibles.
NOTE       Displacement mode means that the boat is only supported by hydrostatic forces.
It does not include or evaluate the effects on stability of towing, fishing, dredging or lifting operations, which need to be separately considered if appropriate.

Kleine Wasserfahrzeuge - Festlegung und Kategorisierung von Stabilität und Auftrieb - Teil 3: Boote unter 6 m Rumpflänge (ISO 12217-3:2022)

Dieses Dokument legt Verfahren für die Beurteilung von Stabilität und Auftrieb von intakten (d. h. unbeschädigten) Booten fest. Ebenfalls sind darin die Auftriebseigenschaften solcher Boote erfasst, die anfällig gegen Vollschlagen sind.
Die Beurteilung der Stabilitäts  und Auftriebseigenschaften nach diesem Dokument erlaubt es, dem Boot eine Entwurfskategorie (C oder D) zuzuordnen, die seiner Auslegung und seiner maximalen Beladung entspricht.
Dieses Dokument ist auf Boote mit einer Rumpflänge unter 6 m anwendbar, die durch Muskelkraft oder Motor angetrieben werden, mit Ausnahme von bewohnbaren Mehrrumpfsegelbooten. Boote mit weniger als 6 m Rumpflänge, die voll gedeckt sind und schnell-lenzende Plicht(en) nach ISO 11812:2020 besitzen, dürfen alternativ auch nach ISO 12217 1 oder ISO 12217 2 (für Nicht-Segelboote bzw. Segelboote) bewertet werden, so dass ihnen gegebenenfalls eine höhere Entwurfskategorie zugewiesen werden darf.
In Bezug auf bewohnbare Mehrrumpfboote beinhaltet dieses Dokument die Bewertung der Anfälligkeit gegen Kenterung, die Definition funktionsfähiger Fluchtmöglichkeiten und Anforderungen an die Schwimm¬fähigkeit im gekenterten Zustand (kieloben).
Ausgeschlossen von der Anwendung dieses Dokuments sind:
—   Schlauchboote und Schlauchboote mit festem Rumpf (RIB) nach ISO 6185 mit Ausnahme der Verweisungen, die sich in der ISO 6185 auf bestimmte Abschnitte in ISO 12217 beziehen;
—   Wassermotorräder nach ISO 13590 und andere, ähnlich angetriebene Wasserfahrzeuge;
—   Wasserspielzeuge;
—   Kanus und Kajaks;
—   Gondeln und Tretboote;
—   Segel-Surfbretter;
—   Surfbretter, einschließlich motorisierte Surfbretter;
—   Tragflügelboote, motor  und segelbetrieben, und Luftkissenfahrzeuge, sofern sie nicht im Verdrängermodus betrieben werden;
—   Tauchfahrzeuge.
ANMERKUNG   Verdrängermodus bedeutet, dass das Boot nur durch hydrostatische Kräfte getragen wird.
Dieses Dokument enthält keine Angaben oder Beurteilungen zu den die Stabilität betreffenden Auswirkungen von Schleppen, Fischen, Baggern oder Kranarbeiten; diese müssen, falls erforderlich, gesondert berücksichtigt werden

Petits navires - Évaluation et catégorisation de la stabilité et de la flottabilité - Partie 3: Bateaux d'une longueur de coque inférieure à 6 m (ISO 12217-3:2022)

