Overview
ISO 10240:2022 - Small craft - Owner’s manual specifies the requirements and information that must be included in an owner’s manual to enable safe use of small craft (recreational craft and similar watercraft up to 24 m hull length). This fourth edition (2022) updates normative references, illustrations and editorial content. The standard covers format, language, units, illustrations and detailed content items that manufacturers or suppliers must provide to owners/operators.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard requires the owner’s manual to include, as appropriate for the craft type:
- General format and presentation
- Language acceptable in the country of use (multilingual allowed).
- Electronic manuals permitted but must be printable.
- Index/table of contents if manual > 4 pages.
- Use of SI units per ISO 80000-1; other units may be shown in brackets.
- Illustrations (drawings, schematics, photos) and graphical symbols (use ISO 8999:2001 and ISO 11192:2005).
- Mandatory content areas
- Introduction with owner/operator responsibilities and explanation of hazard signal words (Danger, Warning, Caution, Notice).
- Craft data and general information (e.g., principal data per ISO 8666).
- Safety-critical topics:
- Maximum number of persons and loading instructions
- Engine information and starting procedures
- Flooding, stability and buoyancy guidance (openings, bilge pumping, capsize recovery, grounding)
- Fire and explosion risks (propulsion, LPG and other fuel systems, fire prevention/fighting, escape)
- Electrical system risks (fire, explosion, electric shock)
- Handling characteristics, emergency steering, man-overboard prevention and recovery
- Operational recommendations: liferaft stowage, ventilation, securing loose gear, anchoring/mooring/towing, trailering (when relevant)
- Where specific equipment has its own manuals, the owner’s manual may reference those documents rather than repeat full detail.
- Flexibility
- Generic manuals covering multiple models are allowed if supplemented to meet craft-specific requirements.
Practical applications and users
ISO 10240:2022 is used to:
- Ensure owner manuals supplied with small craft meet regulatory and safety expectations.
- Guide manufacturers, OEMs, and technical writers in producing compliant, user-focused manuals.
- Help dealers, training providers and regulators verify that safety-critical information is available to owners/operators.
- Support mariners and recreational craft owners in understanding operational, maintenance and emergency procedures for safer craft use.
Related standards
ISO 10240 references many small craft standards; notable related documents include:
Using ISO 10240:2022 ensures owner manuals are consistent, safety-focused and compatible with other international small craft standards.
