Overview
ISO 18422:2014 specifies a weatherproof plate with instructions for rescue, resuscitation and first aid for drowning persons. Intended primarily for inland navigation vessels and shore locations on inland waterways (harbours, berths, locks, sluices), the standard defines plate dimensions, materials, content and mounting guidance so that life‑saving procedures are presented clearly and consistently where drowning risk exists.
Keywords: ISO 18422:2014, drowning rescue, first aid for drowning, inland navigation vessels, rescue instruction plate, safety signage.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and placement
- For use on inland navigation vessels and suitable shore locations; may be used at other appropriate sites.
- Dimensions and shape
- Recommended size: A3 (ISO 216); other acceptable sizes: A4 or circular (400 mm diameter). General tolerances per ISO 2768‑1.
- Materials
- Acceptable materials: hard PVC (≥1 mm), aluminium (≥0.5 mm), laminated/coated paper, or self‑adhesive PVC foil. Polystyrene is not suitable.
- Plates made of hard PVC or aluminium should have mounting holes.
- Durability
- Plates must be UV‑resistant (e.g., screen printing with solvent inks and transparent coating).
- Content and layout
- Use meaningful pictures and short text to be easily understood regardless of language.
- Must include emergency call guidance (country emergency number, five key questions to answer when calling).
- Steps covering self‑protection, use of rescue aids (throwing life belts, using poles/boats), rescue technique (retrieve from behind), CPR basics (check consciousness/breathing, head tilt, chest compressions and ventilation) and hypothermia measures.
- Information should follow latest ILCOR/ERC/AHA/JRC guidance references where applicable.
- Manufacturer requirements and marking
- Provide mounting instructions; recommend placement at eye level and near lifebuoys.
- Permanent marking required: ISO 18422, manufacturer/supplier, and year of publishing.
Applications and users
- Primary users: ship owners/operators, inland vessel designers, port and harbour authorities, maritime safety officers, lifebuoy and safety‑sign manufacturers, and emergency response planners.
- Typical installations: wheelhouses, mess rooms, quaysides, public spaces adjacent to inland waterways, and lifebuoy housings.
- Practical value: improves on‑site guidance for rescuers, standardizes life‑saving signage, enhances bystander response quality and supports regulatory compliance for inland water safety.
Related standards
- ISO 216 (paper sizes)
- ISO 2768‑1 (general tolerances)
- Resuscitation guidance referenced: ILCOR/ERC/AHA/JRC publications (for CPR technique updates)
This standard is a practical tool for improving drowning rescue readiness through clear, durable, and standardized rescue instruction plates.
Open preview (PDF)Ships and marine technology — Inland navigation vessels — Plate with instructions for rescue, resuscitation and first aid for drowning persons