Le présent document spécifie les méthodes d'évaluation de la stabilité et de la flottabilité des bateaux à l'état intact (c'est-à-dire non endommagés). Les caractéristiques de flottabilité des bateaux susceptibles d'envahissement sont également prises en compte.
L'évaluation des propriétés de stabilité et de flottabilité effectuée en utilisant le présent document permettra d'attribuer à un bateau une catégorie de conception (C ou D) appropriée à sa conception et à sa charge maximale.
Le présent document est applicable aux bateaux d’une longueur de coque inférieure à 6 m, qu’ils soient propulsés par l'énergie humaine ou une énergie mécanique, à l’exception des voiliers multicoques habitables. Les bateaux d’une longueur de coque inférieure à 6 m qui sont entièrement pontés et dotés de cockpit(s) rapidement autovideur(s) conforme(s) à l’ISO 11812 peuvent, de manière alternative, être évalués en utilisant l’ISO 12217-1 ou l’ISO 12217-2 (respectivement pour les bateaux à propulsion non vélique et les voiliers), dans quel cas il pourrait lui être attribué une catégorie de conception supérieure.
Pour ce qui concerne les multicoques habitables, la présente partie de l'ISO 12217 comprend l'évaluation de la susceptibilité à l'inversion, la définition d'un moyen d'échappée viable et les exigences de flottabilité à l'état inversé.
Le présent document exclut:
—    les bateaux pneumatiques et semi-rigides couverts par la série ISO 6185, excepté lorsque la série ISO 6185 fait référence à des paragraphes spécifiques de la série ISO 12217;
—    les véhicules nautiques à moteur (motos aquatiques), couverts par l'ISO 13590 et engins à moteur similaires;
—    les jouets aquatiques;
—    les canoés et kayaks;
—    les gondoles et pédalos;
—    les planches à voiles;
—    les planches de surf, y compris les planches de surf motorisées;
—    les hydrofoils, les bateaux stabilisés par foils et les bateaux à coussins d'air (hovercraft) lorsqu'ils ne fonctionnent pas en mode à déplacement; et
—    les submersibles.
NOTE            Le mode à déplacement signifie que le bateau est uniquement supporté par des forces hydrostatiques.
Il n'inclut ni n'évalue les effets sur la stabilité provenant du remorquage, de la pêche, du dragage ou d'opérations de levage, qui doivent être, si nécessaire, considérés séparément.

Mala plovila - Stabilnost in ocena vzgona ter kategorizacija - 3. del: Čolni s trupom, krajšim od 6 m (ISO 12217-3:2022)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 31-Jan-2021
• Publication Date: 18-Nov-2025
• ICS: 47.080 - Small craft
• Technical Committee: I13 - Imaginarni 13
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 10-Nov-2025
• Due Date: 15-Jan-2026
• Completion Date: 19-Nov-2025
• Directive: 2013/53/EU - Directive 2013/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on recreational craft and personal watercraft and repealing Directive 94/25/EC
• Mandate: M/542 - [C(2015)8736] Standardisation Request to the European Committee for Standardisation and the European Committee for Electro-technical Standardisation as regards recreational craft and personal watercraft in support of Directive 2013/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on recreational craft and personal watercraft and repealing Directive 94/25/EC.
• Ref Project: EN ISO 12217-3:2025 - Small craft - Stability and buoyancy assessment and categorization - Part 3: Boats of hull length less than 6 m (ISO 12217-3:2022)

Relations

• Revised: SIST EN ISO 12217-3:2017 - Small craft - Stability and buoyancy assessment and categorization - Part 3: Boats of hull length less than 6 m (ISO 12217-3:2015)
• Effective Date: 18-Jan-2023

Overview

SIST EN ISO 12217-3:2026 (identical to ISO 12217-3:2022 / EN ISO 12217-3:2025) defines methods for evaluating the stability and buoyancy of intact (undamaged) small craft with a hull length less than 6 m. The standard addresses flotation characteristics including susceptibility to swamping and enables classification of a boat into a design category (C or D) appropriate to its design and maximum load. It applies to boats propelled by human or mechanical power, with specific provisions that relate to habitable multihulls (inversion susceptibility, means of escape and inverted flotation).

Key topics and requirements

This part of ISO 12217 covers technical assessments and tests used to determine buoyancy and stability properties for small craft. Major topics include:

• Downflooding: identification and calculation of downflooding openings and required downflooding height assessments.
• Flotation: level flotation and basic flotation tests; flotation materials and elements.
• Recess and scupper assessments: sizing and retention level requirements.
• Offset-load and gunwale load tests: procedures to evaluate transverse stability under off-centre loads.
• Heel due to wind action: calculation methods and stability requirements for wind-induced heel.
• Capsize and recovery: capsize-recovery and (for sailing boats) knockdown-recovery tests and inverted buoyancy requirements.
• Wind stiffness and sailing-specific tests: practical and calculation-based assessments for sailing craft.
• Safety signs and owner information: required markings and content for the craft’s owner manual.
• Exclusions: inflatable/RIBs covered by ISO 6185 series, personal watercraft (ISO 13590), canoes/kayaks, aquatic toys, surfboards, hydrofoils (when not displacement mode), hovercraft, and submersibles.

Practical applications and who uses it

This standard is essential for:

• Naval architects and boat designers evaluating hull concepts for small craft under 6 m.
• Boat manufacturers seeking consistent stability/buoyancy assessments and design categorization.
• Testing laboratories and certifying bodies performing standardized tests for compliance and classification.
• Regulators and standards committees referencing uniform methods for safety assessment.
• Service yards and surveyors assessing seaworthiness for owners and insurers.

Using SIST EN ISO 12217-3:2026 helps ensure predictable, repeatable evaluations that inform safe loading limits, design improvements, and correct assignment to design categories C or D. Boats with full decks and quick-draining cockpits complying with ISO 11812 can alternatively be assessed under ISO 12217‑1 or ISO 12217‑2, potentially qualifying for higher design categories.

Related standards

• ISO 12217-1 / ISO 12217-2 - alternative assessment routes for full-deck small craft
• ISO 11812 - quick-draining cockpit requirements
• ISO 6185 series - inflatable and RIB craft (excluded here)
• ISO 13590 - personal watercraft

Keywords: SIST EN ISO 12217-3:2026, small craft, stability and buoyancy, boats under 6 m, downflooding, capsize recovery, design category.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2026
Mala plovila - Stabilnost in ocena vzgona ter kategorizacija - 3. del: Čolni s trupom,
krajšim od 6 m (ISO 12217-3:2022)
Small craft - Stability and buoyancy assessment and categorization - Part 3: Boats of hull
length less than 6 m (ISO 12217-3:2022)
Kleine Wasserfahrzeuge - Festlegung und Kategorisierung von Stabilität und Auftrieb -
Teil 3: Boote unter 6 m Rumpflänge (ISO 12217-3:2022)
Petits navires - Évaluation et catégorisation de la stabilité et de la flottabilité - Partie 3:
Bateaux d'une longueur de coque inférieure à 6 m (ISO 12217-3:2022)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 12217-3:2025
ICS:
47.080 Čolni Small craft
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 12217-3
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
October 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 47.080 Supersedes EN ISO 12217-3:2017
English Version
Small craft - Stability and buoyancy assessment and
categorization - Part 3: Boats of hull length less than 6 m
(ISO 12217-3:2022)
Petits navires - Évaluation et catégorisation de la Kleine Wasserfahrzeuge - Stabilitäts und
stabilité et de la flottabilité - Partie 3: Bateaux d'une Auftriebsbewertung und Kategorisierung - Teil 3:
longueur de coque inférieure à 6 m (ISO 12217- Boote unter 6 m Rumpflänge (ISO 12217-3:2022)
3:2022)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 15 October 2025.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 12217-3:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 12217-3:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 188 "Small
craft" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 464 “Small Craft” the secretariat of which is
held by SIS.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2026, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by April 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 12217-3:2017.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 12217-3:2022 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 12217-3:2025 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12217-3
Fourth edition
2022-12
Small craft — Stability and buoyancy
assessment and categorization —
Part 3:
Boats of hull length less than 6 m
Petits navires — Évaluation et catégorisation de la stabilité et de la
flottabilité —
Partie 3: Bateaux d'une longueur de coque inférieure à 6 m
Reference number
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
© ISO 2022
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 2
3 Terms and definitions . 2
3.1 Primary . 2
3.2 Downflooding . 4
3.3 Condition and mass . 5
3.4 Other definitions . 7
4 Symbols . 9
5 Procedure .10
5.1 Maximum load . 10
5.2 Sailing or non-sailing . 10
5.3 Tests to be applied . 11
5.3.1 General . 11
5.4 Alternatives . 11
5.5 Variation in input parameters . 11
6 Tests to be applied to non-sailing boats .12
6.1 General .12
6.2 Habitable non-sailing multihull boats . 13
6.3 Downflooding . 13
6.3.1 Requirements for downflooding openings .13
6.3.2 Downflooding height with maximum load . 15
6.3.3 Downflooding height — outboard boats when starting . 17
6.4 Recess size . 18
6.4.1 Application . 18
6.4.2 Simplified methods . 18
6.4.3 Direct calculation method . 20
6.5 Offset-load test . 20
6.5.1 General .20
6.5.2 Simplified procedure for offset-load test . 23
6.5.3 Full procedure for offset load-test . 24
6.5.4 Procedure for gunwale load test . 26
6.6 Heel due to wind action . 27
6.6.1 General . 27
6.6.2 Calculation . 27
6.6.3 Requirement .28
6.7 Level flotation test .28
6.8 Basic flotation test .28
6.9 Capsize-recovery test .29
6.10 Detection and removal of water . 30
7 Tests to be applied to sailing boats .30
7.1 General .30
7.2 Downflooding . 31
7.3 Recess size . 31
7.4 Flotation tests . 31
7.4.1 Level flotation test . 31
7.4.2 Basic flotation test . 32
7.5 Capsize-recovery test . 32
7.6 Knockdown recovery test . 33
7.7 Wind stiffness test .34
7.7.1 General .34
iii
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
7.7.2 Practical test .34
7.7.3 Compliance by calculation . 36
7.7.4 Requirements .36
7.8 Inverted buoyancy . 37
8 Safety signs .38
9 Application .38
9.1 Deciding the design category .38
9.2 Meaning of the design categories .38
Annex A (normative) Full method for required downflooding height .40
Annex B (normative) Methods for calculating downflooding angle .43
Annex C (normative) Method for flotation tests.45
Annex D (normative) Flotation material and elements .50
Annex E (normative) Calculation method for basic flotation requirement .52
Annex F (normative) Information for the craft’s owner’s manual .54
Annex G (informative) Summary of requirements .58
Annex H (informative) Worksheets .60
Annex I (informative) Illustration of recess retention level .77
Bibliography .78
iv
ISO 12217-3:2022(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, in collaboration with
the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 464, Small Craft, in
accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 12217-3:2015), of which it constitutes a
minor revision. The main changes are as follows:
— the Normative references have been updated;
— the “allowance for the maximum mass of optional equipment and fittings not included in the
manufacturer’s basic outfit” has been moved from 3.3.3 (maximum load) to 3.3.4 (maximum load
condition);
— in Clause F.1, the first paragraph has been slightly reworded as a Note, so as to clearly make an
informative reference to ISO 10240, which has been moved from Clause 2 to the Bibliography;
— in Annex H, the calculation worksheet No. 1 has been corrected to reflect the changes in 3.3.3 and
3.3.4;
— minor editorial changes throughout the document.
A list of all parts in the ISO 12217 series can be found on the ISO website.
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.
v
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
Introduction
This document enables the determination of the limiting environmental conditions to be determined
for which an individual boat has been designed.
It enables the boat to be assigned to a design category appropriate to its design and maximum load. The
design categories used align with those in the Recreational Craft Directive of the European Union, EU
Directive 2013/53/EU.
Annex H provides worksheets to assist in the systematic assessment of a boat according to this
document.
vi
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
Small craft — Stability and buoyancy assessment and
categorization —
Part 3:
Boats of hull length less than 6 m
CAUTION — Compliance with this document does not guarantee total safety or total freedom of
risk from capsize or sinking.
IMPORTANT — The electronic file of this document contains colours which are considered to be
useful for the correct understanding of the document. Users should therefore consider printing
this document using a colour printer.
1 Scope
This document specifies methods for evaluating the stability and buoyancy of intact (i.e. undamaged)
boats. The flotation characteristics of craft susceptible to swamping are also encompassed.
The evaluation of stability and buoyancy properties using this document will enable the boat to be
assigned to a design category (C or D) appropriate to its design and maximum load.
This document is applicable to boats of hull length less than 6 m, whether propelled by human or
mechanical power, except habitable sailing multihulls. Boats of hull length less than 6 m which are fitted
with a full deck and quick-draining cockpit(s) complying with ISO 11812 can alternatively be assessed
using ISO 12217-1 or ISO 12217-2 (for non-sailing and sailing boats, respectively), in which case higher
design categories can be assigned.
In relation to habitable multihulls, this document includes assessment of susceptibility to inversion,
definition of viable means of escape and requirements for inverted flotation.
This document excludes:
— inflatable and rigid-inflatable boats covered by the ISO 6185 series, except for references made in
the ISO 6185 series to specific clauses of the ISO 12217 series;
— personal watercraft covered by ISO 13590 and other similar powered craft;
— aquatic toys;
— canoes and kayaks;
— gondolas and pedalos;
— sailing surfboards;
— surfboards, including powered surfboards;
— hydrofoils, foil stabilized boats and hovercraft when not operating in the displacement mode; and
— submersibles.
NOTE Displacement mode means that the boat is only supported by hydrostatic forces.
It does not include or evaluate the effects on stability of towing, fishing, dredging or lifting operations,
which need to be separately considered if appropriate.
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
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 2896:2001, Rigid cellular plastics — Determination of water absorption
ISO 3864-1:2011, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 1: Design principles for
safety signs and safety markings
ISO 8666:2020, Small craft — Principal data
ISO 9093, Small craft — Seacocks and through-hull fittings
ISO 11812, Small craft — Watertight or quick-draining recesses and cockpits
ISO 12216, Small craft — Windows, portlights, hatches, deadlights and doors — Strength and watertightness
requirements
ISO 12217-1:2022, Small craft — Stability and buoyancy assessment and categorization — Part 1: Non-
sailing boats of hull length greater than or equal to 6 m
ISO 12217-2:2022, Small craft — Stability and buoyancy assessment and categorization — Part 2: Sailing
boats of hull length greater than or equal to 6 m
ISO 14946:2021, Small craft — Maximum load capacity
ISO 15083, Small craft — Bilge-pumping systems
ISO 15085, Small craft — Man-overboard prevention and recovery
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
NOTE The meanings of certain symbols used in the definitions are given in Clause 4.
3.1 Primary
3.1.1
design category
description of the sea and wind conditions for which a boat is assessed to be suitable
Note 1 to entry: See also 9.2.
3.1.2
recess
volume open to the air that might retain water within the range of loading conditions and corresponding
trims
EXAMPLE Cockpits, wells, open volumes or areas bounded by bulwarks or coamings.
Note 1 to entry: Cabins, shelters or lockers provided with closures according to the requirements of ISO 12216
are not recesses.
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
Note 2 to entry: Cockpits that are open aft to the sea are considered to be recesses. Flush decks without bulwarks
or coamings are not recesses.
3.1.3
quick-draining recess
recess fulfilling all the requirements of ISO 11812 for “quick-draining cockpits and recesses”
Note 1 to entry: ISO 11812 contains requirements with which most sailing dinghies cannot comply.
Note 2 to entry: According to its characteristics, a cockpit may be considered to be quick-draining for one design
category, but not for a higher category.
3.1.4
watertight recess
recess fulfilling all the requirements of ISO 11812 for “watertight cockpits and recesses”
Note 1 to entry: This term only implies requirements in respect of watertightness and sill heights, but not those
for drainage.
3.1.5
fully enclosed boat
boat in which the horizontal projection of the sheerline area comprises any combination of:
— watertight deck and superstructure, and/or
— quick-draining recesses complying with ISO 11812, and/or
— watertight recesses complying with ISO 11812 with a combined volume of less than (L B F )/40,
H H M
and
all closing appliances having their degree of watertightness in accordance with ISO 12216
Note 1 to entry: The size of recesses permitted for some boats of design category C is restricted by the
requirements of 6.4.
3.1.6
partially protected boat
boat which does not fulfil the definition of a fully-enclosed boat and in which the plan projected area of
decking, cabins, shelters, outboard engine wells or other rigid covers which are watertight from above
according to ISO 12216 and which immediately shed water directly overboard (i.e. not via drains) and
— comprises at least one-third of the plan projected area of the sheerline, and
— includes all the area within L /3 from the bow, and
H
— includes at least 100 mm inboard from the sheerline,
except that the area of any watertight recesses with a total volume of less than (L B F )/40 may shed
H H M
water via drains
Note 1 to entry: This is illustrated in Figure 1.
Note 2 to entry: Outboard engine wells are considered to provide a covering suitable for this purpose.
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
Key
1 recess area open from above (less than two-thirds of the total sheerline area)
2 sheerline
3 open shelter or enclosed cabin
Figure 1 — Partially protected boat
3.1.7
habitable boat
boat having a fully enclosed cabin with rigid roof fitted with one or more bunks, benches, pipecots,
hammocks or similar locations that can be used for sleeping when the boat is under way
Note 1 to entry: A boat is considered to be “habitable” if a fabric closure is used instead of a rigid door, or the
cabin has fabric sides.
Note 2 to entry: The following are not considered to render a boat “habitable”:
— a cockpit tent, or
— an open-sided cuddy intended to provide limited protection from spray, provided it is not fitted with fabric
closures all round.
Note 3 to entry: Locations used for sleeping have minimum dimensions of 1,5 m diagonal length, 0,4 m width
at the widest point, and with a minimum headroom of 0,4 m over the length. The cabin sole and compartments
designated by the builder to be used exclusively for storage and referenced in the owner’s manual are not
included.
3.2 Downflooding
3.2.1
downflooding opening
any opening in the hull or deck (including the edge of a recess) that might admit water into the interior
or bilge of a boat, or a recess, apart from those excluded in 6.3.1.5
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
3.2.2
downflooding height
h
D
smallest height above the waterline to any downflooding opening (apart from those excluded in
6.3.1.5) when the boat is upright in calm water in the maximum load condition, measured to the critical
downflooding point which might be within pipes or ducts inside the hull
Note 1 to entry: Downflooding height is expressed in metres.
3.2.3
downflooding angle
ϕ
D
angle of heel at which the downflooding openings (apart from those excluded in 6.3.1.5) become
immersed, when the boat is in calm water and in the appropriate loading condition at design trim
Note 1 to entry: Downflooding angle may be determined using either of the methods in Annex B.
Note 2 to entry: Where openings are not symmetrical about the centreline of the boat, the case resulting in the
smallest angle is used.
Note 3 to entry: Downflooding angle is expressed in degrees.
3.3 Condition and mass
3.3.1
empty craft condition
empty boat including fittings and equipment as listed below but excluding all optional equipment and
fittings not included in the manufacturer’s basic outfit:
a) structure: comprising all the structural parts, including any fixed ballast keel and/or drop keel/
centreboard/daggerboard(s) and rudder(s);
b) ballast: any fixed ballast installed;
c) internal structure and accommodation: bulkheads and partitions, insulation, lining, built-in
furniture, flotation material, windows, hatches and doors, permanently installed mattresses and
upholstery materials;
d) permanently installed engine(s) and fuel system: comprising inboard engine(s), including all
supplies and controls as needed for their operation, permanently installed fuel systems, including
tanks;
e) fluids in permanently installed systems: residual working fluids as needed for their operation (see
examples below), but excluding contents of fluid ballast systems and tanks, and main storage tanks
which are included in maximum load;
EXAMPLE Fluids in hot or cold water, fuel, lubricating or hydraulic oil systems.
f) internal equipment: including:
— all items of equipment permanently attached to the craft, e.g. tanks, toilet system(s), water
transfer equipment;
— bilge pumping system(s), cooking and heating devices, cooling equipment, ventilation system(s);
— electrical installation and equipment, including permanently installed batteries mounted in the
position intended by the builder;
— fixed navigational and electronic equipment;
— fixed firefighting equipment, where fitted;
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
g) external equipment: including:
— all permanently attached standard or specified deck fittings, e.g. guardrails, pulpits and
pushpits, bowsprits and their attachments, bathing platforms, boarding ladders, steering
equipment, winches, sprayhood(s);
— awning(s), cockpit tables, gratings, signal mast(s), where fitted;
— mast(s), boom(s), standing and running rigging, in the stowed position ready for use; all standing
and running rigging in place;
Note 1 to entry: The mass in the empty craft condition is denoted by m and is expressed in kilograms.
EC
3.3.2
light craft condition
empty craft condition plus standard equipment (3.4.10) plus removable ballast (whether solid or liquid)
when supplied and/or intended by the manufacturer to be carried when the boat is afloat, with elements
positioned as follows:
a) where provision is made for propulsion by outboard engine(s) of more than 3 kW, the heaviest
engine(s) recommended for the boat by the manufacturer, mounted in the working position(s);
b) where batteries are fitted, they are mounted in the position intended by the builder, and if there
is no specific stowage provided for batteries, the mass of one battery for each engine over 7 kW is
allowed for, and located within 1,0 m of the engine location;
c) all upwind sails supplied or recommended by the builder as standard, onboard and rigged ready
for use, but not hoisted, e.g. mainsail on boom, roller furling sails furled, hanked foresails on stay
stowed on foredeck
Note 1 to entry: For the minimum mass of outboard engines and batteries, refer to Tables C.1 and C.2.
Note 2 to entry: The mass in the light craft condition is denoted by m and is expressed in kilograms.
LC
3.3.3
maximum load
greatest load which the boat is designed to carry in addition to the light craft condition, comprising:
— the crew limit at 75 kg each (adult) or 37,5 kg (child);
— the personal effects of the crew;
— stores and cargo (if any), dry provisions, consumable liquids;
— contents of all permanently installed storage tanks filled to 95 % of their maximum capacity,
including fuel, drinking water, black water, grey water, lubricating and hydraulic oil, bait tanks and/
or live wells plus ballast water at 100 % capacity;
— consumable liquids in portable tanks (drinking water, fuel) filled to 95 % of the maximum capacity;
— dinghy or other small craft intended to be carried aboard, and any outboard motor associated with
them;
— liferaft(s) if carried in excess of the minimum required in essential safety equipment;
— non-edible stores and equipment normally carried on the boat and not included in the manufacturer’s
list of standard equipment, e.g. loose internal equipment and tools, spare parts, additional anchors
or sails, dinghy and outboard if carried aboard
Note 1 to entry: Liferafts are not included in essential safety equipment for Categories C and D.
Note 2 to entry: As a guide, not less than 20 kg/person should be allowed for personal effects on habitable boats.
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
Note 3 to entry: As a guide, the mass of yachting liferafts varies from approximately 12 + 2CL (kg) to double this,
according to specification.
Note 4 to entry: The mass of maximum load is denoted by m and is expressed in kilograms.
ML
3.3.4
maximum load condition
boat in the light craft condition with the maximum load added and an allowance for the maximum mass
of optional equipment and fittings not included in the manufacturer’s basic outfit so as to produce the
design trim
Note 1 to entry: The mass in the maximum load condition is denoted by m and is expressed in kilograms.
LDC
3.3.5
loaded arrival condition
boat in the maximum load condition minus 85 % of the maximum capacity of fixed or portable storage
tanks for fuel, oils and drinking water, and minus 90 % of edible stores, but including the worst
combination of optional fittings or equipment with respect to stability
Note 1 to entry: In this condition, tanks have 10 % of their maximum capacity remaining.
Note 2 to entry: The mass in the loaded arrival condition is denoted by m and is expressed in kilograms.
LA
3.4 Other definitions
3.4.1
crew
collective description of all persons on board a boat
3.4.2
crew limit
CL
maximum number of persons (with a mass of 75 kg each) used when assessing the design category
Note 1 to entry: A half number denotes a child weighing less than 37,5 kg.
3.4.3
design trim
longitudinal attitude of a boat when upright, with crew, fluids, stores and equipment in the positions
designated by the designer or builder
Note 1 to entry: Crew are assumed to be in positions designated by the builder. In the absence of builder’s
instructions, crew and gear are assumed to be positioned in a manner most likely to provide a favourable test
result, provided that such positions are consistent with the proper operation of the boat, and that crew are
assumed to be either standing at designated positions fitted with handholds, or seated.
3.4.4
essential safety equipment
loose equipment considered essential to the safe operation of the boat, which may include distress flares
and rockets, lifebuoy with light and battery, first aid box, wire cutters for standing rigging, lifejackets,
safety harnesses and lines, portable firefighting equipment, flashlight, binoculars, radio (e.g. VHF), ball
and cone visual signals, charts and navigational publications in the corresponding design category
Note 1 to entry: Quantities carried may vary according to the size of boat, design category and crew limit.
Note 2 to entry: As a guide, the mass allowed for essential safety equipment but excluding any liferaft(s) should
not be less than 3L (kg).
H
Note 3 to entry: Liferafts are not considered to be essential safety equipment in design categories C and D.
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
3.4.5
flotation element
element which provides “buoyancy” to the boat and thus influences the flotation characteristics
3.4.5.1
air tank
tank made of hull construction material, and integral with hull or deck structure
3.4.5.2
air container
container made of stiff material, and not integral with the hull or deck structure
3.4.5.3
low density material
material with a specific gravity of less than 1,0 primarily incorporated into the boat to enhance the
buoyancy when swamped
3.4.5.4
rib collar
heavy duty tubular collar fitted around the periphery of the boat and always intended to be inflated
whenever the boat is being used
3.4.5.5
inflated bag
bag made of flexible material, not integral with hull or deck, accessible for visual inspection and
intended always to be inflated when the boat is being used
Note 1 to entry: Bags intended to be inflated automatically when immersed (e.g. at the masthead as a means to
prevent inversion) are not regarded as flotation elements.
3.4.6
length of hull
L
H
length of the hull measured according to ISO 8666
Note 1 to entry: Length of hull is expressed in metres.
3.4.7
loaded waterline
waterline of the boat when upright in the maximum load condition
3.4.8
reference sail area
A
S
actual profile area of sails set abaft a mast, plus the maximum profile area of all masts, plus reference
triangle area(s) forward of each mast as defined in ISO 8666
Note 1 to entry: Sail area is expressed in square metres.
3.4.9
recess retention level
level of water in recesses, when the boat is at design trim, at which 20 % of the uppermost periphery of
the surrounding coaming (measured in horizontal plane parallel to waterline at design trim) would be
covered by water, assuming that all gates, doors or drainage openings are considered to be sealed
Note 1 to entry: This definition is illustrated in Annex I.
ISO 12217-3:2022(E)
3.4.10
standard equipment
devices including outboard motors (excluding those for tenders), loose furniture and furnishings such as
tables, chairs, non-permanently installed mattresses, curtains, etc., portable bilge pumping equipment,
anchors, chain, warps, sails, loose external equipment such as fenders, boathook and boarding ladder,
oars (if appropriate), and essential safety equipment
Note 1 to entry: Where outboard engine(s) are fitted, the heaviest engine(s) recommended for the boat by the
manufacturer is(are) included, the mass allowed for outboard engines and their batteries (if not permanently
installed) not being less than that given in columns 1 and 3 of Tables C.1 and C.2.
Note 2 to entry: As a guide, the mass allowed for anchors, anchor chain, warps and fenders should not be less
2,2
than about 0,25L (kg). In some cases, up to double this mass may be appropriate.
H
3.4.11
watertightness degree
degree of watertightness as specified in ISO 11812 and ISO 12216
Note 1 to entry: The degree of watertightness is summarized as follows:
— Degree 1: Degree of tightness providing protection against effects of continuous immersion in water.
— Degree 2: Degree of tightness providing protection against effects of temporary immersion in water.
— Degree 3: Degree of tightness providing protection against splashing water.
— Degree 4: Degree of tightness providing protection against water drops falling at an angle of up to 15°
from the vertical.
3.4.12
windage area
A
LV
projected profile area of hull, superstructures, deckhouses, outboard motors and spars above the
waterline at the appropriate loading condition, the boat being upright
Note 1 to entry: Canopies and screens that can be erected when under way in bad wea
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